Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A Field Guide to the Orchids of Costa Rica and Panama
, by Robert Dressler, has 240
photos, and almost as many drawings, of orchids within its 274 pages.
Animals
Panama's biodiversity is staggering - the country is home to 218 mammal species, 226
species of reptile, 164 amphibian species and 125 animal species found nowhere else in
the world. Panama also boasts 950 avian species, which is the largest number in Central
America.
Land & Marine Mammals
Panama's many species of primates include white-faced capuchins, squirrel monkeys,
spider monkeys and howler monkeys. Some fascinating varieties, such as the Geoffroy's
tamarin, are found nowhere else in Central America. These tiny, gregarious monkeys can
live in groups of up to 40 in lowland forest, and many weigh less than 600g. They're
identified by their whistles and chirps, mottled black-and-brown fur, white chests and di-
minutive stature. Spot them in Parque Natural Metropolitano, Monumento Nacional Isla
Barro Colorado and in the Darién.
Big cats prowl the jungles of Panama. Although you'd be extremely fortunate to catch
even a glimpse of one, their prints are easy to come across. Jaguars, pumas, ocelots, jag-
uarundis and margays are all found on the isthmus. The jaguar is the largest cat in the
Americas, needing large tracts of land in order to survive. Without sufficient space, the
big cats gradually exhaust their food supply (which numbers 85 hunted species) and per-
ish. They are excellent swimmers and climbers and at times are spotted resting on sunny
riverbanks.
Panama's offshore waters host a fascinating assortment of creatures. Reefs found off
both coasts support a plethora of tropical fish, and visitors to the national marine parks
might spot humpback whales, reef sharks, bottlenose dolphins, and killer or sperm
whales. Underwater, whale sharks, black- and white-tip sharks and occasionally tiger
sharks also visit.
One of Panama's biggest coastal draws is the sea turtle. Of the world's seven different
species, five can be seen in Panama at various times throughout the year. All sea turtles
originally evolved from terrestrial species and the most important stage of their survival
happens on land when they come to nest. Although you'll need a bit of luck and a lot of
patience, the experience of seeing hatchlings emerge is unparalleled.
