La Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge

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The Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge is a protected area located in the Los Santos Province of Panama. The Wildlife Refuge covers 58 Hectares, and includes 9 kilometers of seashore at El Arenal Beach. A 16 hectare coral reef, one of the largest in the Gulf of Panama, is located in the wildlife refuge.

[edit] History

During World War II, Isla Iguana was used a bombing practice range by U.S. forces, and as a result, still has several large impact craters. Unexploded ordnance left over from the bombardment may still be found in the sea near the island. In the 1990s, two 1,000 pound bombs had to be detonated, destroying a large section of the coral reef.

In the 1960s, a man settled on the northern part of the island and declared himself to be it's owner. He planted fruit trees and other crops, which now grow wild on the island. He also brought livestock with him to the island. For some time, he required that anyone wishing to visit the island had to seek permission from him, and, as a result, the Panamanian government evicted him from the island. His hut still stands, and can be visited by tourists.

On June 15th, 1981, the area was declared a wildlife refuge by the Panamanian government.