See Baru Volcano National Park

The Baru Volcano is the highest point in Panama at 3,475 meters (11,400 foot) high. Baru Volcano is a dormant but potentially active volcano just south of the Continental Divide in western Chiriqui Province. It is surrounded by a fertile area of cool highlands drained by the Chiriqui and Caldera rivers, whose waters generate hydroelectric power for the entire country. The town of Boquete is on the eastern side, while Volcan and Cerro Punta can be found on its western side. 

Baru Volcano National Park. The Baru Volcano National Park is 500 kilometers from Panama City in the province of Chiriqui, on the Cordillera de Salamanca. It covers an area of 14,325 hectares (35,000 acres) and has a highly priceless geological and ecological scenic landscape which protects the biological diversity with some unique species of this area. The park was established in 1976 and is the national park of Panama with a volcano. The park composed of highlands species and the remains of the last blast of the Baru Volcano that happened a millions of years ago. You will also find a tropical rainforest landscapes in this park. With pleasant temperatures between 20°C at the lowest points, to 10°C on the top of the volcano. The combination of volcanic remains and the forest is in tune with the agricultural activities that are normal for this altitude.   

Ways to get there. Once you are in Panama City you can take a 1-hour flight or a 6-hours drive to David. Once you are in David, you could have the possibility to rent a car or an easy access to Boquete and the park this will take a 30-minute trip by car to Boquete at 40 kilometers or 25 miles. From Boquete you can reach the Park’s main entrance, the route to the top.

Things to do and Where to go. There are multiple ways of getting in touch with the nature that the visitors will surely enjoy. Some tracks, like La Nevera and Los Qeutzales (from Cerro Punta to Boquete) can provide the fine-looking attraction of the tropical rainforest and its habitat. The incline slope of the volcano, 3,475 meters (11,000 foot) above sea level, may possibly be made by a strong 4x4 vehicle and could take up to 45 minutes or on foot around 4 hours and will bring back memories of the origins of the American Continent. 

Throughout this climb, you will have the opportunity to see the evidence of the last eruption. Once you reach the top with good weather conditions you might see the most incredible view of Panama’s both oceans the Pacific and Caribbean. You can also take some of the routes leading to the different craters of Baru Volcano and see birds that are endemic there. Some fast flowing rivers like the Chiriqui Viejo, are used for rafting and canoeing. You can also enjoy bird watching at El Respingo near Cerro Punta or for collecting some of the many wild orchids, ferns or moss that grow in this area. 

Having a Panama City Tour

Panama offers visitors the opportunity to experience its fascinating glimpse. A trip that will allow visitors to see many attractions in the most efficient way to get to know Panama City’s interesting spots within a short distance of one another. You’ll not just enjoy the whole tour but you will also be educated about the development of the Panama Canal and its economic impact. You can get see both the historic and modern aspects of Panama City. And you will be guided by a well versed, educated and English speaking tour guides.

The Panama Canal Miraflores Locks. One of the three locks in Panama Canal. It si raised about 8 meters (26 feet) to the Miraflores Lake. Along the way, you are able to see ships passing by. You will also enjoy a documentary about the creation of the canal, its economic and strategic impact.

The Panama Canal Museum. While passing the canal you will have the opportunity to watch the wonderful work. A close overview of the French and American ways to approach the canal construction, interesting artifacts and props.

Casco Antiguo. It showcases a breath taking view of Panama City, also called San Felipe. While touring the Casco Antiguo you will see different historic buildings such as San Jose Church, home of the Baroque Golden Altar. The Cathedral, it was built in 1798. Composed of two styles, Colonial in its central front and Neoclassic styles in its two towers, located in Plaza de la Independencia or Main Square. The National Theater, The Old Slave Market and The Old Spanish Prisions.

Mi Pueblito. It is located in the Ancon Hill in Panama City. It’s a replica of a typical Panamanian Colonial town with the Pollera Museum, the typical dress worn by Panamanian women during Carnavales.

