Guadalupe Island Biosphere Reserve
The Guadalupe Island Biosphere Reserve, (Reserva de la Biosfera Isla Guadalupe in Spanish), is located in the Pacific Ocean and is part of Baja California state of Mexico. The Reserve consists of Guadalupe Island and several small islands nearby plus a large expanse of surrounding ocean. The Reserve was created by the government of Mexico on 25 April 2005 and is located 250 kilometres (160 mi) from the mainland. The Reserve is 4,770 square kilometres (1,840 sq mi) in size of which 263 square kilometres (102 sq mi) is land and the remainder is water.
| Guadalupe Island Biosphere Reserve | |
|---|---|
A Great White Shark at Guadalupe Reserve. | |
Location in Pacific Ocean | |
| Location | Baja California, Mexico |
| Coordinates | 29.05°N 118.26°W |
| Area | 4,770 square kilometres (1,840 sq mi) |
| Established | 2005 |
The Guadalupe Island Biosphere Reserve is in the Southern Californian Pacific Marine Ecoregion and recognized as an important site for preserving the biodiversity of marine and bird life and the often-unique island vegetation. In the 19th century the population of marine mammals was decimated by commercial hunters. The vegetation of Guadalupe Island was severely damaged by an excessive population of introduced goats and predation by feral cats has caused the extinction of several endemic bird species.
The Reserve attracts tourists to see marine mammals and other marine life, especially the great white shark, and for sport fishing. Since the designation of the island as a biosphere reserve, goats have been eliminated and programs to restore natural vegetation and wildlife have expanded.