Natural History

• Over 1 million tons of bird guano was removed from the island between 1865-1901.
• The U.S. Coast Guard built a 162 foot lighthouse in 1917.
• Large seabird colonies present including over 5,000 nesting Red footed booby.
• Home to four endemic lizard species.
• Largely a marine resource

Refuge Objectives

• To preserve and protect coral reef ecosystems and the marine environment.
• To restore and enhance native wildlife and plants.
• To provide opportunities for scientific research.