National Parks of Costa Rica
Controlled by the Arenal Conservation Area
Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge

Area:

9,940 Ha.

Location:

In the Los Chiles and Guatuso Cantones, of the Alajuela Province

This refuge protects one of the most important wetland regions in our teritory. It is considered of international importance because it protects a wide range of migratory species and endangered species, as well as species which are commercially important.

Caño Negro Lake-a shallow, seasonal, freshwater lake extending over 800 hectares-is a spill-off site for the adjacent Frio River and its tributary, the Monica River.

The area formed by the lake and its surroundings constitutes one of the most biologically diverse regions, and is of vital importance in maintaining optimum environmental conditions in the northern part of the country. The region is also inhabited by a wide range of flora and fauna and natural communities, many of them unique and endangered.

This makes the area important worldwide, since, combined with the wetland regions south of Nicaragua Lake, it is one of the most outstanding examples of wetlands in Mesoamerica.

The refuge provides food for migratory birds from the North. There are also plants and animals not found anywhere else in the country, as well as many kinds of birds and fish suitable for human consumption. This is one of the few areas where the gar fish is found.