Typical vegetation is made up of low thorny scrub (xerophytic shrublands)[2] and two main species of cacti: the yatu (Lemaireocereus griseus) and the cadushi (in Wayuunaiki[3]) or kadushi (Cereus repandus).

[2] On rare occasions one can see leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea).

[2] The salt pans are a special area and home to the Caribbean flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber).

The Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary[6] is set in mud pockets.

Rats, wild cats and other birds eat the eggs, but the biggest danger is humans.