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.