Jaguar in Panama Rainforest

Among the species of big cats, only jaguars are found on the large Continent of America. They are considered the largest among South America’s big cats. These powerful beasts were very dominant in Native American cultures. The name jaguar came from the Native American word ‘yaguar’ meaning “he who kills with one leap”. 

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS

Jaguars are next to tigers and lions when it comes to size of big cats in America. They are solitary and extremely territorial that they mark their preferred habitat either with urine or markings on trees. One interesting fact about these big cats is that they do not avoid water unlike any other mammals, in fact, they are good swimmers. They prey on animals in the water and can even eat larger animals like tapirs and peccaries. They can also climb on top of trees to prepare for ambush of a prey. Most species are tan or dark orange with black spots shaped like roses.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A JAGUAR AND A LEOPARD?

Probably you’re one of those people often confused on how these two cats differ from one another. Before trying to name any of them, please be reminded of some things: jaguars tend to have bigger rosettes accompanied with spots in the middle while leopards has no spots on its rosettes. Moreover, jaguars have indeed bigger forehead and jaws than leopards as an adaptation to their unique way of eating their prey. Jaguars generally weigh heavier than leopards.

A JAGUAR SPOTTED ON BARRO COLORADO

Barro Colorado of Panama is one of the most researched tropical ecosystems in the planet. It is an island located in the Panama Canal wherein one day, a hidden camera was triggered by a presence of a jaguar in the place. This sighting is really significant for conservationists knowing that jaguars in Panama are rarely seen. They came to extinction due to destruction of habitat and hunting for their skin. Information provided by hidden cameras like these provide greater insights to activities of jaguars so that better construction and design for space of these animals will be further developed.

Big Cats of the Panama Jungle

Primarily due to geological history, Panama has one of the richest biodiversity. As you may know, Panama emerged as a bridge of land about 3 million years ago that connects the North and South America. In result to this, animals from the two continents are free to transport back and forth that creates an ideal array of wildlife. 

Panama is a home to species of big cats unique to Central America. Among these are puma, jaguar, jaguarundi, ocelot and margay.

OCELOT

This is a wild cat that weighs on the average 10 to 15 kilograms making it the largest in the genus Leopardus. It has a scientific name of Leopardus pardalis from the Latin word pardalis, meaning “leopard-like”. Ocelots are extremely territorial at the same time, nocturnal. They can fight to death once threatened and can be very aggressive. Ocelots eat a variety of preys like birds, amphibians, rodents, chickens and a lot more. Their strongest sense is their vision, they can see clearly even at night.

PUMA

The mountain lion (Puma concolor) is a big cat that is more closely related to domesticated cats than other big cats. It is considered as the only mammal that can be compared to humans because of its versatility in conquering America, evidence is the variety of name it established in different places throughout the continent. The pumas are secretive animals. They hunt their prey usually from the back. It kills them through a bite at the base of the skull.

JAGUAR

The jaguar is the world’s third largest cat and has the strongest bite among the big cats. They are solitary and territorial animals. Jaguars eat large animals and are mostly found on habitats with water bodies. Jaguars are very similar to leopards, but they are different in a way that jaguars have larger spots with thick outlines. They are excellent swimmers.

JAGUARUNDI

Jaguarundi is a small cat, which differs from domesticated cats of Latin America by its elongated head rather than rounded. They can either be black, red, or brownish gray. Jaguarundis are frequently observed travelling in pairs. They feed on small mammals.

MARGAY

These are small, spotted cats closely similar to ocelots. They have a special kind of feet that allows them to turn by 180 degrees- they are broad with flexible ankles and movable toes. They are carnivorous and feed on reptiles or birds. The margay spends its whole life mainly on trees.

Information on Panama Weather: Knowing When to Go

Anyone can go to Panama whenever he pleases, but of course, it would be better if you set your vacation on your most preferred time. Here we've listed some facts on Panama’s weather and what to expect each month.

Panama lies just above the equator that’s why you can expect a tropical climate here throughout the year. Records set that an average annual temperature ranges from 24-29 degrees Celsius depending only on altitude. Expect high humidity in Panama whereas the heat becomes oppressive. 

SO, WHEN’S THE BEST TIME?

It’s been most suggested that the best time to plan your vacation on Panama is during the summer dry season, mid-December to mid-April. Take note that hotel accommodations and resorts place higher rates on their charges throughout these months. During this time, less rain is experienced. However, rainfall concerns differ in every part of the country. For example, on the Pacific side, the weather is fair and there is less possibility of rain during December or January.

