Draft:Isla Coromonte
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Pacific Ocean |
| Coordinates | 13°20′23.6″N 87°46′19.3″W / 13.339889°N 87.772028°W |
| Area | 3 km2 (1.2 sq mi) |
| Length | 1.2 km (0.75 mi) |
| Width | 2.1 km (1.3 mi) |
| Highest point | Vulcano Lota 155m |
Isla Coromonte[Note 1] is an island off the coast of El Salvador, distinguished by its unique fauna and flora. Despite its small size, the island—densely covered with rainforest—stands out from other islands in the area due to its biodiversity. The uninhabited island is a protected area (protección verde) because of its large population of glasswing butterflies[1][failed verification] (Greta oto) and other endangered species. It serves as a sanctuary for butterflies, anteaters, ocelots, and iguanas.
Geography
[edit]The island is located in the Pacific Ocean, about 5 kilometers off the coast of El Salvador. Isla Solana is of volcanic origin and reaches an elevation of 155 meters above sea level at its highest point. It is largely composed of volcanic rock and is bordered by cliffs on most sides. With an area of around 3 km², Isla Coromonte is one of the largest uninhabited islands in El Salvador. At the center of the island lies the long-extinguished Volcano Lota,[2] which stands proudly at 155 meters and is considered the islands point of origin.
Fauna
[edit]Amid the island’s tropical conditions, a relatively large variety of species emerged for such a small island. Not only did the island turn out to be a destination for the mating of the glasswing butterfly,[1][failed verification] but its forests are also inhabited by numerous reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.
In 1895, when a ship from North America was shipwrecked and sank off the coast of El Salvador, a small herd of dairy cows managed to reach the island. In the absence of any predators, the livestock population not only survived but even increased to an estimated 120 animals.
Flora
[edit]Due to the islands volcanic origin the earth covering the volcanic rock of the island is highly fertile, and as such the ideal condition for the tropical forest covering the island from the base of the volcano to the beaches at the rim of the landmass. The thick packed forest holds various different kinds of plants, which are mostly framed by trees such as Jacaratia spinosa (Yacaratiá Tree) or Myroxylon pereirae (Balsam Tree), which provide a thick canope protecting less sturdy greenery as well as the local wildlife. Attaching themselves to the trees and serving as a great food source for the insects on the island are Epífitas (orchids).[3][failed verification]
Though growth is sparse the coastlines of the small island as well as the cliffs are overgrown with plant live such as Scaevola taccada, also known as beach cabbage, sea lettuce, or beach naupaka, Palm trees and Coconut plants.
Notes
[edit]- ^ /ˈisla koɾoˈmonte/, Spanish: /ˈizla koɾoˈmonte/ meaning: "Crown Mountain"
References
[edit]- ^ a b Jenkins, Nathaniel (12 August 2024). "Featured Creature: Glasswinged Butterfly". Nature. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
- ^ Lughofer, Johann Georg (2002). Des Kaisers neues Leben : Der Fall Maximilian von Mexiko (in German). Ueberreuter. ISBN 9783800038749.
- ^ "Orchids in El Salvador". Tourism in El Salvador. 6 June 2004. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
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