As water levels rise during rainy season, the swamps connect to the sea and shrimp (Penaeus sp.) massively migrate for reproductive purposes. There are a great many resident and migratory birds such as the pink flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber ruber), as well as the vermillion cardinal (Cardinalis phoeniceus). In turn, the sea adjacent to the Sanctuary is a migratory corridor to turtles such as the leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), that feed off the seagrass beds.