Amador Causeway. Perfect for tourist who love the beauty of the ocean. You will enjoy the view of the ocean while jogging, biking or skating and just simply as walking. It is a three island united with the mainland by using materials removed during the Panama Canal excavations.

The Old Panama Ruins. Panama La Vieja ruins are located in the east side of Panama City. Found August 15, 1519 by Governor Pedrarias Davila. It is now on the other side of the city where Casco Antiguo is located. Because the city was burned down several times and many attacked by pirates that’s why Panama La Vieja never reached its development.  

Image credits: city-sightseeing.com
      

Typical Cost when you Tour Panama

So, how much does it cost living or just even touring on Panama? This could be the most trending or important question upon planning a tour on vacation. Because we know that going to a place we’re unfamiliar of is a risky thing to do and we must be very prepared especially when it comes to finances. It’s real hard to run out of money in a foreign land.

In 1914 when the Panama Canal was constructed, the country has been a very important when it comes to international shipping industry. Since then, the country became a famous tourist destination for tourist and retirees due to cheaper American flights. But then, the cost of living in Panama is still higher than that of other countries in America like Nicaragua. 

Here are some of the usual prices that you can get for services offered:

Room accommodations. Throughout Panama, the average budget room rate is around US$10-20 for a single night. On the other hand, if you are looking for a private room, prices start at US$25. For the past few years, several hotels in places in Panama offered room accommodations at a very low price, even less than $10. Renting houses in Boquete for long periods of stay are also popular.

Transportation. Buses and taxi rides come at a reasonable price. In fact, a trip around the country by bus will cost you around $10-20, while overnight ones cost $25. If you are a thrift rider, you’ll just probably travel a day in Panama by around $20-$30. 

Food. Food is indeed one of the major reasons for spending on a trip. As for Panama, restaurants are serving comida corriente or set meals wherever you are for just about $2-$4. This serving usually comprises of rice, chicken and beans. However, if you want a more class cuisine with wine, expect to pay $30-40.

As for a tip, you’ll get the most of your money in Panama if you’re going to share the expense with others. For an instance, a double room is definitely cheaper than that if you’ll have it alone. Excursions and hikes are also cheaper for groups. Another is to make sure that the room you have rented does not have hot water showers. The climate in Panama is usually hot that’s why hot waters are of no use. Besides, it’ll just cost you extra price.

Image credits: destination360.com

The Panama Canal Expansion Project

The Panama Canal Expansion Project (also called the Third Set of Locks Project) will double the capacity of the Panama Canal by 2015 through creating a new lane of traffic and allowing more and larger ship to transit.

The project will build two new locks, one each on the Atlantic and Pacific sides. Each will have three divisions with water-saving basins. Excavate new channels to the new locks. Widen and deepen existing channels. And raise Gutan Lake’s maximum operating level.

The project is expected to create demand for ports to handle post-Panamax ships. As of November 2012, the U.S. Eastern Seaboard ports of Baltimore, Maryland; Norfolk, Virginia and Miami, Florida, will be ready for these larger ships, although other ports are considering renovations, including dredging, blasting and bridge-raising. 

The construction of the third set of locks project is scheduled to take seven to eight years. The new locks could begin operations between fiscal years 2014 and 2015, approximately 100 years after the canal first opened.

The International maritime industry will benefit directly from the expansion through lower shipping costs, and global consumers will eventually benefit from the greater capacity and efficiency of the said project. 

Navigational channels. According to the plan, a 3.2 kilometer long access channel will be excavatedto connect the New Atlantic locks with existing sea entrance of the canal. To connect the new Pacific-side locks with the existing channels, two new access channels will be built: the north access channel, which will connect the new Pacific-side lock with the Culebra Cut, circumventing Miraflores Lake, and which will be 6.2 km long and the south access channel, which will connect the new lock with the existing sea entrance on the Pacific Ocean, and which will be 1.8 km long.   

