about the program for the protection of the Gallito Marino

The beaches of Costa Palmas are home to various land and sea species of all kinds, including the “Gallito Marino” (Sternulla antillarum).

These gray and white seabirds lay their eggs in the warm sand of Baja California during the months of May through August. Recently, we were able to capture spectacular shots of these birds, both in and out of their shells.

During the nesting season, monitoring and marking programs are carried out by a representative from The Biological Research Center of the Northwest (CIBNOR), Edgar Amador, and the biologist Thomas Ryan, experts in the investigation of the “Gallito Marino” in Mexico and the United States. Costa Palmas supports this research project called "Study of the ages structure, survival and movement of the Least Tern (Sternula antillarum) in the Baja California Peninsula of Mexico", promoting a safe space for these birds to lay their eggs on the adjoining beaches with the development. During the nesting period, a member of the Aventura team supervises daily the nesting area chosen by the colony to ensure that the eggs are safe from predators or people, who may unintentionally step on them because of their camouflage in the sand.

Although these birds are no longer on the list of animals in danger of extinction, the species is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN (International, 2016) and in Mexico it is under the Pr category (Subject to Special Protection) by the NOM- 059-SEMARNAT-2010.

At Costa Palmas, we believe that Sustainable Development is achieved by giving importance to everyone in the ecosystem, due to this, there is a continuous effort to promote the survival of the species by informing within our community and collaborating with experts in the field.