Coastal-Marine MPA
Punta León
Biology Research Unit

Cover Photo © Nora Lisnizer

Description

Punta León Natural Protected Area was created in 1985 with the objective of protecting the colony of sea lions and the breeding colonies of seven species of coastal marine birds. Its proximity and environmental connectivity with the Península Valdés Natural Protected Area give it great importance as a conservation enclave that contributes significantly to the protection of coastal marine species in the region, which in turn represent an important tourist value. On its beaches it is also possible to observe southern elephant seals during their terrestrial stages of reproduction and moulting.

Geographic Location

Province

Chubut

Coordinates

-43.06° Latitude S

-64.45° 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 1.5 km2 (Read More)

Legal Aspects

Jurisdiction

Provincial

Year of Creation

1985 / 2010

Creation Legislation

Law XXIII N° 14 (2010)
Law 2580

International Recognition

Part of the Peninsula Valdes Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO).

Foto © Giacomo DellnOmo
Foto © Giacomo DellnOmo

Eco-regions represented

Marine

Argentine Province
Ecoregion of North Patagonian Gulfs

Land

Monte of plains and plateaus

Conservation Objectives

Patagonian shrubland with breeding colonies of 7 species of marine and coastal birds, and breeding site of South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens) and Southern Elephant seals (Mirounga leonina).

Conservation Values

1. Seabirds
2. Southern elephant seal rookeries
3. One-hair sea lion rookeries
4. Cetaceans
5. Coastal landscape
6. Cracker Bay rocky reef (Golfo Nuevo)
7. Punta Ninfas Lighthouse

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

45 % – METT Evaluation (2014)

Sources of information consulted: Management Plan (2019).
Bird and marine mammal colonies: See Bibliography