Estimated cost. The ACP estimated the cost to construct the third set of locks at US $5.25 billion in 2006. This figure includes design, administrative, construction, testing, environmental mitigation and commissioning costs. It also includes contingencies to cover risks and unforeseen events such as accidents, design changes, price increases and possible delays. 

Environmental impact. According to ACP’s proposal they claim that the project will not permanently harm the environment, communities, primary forests, national parks or forest reserves, relevant patrimonial or archeological sites, agricultural or industrial production areas, or tourist or part areas. The project will not permanently reduce water or air quality. The water capacity of Gutan and Alhajuela Lakes will maximize the water supply program. And it design to use water so efficiency at the locks that no new water reservoirs will be required and no communities need to move.

Image credits: constructiondigital.com

Arthropod Species in Panama Rainforest

Panama has a large land and in this land you’ll not only enjoy the different sights like beaches and forests as you go on Panama tours, but you can also have a closer look on their animal species. 

In the most comprehensive and through studies done from the rainforests of Panama provides a new level of detail with regards of the variety and distribution of arthropod species from the soil to the forest canopy. There are about 6,000 estimated hectare forest hosts a total of around 25,000 arthropod species, 60% to 70% of which are likely to be previously unknown.

Most of the species existing on Earth are arthropods - an invertebrate animal having an exoskeleton, a segmented body, and jointed appendages; such as insects, mites and spiders living in tropical forest. Researchers have struggled to quantify their abundance and diversity because of their small size, frequent movements, and inaccessible habitats. Due to massive collaborative effort involving 102 researchers from 21 countries was necessary to collect and identify arthropods from all parts of the San Lorenzo forest resources near the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal. In 2003-2004, the field team used 70 person or trap-years in sampling the rainforest canopy from a construction crane, on inflatable platforms, from hot-air balloons, climbing ropes and crawling along the forest floor to sift soil and trap and drag arthropods. As the result, the team sorted and identified 130,000 arthropods, to a total of more than 6,000 species.

By scaling up diversity values and conclude their known data, the researchers estimated the rainforest reserve harbors in excess of 25,000 arthropod species. That means for every species of vascular plant, the bird or mammal in this forest, you will find 20, 83 and 312 species of arthropods respectively. 

One of the most interesting findings was that more than half of all species could be found in a single hectare of the forest. This means that to determine the species variety of a tropical rainforest, it may not be necessary to sample massive areas. One hectare area is enough to get an idea of regional arthropod richness - provided that this total includes widely spaced plots representative of variation within the forest.

Another exciting finding was that the variety of herbivorous and non-herbivorous arthropods could be accurately predicted from the diversity of plants.

So next time you visit the place and plan your next Panama excursions, you can opt to take a scientific tour as to seeing the smallest life forms in their rainforests.

About Gamboa Panama

The little town of Gamboa in Panama is a forty-minute drive away from Panama City, but unlike the latter, Gamboa feels just so remote due to the fact that it is closer to nature. This town is constructed by the Panama Canal Company in the early 1930s to provide shelter for the workers of the Panama Canal Dredging Division.

The Past

In the history Gamboa was built nearly in the former village of Sta. Cruz, were three miles the Chagres River was the town of Las Cruces. In 1855 after the completion of the Panama Railroad which ran near the Panama area, yet made no stops and no PR maps list any towns in its present location.

During canal construction Gamboa’s present day was built in 1911. The town was populated by “silver roll” workers and their dependents. Almost 700 initial settlers were previously lived in the construction areas between Gorgona and former towns of Tabernilla. Together with the towns first citizen, no Americans were counted.

Along 1914, Gamboa’s population decreased to 173 which consist of a police station, a four-family house, a two-family house and some old railroad box cars used by the house silver roll employees. 

After long years of studies and debates, Panama Canal Company moved its Dredging Division from the town of Paraiso to Gamboa in 1936. In 1933, due to the moving of Dredging Division to Gamboa, the population was 251, including just 10 Americans.

