Macabi Islands | La Libertad
The Macabí Islands are located in the district of Santiago de Cao, province of Ascope, department of La Libertad, Peru. They are 14.5 kilometers from the coast.
Biodiversity
The Macabi Islands, despite their small size, are home to a great diversity of flora and fauna, being a crucial place for the conservation of the marine-coastal ecosystem of Peru. Here is a summary of the rich biodiversity that can be found in the islands:
Birds:
- Guano-producing seabirds: Islas Macabí are home to significant populations of guano-producing birds such as the Peruvian booby (Sula variegata), the guanay cormorant (Phalacrocorax bougainvillii), the neotropic cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus), and pelicans (Pelecanus spp.).
- Other seabirds: Besides guano-producing birds, the islands host other seabird species including the Inca tern (Larosterna inca), Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti), red-legged cormorant (Phalacrocorax gaimardi), Peruvian gull (Larus belcheri), kelp gull (Larus dominicanus), and turkey vulture (Cathartes aura).
Marine Mammals:
- Sea lions: Two species of sea lions inhabit the waters around the islands: the South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens) and the South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis).
Fish:
- Islas Macabí serve as important feeding and breeding grounds for various fish species including the kelp bass (Paralabrax humeralis), weakfish (Cynoscion analis), jack mackerel (Trachurus symmetricus), and anchovy (Engraulis ringens).
Invertebrates:
- The islands are also home to a wide variety of marine invertebrates such as sea urchins, starfish, octopuses, crabs, and mollusks.
Flora:
- The flora of Islas Macabí mainly consists of plants adapted to saline and arid conditions, including grasses, cacti, and succulents.
Ecological Importance:
- The biodiversity of Islas Macabí plays a crucial role in the balance of Peru’s marine-coastal ecosystem. The presence of guano-producing seabirds contributes to ocean fertilization, benefiting phytoplankton growth and subsequently supporting the entire food chain.
Threats:
- Islas Macabí face various threats such as marine pollution, overfishing, and climate change, which could negatively impact their biodiversity.
What can be done on Macabi Island?
The Islas Macabí are a small archipelago located off the coast of Peru. Despite their size, the islands host a great diversity of wildlife, making them a popular destination for bird watching and other outdoor activities.
Here are some things you can do on Islas Macabí:
- Bird Watching: Islas Macabí are home to a wide variety of birds, including guano-producing seabirds, marine birds, and terrestrial birds. Some of the birds you can see on the islands include the Peruvian booby, guanay, neotropic cormorant, pelican, Inca tern, Humboldt penguin, red-legged cormorant, Peruvian gull, kelp gull, and turkey vulture.
- Hiking: There is a trail that leads to the top of the largest island, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding islands.
- Swimming and Diving: The crystal-clear waters around Islas Macabí are perfect for swimming and diving. Here you can see a variety of fish, corals, and other marine creatures.
- Sea Lion Watching: Sea lions, including South American sea lions and South American fur seals, can be observed on the rocks around the islands.
Tips for Visiting Islas Macabí:
- Respect the environment. Do not leave trash and do not disturb wild animals.
- Be cautious when walking on the island. Rocks can be slippery and there are many uneven trails.
- Carry enough water and snacks with you. There are no stores or restaurants on the island.
- Use sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Be cautious of waves. Waves can be strong, especially on the west coast of the island.
Islas Macabí are a beautiful and fragile place. It’s important that all visitors take steps to protect them. By following these tips, you can help ensure that Islas Macabí are preserved for future generations.