Remember that outdoor pursuits highly depend on the climate outside. If you plan to do trekking or probably hiking, come during the dry season and you’ll surely have a smooth adventure.  On the other hand, if you like to do water sports or surfing, you might want to consider the offshore winds from December to mid-April. Diving is also at its best during these months where better visibility can be observed.  

On the contrary, the rainy season peaks from late May to early December. Keep in mind that rainy season doesn’t pertain to continuous heavy rain, usually the mornings are sunny and rains occur in the afternoon. T he rainiest months are October and November. The western areas in the Caribbean receive the highest amount of rainfall in the country. 

FESTIVE CONSIDERATIONS

Colorful festivities and celebrations are also one of the considerations of visitors in planning their trip to Panama. In fact, there is a common connotation to Panamanians that the only thing they take seriously is their holidays. Public facilities including businesses and offices close their establishments during festivals, and even the modes of transportation are lessened. Panama City’s Carnaval is the most revered holiday though it’s not an official holiday. Another large celebration is the Azuero Peninsula, made popular by its Carnaval (Mardi Gras).

The Advantages of Living in Panama

One thing’s for sure.

Panama tops the list of the highly recommended places in the world to live in. primarily it is because of the fact that you can do both business and relaxation with ease. All in all, Panama is a great place to spend the rest of your life and money with. Here are some of the reasons why:

LOW COST OF LIVING

According to a 2012 report, Panama is one among the top ten least costly cities in the world especially for foreigners. Not to mention, it has the best program for retirees in the world. Panamanian government really has concrete programs to attract retiring foreigners in their land. Along with the many discounts and benefits to avail are entertainment, transportation, medical supplies, home loans, and even hotel accommodations. The only thing you need is a certification of $500 monthly income, police report, and a health certificate. 

SECURITY AND SAFETY

In line with other South American countries, Panama has the lowest crime rate in general. Here, you don’t have to worry putting your wallet in your pocket and carrying large amount of dollars. In fact, crime rate has a dramatic decline to about 28%. Moreover, Panama doesn’t experience hurricanes and earthquake than any other countries. So be it with crime or natural calamity, there is no safer place than Panama.

THE PANAMANIAN PEOPLE

The Panamanians are one of the friendliest races in the world. Probably because of their rich history of dealing with foreigners, the country became globalized. Also, they are fun-loving people. Evidences can be traced to their festive celebrations and active nightlife. Lastly, what makes Panamanian people unique is their strong values for elegance and beauty.

NO BORING MOMENT

Being a small nation didn’t limit Panama for being a home to world-class activities and attractions. Anyone can say that this country is so blessed with many beautiful amenities and side trips to do  – hiking in rainforests, beach lounging, mountain trekking, diving, partying and a whole lot more. It is not that hard to experience the wonders of Panama. Here you can also enjoy shopping, high speed internet services, great restaurants with a variety of awesome venues to choose from. 

FASTEST GROWING ECONOMY

Panama has the fastest growing economy in America. In fact, its Gross Domestic Product rises from 7-10% each year from 2009. Significantly, it has one of the most secured financial systems in the world.

All about Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is a 48-mile ship canal along Isthmus in Panama that connects the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean. This international maritime trade route saves about 1000 miles of travelling the Cape Horn, along the southern tip of South America. The construction of Panama Canal is considered as one among the largest and most crucial engineering projects ever undertaken. 

HISTORY

In 16th century, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, the first European to approach the Pacific, first saw the possibility of building a canal that will connect the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Before, Panama was part of the country of Columbia but when the later opposed the proposal of the United States in building a canal, a revolution supported by the U.S. led to freedom of Panama in 1903. The Panamanian government gave authority to French Philippe Bunau-Varilla to organize a treaty between United States that allowed for the construction of the canal. 

The Panama Canal was built from 1904 to 1914 though the French first attempted to build it in the 1880s with the cost of about 400 million U.S. dollars. 

THE CANAL SYSTEM

The canal consists of artificial lakes, three sets of locks and several improved and artificial channels. At the time of the canal’s construction, Gatun Lake, formed by the canal is the largest artificial lake in the world. The Alajuela Lake is an additional lake that acts as a reservoir for the canal. 

The locks, (water filled chambers) are the Gatun, Pedro Miguel and the Miraflores locks. These are responsible for raising or lowing ships from one level to another. These are also built in pairs to allow passage of ships in both directions at the same time. 

