Tacarigua Lagoon National Park is located in Miranda State on the northern coast of Venezuela. It was created in 1974 to protect an ecosystem made up of a permanent coastal lagoon dominated by mangrove forests and separated from the ocean by a 28.8 km shoal. The park also contains a 20,700 ha marine zone to the north, and an area of tropical dry forest south of the lagoon. In total the park spans 39,100 ha. Many important commercial fish species spawn in the lagoon. In 1996, this wetland was declared a Ramsar site because of its extraordinary importance as a reserve for food resources and biodiversity. In the past eight years, over 60 children have participated in a pioneer environmental education program in which they work as young park guards, helping to protect and defend the national park.

Biodiversity

This park protects four sea turtle species that are threatened with extinction (Chelonia mydas, Caretta caretta, Dermochelys coriacea, and Eretmochelys imbricata). It is also Venezuela's most important refuge for endangered populations of the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus). Another 15 reptile and amphibian species, 52 fish, 17 crustaceans, four mollusk species, approximately 212 bird species, and 22 mammal species have been documented in the park.

Threats

Many problems combine to threaten the biodiversity of Tacarigua Lagoon National Park: high rates of sedimentation, solid waste contamination, water contamination, illegal fishing, poaching, and forest fires. For these reasons it has been classified as vulnerable, even though the park has several notable strengths foremost being a dedicated staff.