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.  

Panama Canal Rainforest

Panama rainforest takes about 50,000 acres. It covers almost 58% of the country’s total land mass which means the country is really gifted with intense wildlife. It is a wonderland of exotic nature and a dream for nature enthusiasts. It is also considered to be the most accessible rainforest in the world, just few minutes from Panama City. Its pristine rainforest is a home to 105 species of mammals, 124 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 525 species of birds. 

The country’s rich biodiversity caught the interest of biologists to conduct research studies in the area concerning merging of species since Panama serve as a bridge to South America and North America. 

Panama Canal Rainforest houses extraordinary animal life which is an asset to tourists. Listed are some examples.

SLOTHS. Sloths constantly appear to be smiling, isn’t that amazing?  But it is quite hard to spot any of these cute mammals. They are always found hanging on trees, having claws that allow them to hang on trees effortlessly. Another interesting aspect of Sloths is their fur; it houses a unique form of algae that gives them green tint which helps in forest camouflage. Don’t forget to look up when you visit Panama Canal Rainforest, you’ll never know what you might see!

BIRDS. Panama is a paradise for bird watchers. It has the most diverse bird life which is real evident when you approach the depths of the forest. A total of 976 species has been recorded, exceeding the list for United States and Canada combined. The typical neotropical families like Trogons, Antbirds and Tanagers are well represented. The ruler of the rainforest is the Harpy Eagle which happens to be the national bird of Panama. It stands three feet tall and also the world’s strongest bird of prey.

FROGS. These brightly-colored creatures bring a taste of life to Panamanian Rainforest. The Poison dart Frog for example, is notable for its tiny size and bright color. Another one is the Strawberry Poison Dart that looks very much similar to that of a strawberry fruit. Frogs are given much importance of the Panamanian government that they made it a crime to transport any of these amphibians to other parts of the country. 

Panama Canal Rainforest is indeed a home to one of the world’s best wildlife. It is a shame not to try its biodiversity offered that will surely make your trip an experience of a lifetime.