Current view: Text account
Site description (2003 baseline):
Site location and context
The Frailes del Sure are two small precipitous rocky islets seven km off the south coast of the Azuero Peninsula near Venado Beach. The larger is about 200 m long. The islets have little vegetation. Sea conditions and the steep cliffs make landing difficult.
This is the only known nesting site in Panama for Sooty Tern (3000 pairs), Bridled Tern (50 pairs) and Brown Noddy (50 pairs). The site is estimated to contain more than 1% of the global population of Bridled Tern. The terns may not breed here on an annual basis, since although many were present in February 1956 and some in March 1962, none were seen in February 1957 (Wetmore 1965, Olson 1997). Peregrine Falcon also occurs.
Non-bird biodiversity: None known.
The islets are rocky with sparse scrubby vegetation.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The islets are too small, remote and exposed to be suitable for a fishing camp or other use. There is little tradition of exploitation of seabird colonies in Panama, and there are no known threats.
Conservation responses/actions for key biodiversity
None known.
The site is unprotected. The islands could be given legal protection by a slight extension of the seaward limits of the Cañas Island Wildlife Refuge.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Frailes del Sur Islands (Panama). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/frailes-del-sur-islands-iba-panama on 23/12/2024.
