Coastal MPA
Isla Leones
Area of Limited Use under Special Protection

Cover Photo © G Harris WCS

Description

The Leones Island Limited Use Area under Special Protection was created in 1991. Although it is provincially owned, it is privately managed. The island is located at the mouth of the Santa Cruz River, in the center of the estuary, 3.5 km from the southern shore and has squares and banks of pebbles, mud and crab areas. This island originated from an important bank that was enlarging and rising with the contribution of the sediments dragged by the river. It currently has shrub vegetation.

Geographic Location

Province

Santa Cruz

Coordinates:

-50.06° Latitude S

-68.45° Longitude W

Size and Limits

Total Area:

0

Marine Area:

0

Continental Area:

0

NOTES ON SURFACE ESTIMATION
Area estimated based on the calculation of the area of the polygon represented on the map (ArcGIS PRO) with an Albers Equivalent Conic projection to preserve area calculations.

APN reports 1.15 km2 (View More).

Legal Aspects

Jurisdiction

Provincial

Year of Creation

1991

Creation Legislation

Provincial Instrument 720/91

Eco-regions represented

Marine

Land

Patagonian Steppe Ecoregion

Conservation Objectives

Protection of a unique nesting site of Flying Steamer-Ducks (Tachyeres patachonicus) and King Cormorants (Phalacrocorax albiventer).

Protection of an area for resident and migratory birds, and breeding area of Commerson’s dolphins (Cephalorhynchus cmmersonii) and South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens)

Colonies and stopover sites

The following table presents the colonies or stopover sites of some emblematic species of birds and marine mammals present within the MPA boundaries.

Management

Management effectiveness and evaluation year

34 % – METT Evaluation (2014)

Sources of information consulted: Padin (2007).
Bird and marine mammal colonies: See Bibliography