The Site comprises approximately 1,900 swamps, making it the largest continental swamp complex in Colombia. It is also one of the primary centres of bird diversity in Colombia, supporting 202 species including 34 migrants such as the osprey (Pandion haliaetus), the brown-chested martin (Progne tapera) and the blackpoll warbler (Setophaga striata). The Site also harbours five birds of considerable conservation significance due to their limited distribution range, namely the chestnut-winged chachalaca (Ortalis garrula), the red-billed emerald Chlorostilbon gibsoni, the chestnut piculet Picumnus cinnamomeus, the white-whiskered spinetail Synallaxis candei, and the northern screamer Chauna chavaria which is categorized as vulnerable in Colombia due to the loss of its habitat and illegal hunting. The Site also hosts threatened species such as the critically endangered greater Martinique skink (Mabuya mabouya) and cotton-headed tamarin (Saguinus oedipus), and the endangered tapeti (Sylvilagus brasiliensis). Additionally, the Site’s fish stocks are crucial to the livelihoods of local fishermen. The primary threats to the Site include oil and gas drilling, mining and the discharge of untreated wastewater.