The Present

In present time Gamboa is still inhabited, but with a shadow of its old self. It remains the original headquarters of the Dredging Division of the Panama Canal Authority (formerly PCC).

The Dredging Division’s harbour is now used by light ferries to reach the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) facilities at Barro Colorado Island.

Caymans, iguanas, crocodiles and several hundred bird species are Gamboa’s residents. Gamboa is bordering to relevant tracts of undisturbed rainforest. The Pipeline Road is considered one of the best birding hikes in Panama.it is also one of the premiere bird watching sites in all of Central America.      

Image credit: www.elitemeetings.com

Panama Destination Highlights

Take a break, discover and experience all the breathtaking highlights of Panama; the Panama City, San Blas Islands, Chiriqui Highlands, Bocas del Toro and Panama Canal. 

Panama City 

Perfectly positioned along Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast which provides an easy access to several fascinating beaches where you can try their varieties of water sports, fishing and boating. In fact, the whole region is one of a family favorite destination not only with their beautiful beaches, hotels, its amusement parks and of course, the freshest seafood available anywhere. And don’t forget the historical town of Casco Viejo, a colonial style government buildings, museums including a Canal Museum and cathedrals. 

San Blas Islands

The San Blas offers a show of sights. Starting with the unbelievable seascapes, colorful reefs and islands which owned and operated by the Kuna Indians. Also the visitors can witness the glimpse of the culture with their continuous festivals and gatherings develop at villages. The tour includes the opportunities to go snorkeling to enjoy the beautiful reefs and variety of tropical fish in the shallow warm waters.

Chiriqui Highlands

A two hour drive from Panama’s northernmost city, David to visit the Panama’s highest peaks Baru volcano, and some of its longest rivers found only in Chiriqui Highlands. The cool climate is one of the main attraction welcoming the visitors from the hot and humid lowlands. One of towns with the best accommodation is Boquete with the great base for exploring the area, well-known for its orange and coffee plantations where you can learn about the coffee process. Enjoy your stay with the opportunities to go walking in the cloud forest, bird watching and white-water rafting. 

Bocas del Toro

Panama’s number one vacation spot between the archipelago of Bocas del Toro. Visiting key areas like Hospital Point, a whole day snorkeling or beachcombing and enjoy an outdoor lunch. Also try these scuba dive in bio-diverse waters or go kayaking. Tired of these whole day activities? Try to spend the night and relax at this lovely hotel, built on stilts above the water the Punta Caracol.

Panama Canal

Linking the Atlantic and Pacific which cuts right trough the Continental Divide, one of the world’s greatest shortcuts, the Panama Canal. Continue your trip to Portobello, with its lovely spot hides the historical fort where Francis Drake was killed.

Image credits to:

http://fourstarcs.com/

http://www.chimuadventures.com/

http://www.vtoursonline.com/

http://bocaspanama.panamainsiders.com/

http://www.latinamericanstudies.org/

Bits and Facts about the Culture of Panama

Learning about something soon develops to love. As for you who want to learn something or maybe everything about the country of Panama, for sure you’ll never be disappointed. Panama has a lot of bits and stuffs to catch your interest.

Panama is a nation of rich heritage. This richness of culture and history is brought by the mixture of people, literally. In the country you can find traces of Indians, Cuna and Guavmi blended together to form the present Panama. Not just that, aside from the mentioned groups throughout history, the Spanish settlement in Panama also created a great influence. It has been said that the presence of visitors throughout time brought Panama to where it is right now. 

The People

Imagine a small strip of an island inhabited by different people of various cultural origins. With a population of not more than four million, almost 70% of it are mestizos and mulatos. There are blacks, whites, Amerindian and indigenous people bound together living in harmony. A tribe in Panama, the Cuna is very known for its close ties and matriarchal societies or those headed basically by women members of the family. Their official language is Spanish, so bring with you a lot of Spanish conversations as you plan to go.

