Lepidochelys olivacea (olive Kemp Ridley turtle)

One of the most iconic endangered species in the area is the Kemp's Ridley sea turtle. This species is one of the smallest and most endangered sea turtle species in the world, and it nests on the beaches of Cabo Pulmo National Park. The park works to protect nesting sites and to reduce the impact of human activity on these vulnerable turtles.

Eretmochelys imbricata (Hawksbill turtle) 

Another endangered species in the park is the hawksbill sea turtle, which is an important predator of the coral reef ecosystem. The hawksbill population has been declining due to habitat loss, overfishing, and pollution, and protecting their habitat in Cabo Pulmo National Park is crucial for their survival. 

Dermochelys coriaceae (Leatherback turtle)

The leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is a critically endangered species, and it is one of the largest and most migratory sea turtles in the world. While the leatherback turtle is not a common sight in Cabo Pulmo, they have been observed in the surrounding waters. Like other sea turtles, leatherbacks are threatened by a variety of factors, including habitat loss, climate change, and pollution. They are particularly vulnerable to entanglement in fishing gear, which can cause injury or death.

Caretta caretta (loggerhead turtle) 

Cabo Pulmo is home to a nesting population of loggerhead turtles, and during the nesting season, female turtles come ashore to lay their eggs in the sand. The nesting season typically occurs from June to December, and during this time, visitors to the park can witness the amazing spectacle of the turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs. The loggerhead turtle is one of the largest sea turtles and can weigh up to 350 pounds and measure over three feet in length. It is named after its large, block-shaped head, which houses powerful jaws that allow it to crush the hard shells of its prey, such as crabs, clams, and mussels. 

Cnemidophorus hyperythrus (orange-throated whiptail lizard) 

In Cabo Pulmo National Park, the orange-throated whiptail lizard can be found in rocky habitats, such as boulder fields and rocky outcroppings. They are also known to inhabit areas near the coastline, such as sandy beaches and rocky shores. The lizard is an important prey species for a variety of predators, including birds of prey, snakes, and other lizards. The orange-throated whiptail lizard is a diurnal species, meaning that it is most active during the day. It is also an insectivorous species, feeding mainly on small insects such as ants, beetles, and grasshoppers. They are fast-moving and agile, and their long, slender bodies allow them to move quickly through the rocky terrain of the Baja California Peninsula.

Ctenosaura hemilopha hemilopha (spiny-tailed iguana) 

The spiny-tailed iguana, also known as Ctenosaura hemilopha hemilopha, is one of the largest and most impressive reptiles in Cabo Pulmo National Park. These iguanas can reach a length of up to three feet and have distinctive spiny tails, which they use for defense against predators. They are also known for their unique coloration, which ranges from gray or brown to bright green with black stripes. The spiny-tailed iguana is a herbivorous species, feeding mainly on fruits, flowers, and leaves. They are arboreal, spending much of their time in trees and on rocky outcroppings. In Cabo Pulmo National Park, the spiny-tailed iguana can be found in a variety of habitats, from the rocky shoreline to the desert scrubland. Despite their impressive size and unique adaptations, the spiny-tailed iguana is facing threats from habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as hunting and poaching for their meat and skin. 

Eumeces lagunensis (San Lucan skink) 

The San Lucan skink, also known as Eumeces lagunensis, is a small and elusive reptile that can be found in the rocky outcroppings and desert scrubland of Cabo Pulmo National Park. This skink is highly adapted to the arid environment, with its elongated body and short limbs, which allow it to move quickly through narrow crevices and rocky terrain. The San Lucan skink is also known for its unique coloration, which ranges from tan or brown to gray or black with distinctive white stripes along its body. This species is insectivorous, feeding mainly on small insects such as ants, beetles, and grasshoppers. 

Phyllodactylus unctus (San Lucan gecko)

The San Lucan gecko, also known as Phyllodactylus unctus, is a small and charismatic lizard that can be found in the arid regions of Cabo Pulmo National Park. This gecko is highly adapted to the desert environment, with its flattened body and adhesive toe pads, which allow it to climb on vertical surfaces and move quickly through rocky terrain. The San Lucan gecko is also known for its distinctive coloration, which ranges from tan or brown to gray or black with white or yellow spots. This species is nocturnal, meaning that it is most active at night, feeding mainly on small insects such as moths, beetles, and spiders. Despite its small size, the San Lucan gecko plays an important role in the ecosystem, controlling populations of insects and serving as prey for a variety of predators, including birds of prey and snakes. 

Falco peregrinus (peregrine falcon) 

Falco peregrinus, commonly known as the peregrine falcon, is a magnificent bird of prey that can be found in the skies above Cabo Pulmo. With its powerful wings, keen eyesight, and lightning-fast diving speed, the peregrine falcon is one of the most impressive birds in the world. These birds are well-adapted to life in the arid desert climate of Cabo Pulmo, where they can often be seen soaring high above the rugged landscape, searching for prey. Their diet includes a variety of small animals, including rodents, reptiles, and even other birds.

Sterna elegans (elegant tern) 

Sterna elegans, commonly known as the elegant tern, is a beautiful and graceful bird that can be found in Cabo Pulmo National Park. These birds are a common sight along the coast of Mexico and California, where they are known for their striking appearance and distinctive vocalizations. The elegant tern is a medium-sized bird, with a wingspan of up to 32 inches. They have a black cap and nape, white forehead and underparts, and a grey back and wings. Their long, pointed wings and deeply forked tails give them a sleek and aerodynamic appearance, which allows them to fly effortlessly over the ocean. During breeding season, elegant terns can be found nesting on the sandy beaches and rocky cliffs within the park. They lay their eggs in shallow scrapes in the sand or on rocky ledges, and both parents take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks.

Icterus cucullatus (calandria zapotera)

The Icterus cucullatus, commonly known as the Calandria Zapotera, is a bird species found in the Cabo Pulmo National Park. These birds are members of the New World oriole family and are known for their striking black and yellow plumage. The Calandria Zapotera is a medium-sized bird, measuring around 8-9 inches in length, and is predominantly black with bright yellow patches on its head, breast, and belly. The male and female of the species have a similar appearance, with the male having slightly longer and more pointed feathers. These birds are known for their melodious and beautiful song, which can be heard throughout the park. They are typically found in open areas with scattered trees, including woodland edges, savannahs, and scrublands. The Calandria Zapotera feeds primarily on insects, spiders, and fruit, and can often be seen flitting through the trees in search of food.

Buteo jamaicensis (red-tailed hawk)

The Buteo jamaicensis, more commonly known as the red-tailed hawk, is a bird of prey that can be found in various parts of North America, including Cabo Pulmo National Park in Mexico. This majestic raptor is one of the most widespread hawks in North America, and is a beloved and awe-inspiring sight for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts alike. In Cabo Pulmo National Park, the red-tailed hawk is often spotted soaring through the skies above the park's rugged landscapes. These hawks are skilled hunters, with powerful talons and keen eyesight that allow them to spot prey from high up in the air. They primarily hunt small mammals such as rodents, rabbits, and squirrels, but have also been known to prey on snakes, lizards, and other birds. The red-tailed hawk is easily recognized by its distinctive red tail feathers, which give the bird its name. Adult birds have dark brown feathers on their backs and wings, with a lighter colored breast and belly. They have a wingspan of up to four feet, and can weigh up to three pounds. Juvenile birds have a different appearance, with a mottled brown and white plumage that gradually changes as they mature.