Panama Wildlife in Bocas del Toro
Look and listen… Don’t touch…
Stay on trails…Respect the natural habitat…
Feel delight and wonder at the world around you.
(Please do not encourage local children who trap frogs for tourist photos)
There is no better place to discover Panama Wildlife than on Isla Bastimentos. The islands preserves combined with the adjacent Bastimentos National Marine Park, maintain some of the greatest diversity of plant and Panama Wildlife that can be found anywhere on earth. Bocas Bound provides a springboard to the Bocas del Toro archipelago for activities and adventures that invite us to learn more about wildlife in Panama. Nature walks or more extensive jungle hikes are a great way to get in touch and learn about the indigenous red frog, giant morpho butterflies, wild orchids or the myriad of other species in Bocas del Toro Panama.
Poison Dart Frog
This small red frog can only be found in this particular area on Isla Bastimentos and is one of the more famous animals among all the wildlife in Panama. This species of frog -Pumilio, has many different color and size variations. It appears that the geographic isolation of the Bocas islands in Panama has allowed these creatures to evolve so that each island has its own unique frog that can be seen along forest trails and around thick vegetation. The evolution of these frogs is so unique and special that Panama has made it a crime to transport any of the Pumilio to other islands or regions. While our red frog is slightly poisonous, it is only harmful to humans if eaten – so no taste testing! Please do not touch these tiny creatures, as even picking them up can jeopardize their survival.
Sloths
The Three-toed sloth is a commonly seen (and universally loved) animal on Bastimentos. The sloth is the world’s slowest mammal and is so sedentary that algae will grow on its furry coat. This algae growth gives the sloth a greenish tint that is useful camouflage in the trees. This animal is found throughout Central and South America. You will have to look carefully to spot these beautiful creatures among the array of Panama Wildlife. People say that sloths are among the happiest animals in the forest because they constantly appear to be smiling (the fact that they are never in a rush may also add to their happy disposition).
Monkeys
There are a few species of monkey that live here on Isla Bastimentos. Lucky visitors who are interested in Panama Wildlife will be able to see the White-Faced monkeys or will hear the loud cries from Congos (Howler Monkeys) as they scurry high in the tree canopy. Isla Bastimentos even has a “night monkey” that is most easily seen at sunrise and sunset, and feeds on mostly leaves and small insects.
Birds
Birds of all kinds are what many consider to make Panama Wildlife so special. Panama has the greatest diversity of birds in all of Central America. You will be able to see a wide array of species on the Bastimentos, and their calls can be heard throughout Bocas del Toro. One of the more famous species is the Montezuma Oropendula, which has a bright yellow tail and can be seen making large hanging nests which resemble a pendulum (giving the bird its name). You can also hear the Golden Collared Manakin make its very distinct “click” or see the Green Parrot that will normally travel in larger family groups.
