The Manglares de Tumbes National Sanctuary was created on March 2, 1988, through Law (D.S.) N 018-88-AG. It is located in the department of Tumbes, province of Zarumilla and has an extension of 2,972 hectares.
It is a very important area as this are the only mangrove sweeps in Peru.
This area is a refuge of wild fauna, specially in dry season, as well as crustaceans, birds, fishes and mammals. These mangroves sweeps are a natural barrier against the erosion.
There are five types of mangroves sweeps including red mangrove sweep (Rhizophora mangle, Rhizophora harrisonii), the salty mangrove sweep (Avicennia germionans), the white mangrove (Laguncu aria racemasa) and the mangle boton (Conocarpus erectus).
Local aquatic fauna includes 33 types of sea shells, 34 types of crustaceans, and 105 types of fishes. This area is also a refuge for the crocodile of Tumbes (Crocodylus acutus) which is in danger of extinction.
There are several species of birds inhabiting this national sanctuary including the fragata (Fragata magnificens).
Min gual of this sanctuary is to protect the mangroves sweeps wich constitute the only sample of this ecosystem in Peru.
Huayllay National Sanctuary
Calipuy National Sanctuary
Lagunas de Mejia National Sanctuary
Ampay National Sanctuary
Manglares de Tumbes National Sanctuary
Tabaconas Namballe National Sanctuary