SOME POINTS OF INTEREST

Disease is the primary obstacle in building the Panama Canal. At that time, Panama was one of the most disease-ridden countries in the world not to mention numerous cases of yellow fever and malaria.

The cargo ship Ancon was the first vessel to pass through the canal on August 15, 1914.  A giant landslide occurred in 1915 in Gaillard Cut causing the Canal to close for several months.  The highest Canal toll was US $ 141,344.91 made by Crown Princess, a passenger superliner; the lowest toll ever paid was 36 cents by Richard Halliburton for swimming through the Canal in 1928.  John Stevens is considered to be the mastermind behind the construction of the canal. He designed the lock system of the Canal but he resigned from his position before the completion of the project. 

Panamanian Golden Frog

Panamanian Golden frog (Atelopus zeteki) can only be found in Panama. It is a toad that is critically endangered and is nearing to extinction. This Golden frog belongs to the animal family of reptiles. They produce toxins coming from their skin that is why predators are noxious in making them as food. Female golden frog is twice bigger than the male ones. Males range from 1.5 to 2 inches only compared to female golden frogs that can grow from 2 to 3 inches. When female golden lay eggs, they hid them under rocks to avoid over exposure to light for the eggs are light-sensitive.

Most Panamanian golden frogs are seen on rain forests near the freshwater streams or on high elevation forests. Males tend to be territorial and defend their territories against other male golden frogs when they have their females on their territory in the stream. They use their vocal calls to attract female golden frogs. And then later on leave once the egg has been deposited.

Food

Just like other breed of frogs, the golden frogs are insectivores. They eat a wide range of insects, small invertebrates found in the forests near their stream territories.

Population and Threats

The golden frogs are nearing extinction and one major factor that affects their diminishing number is their loss of habitat. This can be attributed to the growing population of the natives. Another thing that affects the decrease of this reptile is the illegal collection and making them as trade. Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis or the chytrid fungus also contributes to the diminishing number of golden frogs. These are pathogenic fungus that desiminates amphibian population the Panama rainforests.

Zoo Atlanta Conservation Efforts

The alarming decrease in number of this endemic creature leads to the formation of Project Golden Frog. It aims to raise awareness to golden frog conservation. The Project Golden Frog is  a joint effort of various US organizations and institutions in Panama. They have created educational programs, breeding efforts and studies to help conserve and increase the number of the golden frogs. The project later on grows and now also includes conservation of other endemic and nearly extinct creatures of the Panama rainforest. El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center (EVACC) now serves as breeding facility for endangered Panamanian golden frogs.

Panama Government’s Move on Protecting the Rainforest

Panama is known to have more than 9,915 plants species resting on its land or hanging on trees, mammals of different species amounting to 218, 242 reptiles and 182 amphibians. All of which is housed by the beautiful country that tourists would want to see.

The country has rich diversity because of the fact that it has been like a bridge that connects two big continents of South and North America. This makes species on the two different regions meet and mingle with each other.

As time goes, Panama’s rainforest is still sustained and just some of its biodiversity got lost due to the Panama Canal Construction.

Deforestation also plays a big part in the probable loss of Panama’s rich plants and animals. Deforestation at the country started at the end of 19th century up to the beginning of the 20th century. But with the government’s conscious effort to maintain the biodiversity of Panama, it has the lowest deforestation rate in the last 10-15 years amongst Latin American countries. 

Deforestation rate in Panama was 0.2% annually from 1990-2000, and from 2000-2005 it has 0.1%. But these figures do not stop the government to continue their program in protecting the rainforest. There are still serious deforestation problems that need further action. 

As part of protecting the rainforest, Panama government has already established 14 national parks in the intention of protecting the animals and plants of the country.

The world has also recognized some of the national parks in Panama that protects the biodiversity by awarding them the UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. These three national parks include:

• Darien National Park
• La Amistad International Park
• Coiba National Park

Darien National Park is the largest national park in Panama that covers a land area of 597,000 ha. Aside from a large range of animal species inhabiting the park, Darien National Park also is home for Choco and Cuna Indians.

La Amistad International Park is a protected area that is a boundary of Costa Rica and Panama. The part of the park that is of Panama’s has an area of 207,000 ha.

Coiba National Park has an area covering of an estimated 270,000 ha and is at an island in the Pacific Ocean, 53, 000 ha terrestrial area and 217, 000 ha marine area.

Having these kinds of parks enclosing the biodiversity of Panama and housing the plants and animals makes it easier for the government to preserve them so the next generation can still enjoy the beauty of the countries rich biodiversity.