San Diego and San Felipe Las Barras National Park

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San Diego and San Felipe Las Barras National Park, located in western El Salvador near the Guatemalan border, encompasses approximately 1,902 hectares of tropical dry forest and volcanic terrain. This protected area is home to a diverse array of wildlife species.

Jaguar (Panthera onca)
The largest feline in the Americas, jaguars are elusive predators known for their powerful build and distinctive rosette-patterned coats. They inhabit dense forests and are crucial for maintaining ecological balance.

Puma (Puma concolor)
Also known as mountain lions or cougars, pumas are adaptable cats found in various habitats. They are solitary and primarily hunt deer and smaller mammals.

Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)
A medium-sized wild cat with a striking dappled coat, ocelots are nocturnal hunters preying on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They prefer areas with dense vegetation.

Margay (Leopardus wiedii)
Similar in appearance to the ocelot but smaller, margays are arboreal cats adept at navigating forest canopies. Their diet includes birds, small mammals, and insects.

Baird’s Tapir (Tapirus bairdii)
The largest land mammal in Central America, Baird’s tapirs have a prehensile snout and are primarily nocturnal. They play a vital role in seed dispersal within their habitats.

Northern Tamandua (Tamandua mexicana)
A medium-sized anteater with a distinctive vest-like marking, the northern tamandua feeds on ants and termites using its elongated snout and tongue.

Central American Spider Monkey (Ateles geoffroyi)
Known for their long limbs and prehensile tails, these primates are highly agile and primarily frugivorous, playing a significant role in seed dispersal.

White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
A common ungulate in the region, white-tailed deer are herbivores feeding on a variety of vegetation and serve as prey for large predators.

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)
Resembling wild boars, collared peccaries are social animals that forage for roots, fruits, and small invertebrates. They have a distinctive collar of light-colored fur around their necks.

Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)
Recognizable by their armored shells, these nocturnal mammals dig for insects and small invertebrates and are capable swimmers.

Birds

In addition to its rich mammalian fauna, San Diego and San Felipe Las Barras National Park is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with over 125 bird species recorded within its boundaries. The park’s diverse habitats, including Lake Güija and Laguna de Metapán, support a variety of avian life.

White-bellied Chachalaca (Ortalis leucogastra)
A ground-dwelling bird with a distinctive call, the white-bellied chachalaca forages in flocks, feeding on fruits and vegetation.

Blue-tailed Hummingbird (Saucerottia cyanura)
This small hummingbird, endemic to the region, is known for its vibrant blue tail and iridescent green plumage. It feeds on nectar and plays a role in pollination.

Giant Wren (Campylorhynchus chiapensis)
The largest wren species, it has a loud, melodious song and constructs large, conspicuous nests. It feeds on insects and small invertebrates.

Pacific Parakeet (Psittacara strenuus)
A social and noisy parakeet with bright green plumage, it inhabits forested areas and feeds on seeds and fruits.

Great Egret (Ardea alba)
A large, elegant white heron commonly found near water bodies, the great egret feeds on fish, amphibians, and invertebrates.

Black-bellied Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
Recognizable by its long neck and distinctive whistling call, this duck often perches in trees and feeds on seeds and aquatic plants.

Northern Jacana (Jacana spinosa)
With its striking yellow wattles and long toes, the northern jacana walks on floating vegetation in search of insects and seeds.

Ringed Kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata)
A large kingfisher with a rufous belly and blue-gray upperparts, it hunts fish by diving from perches near water.

Turquoise-browed Motmot (Eumomota superciliosa)
Known for its vibrant plumage and racket-tipped tail feathers, this bird feeds on insects and small reptiles.

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus forficatus)
With its distinctive long, forked tail, this flycatcher catches insects in mid-air and is often seen perched conspicuously.

The park’s commitment to conservation ensures the protection of these species and their habitats, offering visitors a unique opportunity to observe and appreciate the rich biodiversity of the region.