The Pablo Barrios Wildlife Refuge is a designated protected area established by the National Environmental Authority of Panama in 2009. It is situated opposite the Iguana Island Wildlife Refuge, which was founded in 1981. The refuge is named after Pablo Arturo Barrios, an environmentalist from Pedasi who was committed to preserving the natural biodiversity of Los Santos.
Covering 15,026 hectares, this refuge supports a variety of marine and coastal ecosystems. Visitors on a conservation hike in the Pablo Barrios Wildlife Refuge can observe dunes, salt flats, estuaries, and mangroves. The guides leading the hikes are trained by Pro Eco Azuero, a local conservation organization, with the aim of raising awareness about the refuge while promoting sustainable income.
This area is home to four species of nesting turtles, which are monitored by Tortugas Pedasi. The wetlands host a wide range of waterfowl species. Additionally, white-tailed deer, peccaries, and coatis are present in the secondary forests, while iguanas and other reptiles are commonly found along the forest edges and coastal regions.
Pablo Barrios Refuge Nature Walk
The Pablo Barrios Wildlife Refuge, established in 2009 by Panama’s National Environmental Authority, encompasses 15,026 hectares of diverse marine and coastal ecosystems. Located across from the Iguana Island Wildlife Refuge, it is named after local environmentalist Pablo Arturo Barrios. Visitors can engage in conservation hikes to view various habitats such as dunes, salt flats, and mangroves, guided by trained staff from Pro Eco Azuero. The refuge supports nesting turtles, diverse waterfowl, and wildlife like white-tailed deer, peccaries, and iguanas.
Trip Highlights
- Covering 15,026 hectares, this refuge supports a variety of marine and coastal ecosystems.
- Visitors can can observe dunes, salt flats, estuaries, and mangroves.
- The wetlands host a wide range of waterfowl species.
