The biodiversity in Panama is staggering; home to 218 mammal species, 226 species of reptile, 164 amphibian species and 125 animal species found nowhere else in the world.
Panama is also home to 940 different species of birds making it a favourite destination for bird watchers. Quetzals, macaws, amazons, parrots and toucans all have sizable populations here, as do many species of tanager and raptor. Cana in Parque Nacional Darién and Parque Nacional Soberanía are both considered top bird watching spots here in Panama. The national bird of Panama, the harpy eagle is one of the most sought-after birds with a 2meter wingspan and weights of up to 20lb, this raptor is the world’s most powerful bird of prey. The elusive emerald-green quetzal lives throughout Central America but Panama is one of the best places to see it.
Panama is home a a wide variety of mammals including the Geoffroy’s tamarin, who cannot be found anywhere else in Central America. These tiny monkeys can live in groups of up to 40 in lowland forests, and many weigh less than a pound. Many different species of big cats can be found in the jungles of Panama, such as jaguars, pumas, ocelots, jaguarundis and margays.
Sea turtles are a popular draw for tourists here in Panama. There are only 7 species in the world and 5 of them can be found here in Panama. Female turtles return to the same beach they were hatched on to lay their eggs and occasionally thousands flood the beach to laid their eggs at the same time. Panama’s waters are also home to an array of life. Caribbean and Pacific reef’s are home to a plethora of aquatic life. Humpback whales, reef sharks, bottle nose dolphins, and whale sharks are often spotted near Coiba and Santa Catalina.
Panama is a wildly biodiverse country just waiting to be explored! Visit us here at the Casco Antiguo Spanish School and experience Panama for yourself!