The day before Christmas on December 24, 2021, Peru celebrated the establishment of the Illescas National Reserve, a migratory bird haven that runs along the Pacific coastline of the region of Piura. The reserve protects 90,319 acres (37,453 ha) of tropical desert and marine coastline that are home to diverse and endemic species. The area is also the only known coastal nesting site of the Andean condor.
Illescas has registered 13 reptile species and 11 mammal species, including the Peruvian desert fox (Lycalopex sechurae) and the South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens). Most notably, 120 species of birds have been registered in the area, including the Blue-footed booby (Sula nebouxii), the Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti), and the critically endangered Waved albatross (Phoebastria irrorata). As mentioned, Illescas is an important nesting site for the Andean condor. In fact, in the 1980s, the behavior of the condors from Illescas were studied to develop methods to help save the California condor from extinction –a study our Senior Program Director Enrique Ortiz contributed to.
Peruvian booby (Sula variegata) 
Andean condor (Vultur gryphus)
Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti)
“The creation of the Illescas National Reserve is a big step. This portion of the Sechura desert has always fascinated locals and foreigners alike. It is the tip of the coast from where the Humboldt current moves away, creating a natural environment with many endemic species, including species particular to the southern hills.”
– Enrique Ortiz, Andes amazon fund SENIOR PROGRAM DIRECTOR
The creation of the Illescas National Reserve was made possible thanks to the Peruvian Protected Area Service (SERNANP), AAF grantee SPDA and others.
As part of our support for the conservation of the Illescas National Reserve, Andes Amazon Fund has committed $450,000 for the initial management of the area.
More relevant articles:
In English:
How Andean Condors in Peru saved the California condor from extinction (commentary)
In Spanish:
Asignan casi medio millón de dólares para iniciar acciones de conservación en Illescas
[Entrevista] Illescas: zona clave para la conservación de aves y la investigación científica
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