As you go to different places in Panama inhabited by varying indigenous groups, you can feel the warmth and friendliness of the people. These groups each possess a unique quality within them, and also, held individual celebrations representing their rich cultural history. The Panamanians are also known to be skillful craftsmen. They are able to produce jewels and other crafts also of rich ancestral origin. Though they tend to be different in origin and customs, Panamanians are bound together by the value of peaceful and harmonious living.

Panamanian Religion and Cuisines

Roman Catholicism is the most dominant religion in the country of Panama. In fact, most of the traditions and celebrations are held in honor to saints. For example, a big celebration in Panama is the Black Christ Festival. Another example of how saints affect the life of every Panamanian is that they consider them to be the owner of every town. 

The cuisines all over Panama are affected by cultural variations and the location of the country. But mostly, the foods are American and Spanish in style. Famous dishes are Carimanola, Tamales, Empanadas, and Tortillas among others. Panamanians also include a lot of sea food in their dishes since the country is in a coastal region. 

Image credit: http://ourlifeinthed.com/

Processed Food Contributes to Massive Rainforest Destruction

Are you surprised about this one? Maybe for ‘not so environmental persons’, this fact is a strange one. Usually, when we talk of rainforest destruction, we think of the usual destructing factors—logging to be used for coal or fossil fuel and rainforest fires caused by human negligence. 

It is so common to hear about rainforest degradation. Hundreds or even thousands of acres lost per year. As for us, who are living far away from natural rainforests might think that we are not responsible for this; thinking we have no any direct access to this so how can we destroy them? But as we look clearly, we are involved to this, just indirectly. We might not be aware how our everyday activities affect the current status of our rainforests. Just like this one, who knows that even processed foods that we eat almost if not every day, could be a great factor to rainforest destruction?

Palm oil as the key suspect. We might not know this, but palm oil has been secretly a part of our everyday lives. Palm oil is a primary ingredient in most of our daily necessities – biscuits, soap, shampoo, and even fuel. Not just that, there are plenty of processed food products that contains palm oil as its key ingredient. But how does the use of palm oil causes deforestation? As we know, palm oil is extracted from coconuts, meaning it takes huge coconut plantations in order to generate such amount of palm oil to support our everyday living. In relation to this, rainforests are being cleared off to give way to these coconut plantations. Imagine every commodity in a supermarket with vegetable oil in its ingredient that is probably from palm oil plantations. Take a moment to think about how many forest trees are cut down just to plant coconut trees for palm oil.

At present, there are only few substitutes offered in replace for palm oil in the market. Some suggestions would be the use of margarine or vegetable oil from sunflower to reduce the consumption of palm oil, and in turn, lessen deforestation. 

The soy bean oil and refined wheat flour as secondary culprits. Processed cookies and crackers are really great for immediate need for food right? Did you know that these foods contain additives like soy bean oil and refined what flour that also accounts for deforestation? As a response to the increasing demand for these products, more and more forests are turned to soy and corn plantations. Not just that, the meat of animals we eat is also responsible for this problem. Soybean crop is used primarily for livestock feeds used to support agricultural businesses. 

With all these in mind, let us all be smart and remember how our daily actions are continually killing our natural rainforests.

Photo credits: http://blissmaybe777.wordpress.com

Panamanian Three-toed Sloth (Bradypus variegatus)

The Panamanian three - toed sloth or commonly Brown throated three - toed sloth is best characterized by its brown color on the throat and head. Its green outer appearance is caused by algae that inhabit their outer fur. It is typically endothermic having the ability to generate heat in maintaining its own body temperature. However, Brown throated sloths have difficulty in maintaining their body temperature in cooler environments. 

