Dominant species are Calidris alba , Calidris mauri , Calidris pusilla , and Pluvialis squatarola. There are tens of thousands of shorebirds that feed about 15 miles north at the R o Pisco Mouth, and spend the night within the reserve boundaries. These birds are not included in any of the diurnal censuses mentioned above. If included, the total number of shorebirds in Paracas would reach close to 100,000 birds. It hosts large colonies of guano birds.
Enforcement is difficult due to budgetary constraints.
Small-scale fishing is allowed within reserve boundaries. The area is an important tourist destination. There are two hotels outside the reserve. El Ni o, for commercial exploitation of the scallop, Argopecten purpuratus . This was a major battle won by Peruvian environmentalists, who obtained legal action against the invaders.