The island is low-lying and subject to flooding by fluctuating water levels in the Guayas River. About 1,000 ha is
mangrove covered. Other vegetation cover includes deciduous forest, natural
savannas and cattle pasture. Santay has been declared a
Ramsar site and the island is in the process of becoming a National Protected Area. The island has also been designated an
Important Bird Area (IBA) by
BirdLife International because it supports a significant population of resident
red-masked parakeets. ==References==