Physical Characteristics and Behavior

Bradypus variegatus have a prominent dark brown forehead and a suborbital stripe around the eye area. They have stomachs that are divided into several compartments just like any other ungulates, and inside it are microfauna that are responsible for digesting cellulose in their diet comprising of plants. They can rotate their necks up to 270 degrees and relatively small heart. 

Photo credits to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/artour_a/ 

Unlike other canopy species, this sloth specie is considered to have strange bathroom habits. Instead of just dropping off their waste, they occasionally descend from treetops every eight days to defecate. Upon reaching the ground, they will dig a hole by use of their tail then put the urine and droppings in it; after that, they cover it. Researchers are long been studying about this behavior of three-toed sloths (which puts danger on them) but discovered nothing. Brown throated three-toed sloths sleep approximately 16 hours per day. Although sloths have a reputation of being lazy and static, they can move quickly when they need to. 

Dwelling places 

Brown throated sloths live in tree canopies all of their lives, but can also be found on the ground in rare occasions. They mostly prefer trees having crowns fully exposed to sunlight whatever tree species it may be. This is probably due to their need to maintain bodily temperature. They are native to South and Central America. 

Body Parts Adaptations

Compared to other mammals, the fur of brown throated sloths hangs backwards starting from their belly which enables raindrops to easily run off their fur keeping them dry. This adaptation helps them maintain body temperature even when raining while hanging on trees. Another thing is that, their hands and feet are adapted to being hook-like that helps the climb and cling to trees at ease.  

One interesting thing to know about brown throated three-toed sloths is that they do not drink water. Their diet, comprising mostly of leaves gives them enough moisture without needing to drink water anymore. 

Some Leading Causes of Rainforest Destruction

"Deforestation, in other words, is an expression of social injustice."

- Marcus Colchester

Deforestation or rainforest destruction is among the major problems in almost every nation in the world but is commonly not addressed properly. In fact, no one knows how wide is the effect of this destruction to the environment and even to us, humans. Data presented are not precise, and it also yields different interpretation. 

Here we have listed some of the leading causes of rainforest destruction that may lead to how we can think of the ways on how to address them:

Logging. The practice of cutting down mature trees for their timber by commercial companies and expecting them to regrow naturally is actually untrue. Selective logging, as they termed it causes great damage to rainforest not only affecting the trees to be cut down, but also other trees that are surrounding nearby. Heavy machineries and construction of roads for these equipments are of great threat to the natural growth of rainforest. Cutting down of a mature tree accompanies destruction to plants, vines and epiphytes depending on it, and the tracks constructed for machineries cause damage to the ground. 

Construction of Large Dams. Studies showed that thousands of hectares of rainforest are being destroyed every year in construction of hydro-electric dams. This construction not only led to lasting effects of rainforest destruction but can also have destructive effects to humans. In several countries, sheer weight in dams are proven to be the cause of earthquakes; waterborne diseases increased; and as dams trap silt, it produce soil erosion. 

Tourism. Who would even thought that tourism purposes which are intended to benefit the people can cause destruction of rainforest that can harm the people? How? Through the construction of national parks. National parks are constructed in order to make people especially tourists aware of the wonders of nature, but excessive tourism produces great destruction to the natural rainforest. Pollution of waterways and ineffective waste management programs are sacrificed. 

Animal Raising and Planting. Clearing of forests for the purpose of land cultivation and planting are causes of present ay forest degradation. As we all know, forest soil are sensitive to any chemical put in it and because farming and agriculture practices are now in the use of artificial fertilizers and feeds, the quality of soil decreases gradually. What’s more alarming is that, crops harvested from these farms are exported to richer countries rather than the local people benefiting from this products.

Facts You Need to Know About Panama

Consider this palindrome: “A man a plan a canal Panama.”

 Probably you know what we have here. Welcome to a deeper knowledge about the Republic of Panama.

Panama can be found on Central America in the southernmost part. It connects the North and South America surrounded by the countries of Columbia on the right and Costa Rica on the left. It is the only country in the world wherein you can witness the sunrise at the Pacific Ocean and the sunset at the Atlantic Ocean. It is also in this country where you can have the chance of swimming both of the oceans just in one day!

