Panama Travel

Flora & Fauna

While on the subject of natural beauty, we must add a few words about the incredible selection of plants and animals you can see. Because the country serves as a bridge between North and Central America on one side and South America on the other, Panama’s jungles and forests are literally teeming with flora and fauna. This translates into over 950 bird species according to the Audubon Society also 225 different kinds of mammals, 214 reptiles, and 143 amphibians. No less impressive according to the Smithsonian are the more than 10,000 plant species which include 1500 types of orchids, 678 ferns and more than 1500 kinds of trees.

In order to support and protect this amazing garden of Eden, over 29% of the country is dedicated to national parks (15), forest preserves (12), and wild life sanctuaries (10). And for the most avid naturist, there’s even an island, the National Monument Barro Colorado, in the midst of the Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal. The Smithsonian Institute has maintained forty scientists here on their Tropical Research station since 1923. By studying the past in a perfect bio-diverse ecological lab, these scientists seek to predict the future of world nature by testing their theories, thus supplying a greater understanding of nature’s balance. A limited number of guests are allowed access by special arrangements.

Naturists, and especially bird enthusiasts, will find Panama to be a never-ending cornucopia of delights. Just to whet the birder’s appetite -- regularly spotted are the Blue-crowned Momot, Black-hooded Antshrike, Royal Flycatcher, Purple-throated Fruitcrow, Golden-collared, Blue-crowned and Red-capped Manakins, Resplendent Quetzal, Green Shrike-Vireo, Long-billed Starthroat, Great and Common Potoos, Three-wattled Bellbird, Blue Cotinga ... and this is merely a few of the nearly 1000 species living here. Check the National Park sidebar for brief listings -- many offer lodging, canopy tours, tree top viewing platforms, and full tourist facilities.

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