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. 

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. 

What to Do at Panama’s Rainforest

You might be hearing of some other more popular rainforest but what make Panama’s rainforest different are its unsearched treasures. Tourists can enjoy its natural wonders without the hassle of battling with other tourists. The country has over 50,000 acres of pristine rainforests which brings nature up close. A unique feature of Panama is the closeness of its nature spots to its metropolitan capital. In fact, Panama Canal Rainforest is just 30 minutes away from Panama City. In this article we’ve listed several activities that you must try upon reaching Panama’s rainforest. 

Hire a Tour Company for your Day Tour Package. It would be a shame not to step out and try outdoor activity packages offered by tour companies. Glide through the rainforest with an Aerial Tram and get the chance to unfold the stories told by their diverse flora and fauna. Do not miss bird-watching excursion or go for some excellent freshwater fishing that will suit your hunger for family bonding. If you want a relaxing thing to do, cruise across Panama’s waters and took a boat ride. One thing’s for sure, you will never run out of activities to do in Panama.

Birding. In Panama located are two of the world’s best birding locations: Pipeline and Achiote Road and Discovery Center in Panama Canal Rainforest. These sites are open 6am to 4pm every day. Go and challenge yourself to observe almost 800 species of birds on their 40m tower with awesome views of forest canopy. 

Kayaking and Rafting day tours. Traverse through Panama’s waterscape as you paddle across Chagres River and on a kayak tour in Canal Rainforest. This provides a unique opportunity to view wild monkeys in their natural habitat. Other animals would include turtles, crocodiles and three-toed sloths.

Summit Botanical Gardens and Zoo. A vast botanical garden and zoo awaits everyone about 40 minutes from Panama City. It would be the best place to see vegetation and tropical animals. At summit, you can see a Harpy Eagle which is the world’s largest predator bird. 

Barro Colorado Island Tours. It is a lush jungle island with an outdoor tropical laboratory in Gatun Lake. Reservations have to be made beforehand to protect the island’s scientific research projects. The tour  can include boat ride and hiking that will definitely bring your hearts for nature out. 

Fishing. Gatun Lake, once the world’s largest man-made lake offers numerous fishes to catch. Don’t try to miss this experience since there are no limits or restrictions. This is a great tour for friends and families to enjoy the bounties of nature Lake Gatun offers.