Spanish is the official language in Panama brought by colonization in the 16th century but a great number of locals are fluent in speaking English. Panama also has the smallest population in Central America with a number of 3,120,000 as assessed by the United Nations in 2003. It is a tropical country consisting only of two seasons: wet and dry.  Dry season extends from December to April and May to November is the rainy season. Panama is considered one of the best places for tourists because it is not affected by hurricanes and tropical storms.

To where did Panama derived its name?

Just like any other nation in the world, it is interesting to know the history behind Panama’s name. Several theories abound about the etymology of Panama. It was believed to come from local specie of tree and some stories tell that the first settlers of Panama arrived in August when butterflies are all over the place. That’s why in an indigenous language, ‘Panama’ means “many butterflies”. But the best known version is regarding a Spanish captain that explores its Pacific side which is known for abundance of fish that became the site for the Empire’s Pacific City. Thus, it means “an abundance of fish”.

The two mentioned etymology are the official general definition of the name of the country published in their Social Studies textbooks approved by Panama’s Ministry of Education.
 

***

Don't ya know she's coming home with me
You'll lose her in that turn
I'll get her!

Panama, Panama
Panama, Panama

Ever heard of this Van Halen’s song? Did you know that out of 10 Panamanians, seven of them haven’t heard of this song which bears their country’s name as its title? Funny, but it’s true.

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. 

Wildlife Animals of Panama

Panama is definitely home to various kinds of animals that’s why this place is a must-see to tourists when it comes to wildlife. In fact, the country houses 218 mammal species, 226 reptile species, 164 on amphibians and 125 endemic species. Panama also has the most number of bird species up to about 940 making it the largest in Central America. 

BIRDS. Panama is a perfect site for bird watchers all over the world. It has five species of macaws and nearly 20 kinds of parrots and parakeets. Others would include black umbrella birds, multicolored toucans and the striking emerald-green quetzal which can be spotted best at Parque Internacional La Amistad during March to June, their breeding season. Watch the male quetzals as they grow spectacular trains in search of a mate. Another must-see bird is the Harpy eagle, Panama’s national eagle. It is distinct due to its huge size, with a wing span of 2m making it the world’s most powerful bird prey.  This bird of strength is best seen at the Parque Nacional Darién around Punta Patiño. 

What’s interesting about Panama is that its geographical location serves as crossroads for migratory birds. In October, hawk migrations amaze the birders in the archipelago of Bocas del Toro. October and March are the best months to sight migrating turkey vultures. American raptors migrating to Central America blackens the sky between August and December each year. 

BIG CATS. Five species of big cats prowl Panama’s jungles – ocelots, jaguars, margays, pumas and jaguarundis. A good eyesight and a lot of luck are a must to catch at least one of them in the wild. The jaguar is the largest among the group and in the Americas. These cats need huge territory to hunt their prey that’s why they are all endangered. Two national parks dominating in Panama are one of the few places where you can see these species interacting in the wild. 

MAMMALS. Panama is a bridge to the Southern and Central Americas but its mammals resemble those of the Southern. The country’s many species include sloths, marmosets, squirrel monkeys, spider monkeys, white-faced capuchins, and howler monkeys. Geoffroy's tamarin, a black and white primate characterized by its whistles and chirps is only found in Panama and Columbia. The capybara, the world’s largest rodent can be found in the outgrowth of Panama’s rivers and lakes.

SEA LIFE. Panama’s coasts houses large groups of tropical fish as well as humpback whales and sperm whales, reef sharks and bottlenose dolphins. Whale sharks, which are  the world’s largest fish species visit Panama’s underwater. Among the seven species of sea turtle species in the world, 5 of it are found in Panama. Tourists love to see the hatchlings of these turtles coming from their shells in the country’s beaches.