Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you recreate responsibly.

  • Check alerts and local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information. Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Consistent with CDC recommendations, all visitors (age 2 and older), who are fully vaccinated are required to wear a mask inside of federal buildings in areas of substantial or high community transmission.. All visitors who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces.
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick and continue to watch for symptoms of COVID-19 and follow CDC guidance on how to protect yourself and others.


Features

  • Newsletter

    Bilingual Newsletter

    The official Newsletter of the Caribbean Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

    Learn More

  • Like us on Facebook!

    Follow us on Facebook for current updates!

    Join us on Facebook!

NEWS

Current Conditions

Exclamation art smaller 100 W

Due to the CoronaVirus Health Emergency, the Laguna Cartagena NWR is CLOSED until further notice. Trails have reopened, see link below for details.

Learn the Details . . .

West Indian Whistling-duck / Chiriría

duck

This species is precautionary maintained as Vulnerable because it has a small and severely fragmented range within which it is hunted, and the area, extent and quality of remaining habitat may be undergoing a continuing decline, with populations at some sites disappearing altogether. However present knowledge suggests that the species is now increasing in parts of its range owing, in part, to successful conservation action.

Information

Refuge Objectives

To restore and maintain this locally important wetland ecosystem for the benefit of resident and migratory birds including the protection and the recovery of endangered species. To protect and restore remnants of the subtropical dry forest.

About the Complex

Caribbean Islands National Wildlife Complex

Laguna Cartagena National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Caribbean Islands National Wildlife Complex.

Read more about the complex
About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

NWRS Logo

The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
Follow NWRS Online