Situated in Central America, the island of Coiba has a size of 503 km2 (194 sq mi) and lies off the Pacific coast of the Chiriquí province of Panama. It is part of the Tolé District in this region. It is believed that the island separated from the mainland of Panama approximately 12,000 to 18,000 years ago when the sea level increased. This caused the plants and animals of Coiba to be isolated from the mainland and as a result, they have developed distinct appearances and behaviours compared to their mainland relatives. The island is known for its many endemic species, such as the Coiba Island howler monkey, the Coiba agouti, and the Coiba spinetail.