Balandra.02/02/08; Baja California Sur; 449 ha; 24°19'N 110°20'W. A coastal wetland in the Gulf of California that supports the largest mangrove community in La Paz Bay, including three of the four mangrove species found in Mexico: Rhizophora mangle, Avicenia germinans and Laguncularia racemosa. It belongs to the Neartic biogeographic region, characteristic of North America, and is a breeding site for migratory and resident birds such as Pelicanus occidentales, Pandion haliaetus, Fregata magnificens and Egretta caerulea.. The dominant reptile species is the Dipsosaurus dorsalis and the most abundant the Callisaurus dracanoides, which is also threatened. The richness in marine mammals is one of the highest in the world, including whales species such as Balaenoptera physalus, Balaenoptera edén, Megaptera novaeangliae and Eschrichtius robustus. There are records of seven among the eleven recognized species of baleen whales and 20 of the 68 of the toothed whales. Among the hydrological values provided are coast line stabilization, protection against storms, and retention of sediments and nutrients. Balandra is a recreational center for local visitors, who use the site mainly for artisanal fishing of bivalves and fish. Ramsar site no. 1767. Most recent RIS information: 2008.