An area to defend
The great climatic and geographical diversity of this small tropical country located between two continental masses and two oceans, explains the exceptional richness of the fauna and flora. 11 000 plants, 976 species of birds and 250 mammals, the list is generous. The variety of corals is also evocative: 58 different species on the Atlantic side and 18 on the Pacific side. Among the 1,307 species of sea fish, 140 are of commercial interest. As for the 56 species of freshwater fish, 25% are endemic. To ensure the conservation of this unique biodiversity, Panama joined in February 2022 the few countries (Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Mexico, New Zealand...) that have undertaken to reform their constitutions, enact laws or issue court decisions recognizing legal rights to nature. Panamanian legislation now gives nature "the right to exist, to persist and to regenerate its cycles", "the right to conserve its biodiversity" and "the right to be restored after having been directly or indirectly damaged by any human activity". This is an unprecedented text that gives the possibility of representing the interests of nature before the courts and recognizes the extent of the knowledge of indigenous communities and their consideration in the application of the law.
A unique flora
A land of seas, mountains and plains, Panama boasts an incredible diversity of natural environments, shaped by altitude and maritime influences. The Atlantic coast boasts dense, lush vegetation, thanks to its abundant rainfall. The less humid Pacific side features both semi-arid zones and dry and humid tropical forests. There are also numerous mangrove areas. For the Amerindian populations, trees and plants not only bear fruit but also form the basis of their traditional medicine. For the visitor, it's a chance to taste new flavours and discover the wealth of Panamanian flora: from flamboyants to fruit trees (banana, mango, papaya, etc.), sugar cane and orchids.
Breadfruit tree (árbol del pan). These medium-sized trees with long, deep-green leaves (30 to 60 cm) are found mainly on islands inhabited by Guna Yala. Their round-oval, granular fruits are edible, cooked or dried.
Bougainvillea. Bougainvillea is a climbing plant with leaves ranging from pure white to violet, pink or yellow. If you're looking for the flower, it's the little yellow dot in the middle of the colors.
Ceiba. A member of the Bombacaceae family, it can grow to over 40 m tall. Its impressive trunk is webbed at the base. It is the sacred tree of the Mayas, which, according to mythology, represents the symbol of the universe, the communication route between the underworld, the middle world, where we live, and the upper world.
Flamboyant. This tree takes its name from the color of its flowers, which all bloom at the same time. A bright orange hides the leaves completely, leaving a flamboyant bouquet.
Heliconia. Imagine a bouquet of tall leaves from which a tall stem emerges, topped by a yellow or red spike that provides an ideal water reservoir for birds, insects and reptiles. This genus comprises over a hundred species, concentrated mainly in warm, humid, semi-shaded areas.
Mangrove(manglar). Although the country is home to the largest variety of mangroves on the American continent, mangroves now cover only 165,000 hectares, less than half the area they did half a century ago. The ecological role of this endangered but protected ecosystem is considerable: a brake on coastal erosion, a filter, a refuge and a larder for crustaceans and mammals. They are also effective carbon and greenhouse gas sinks.
Noni. This shrub, which grows all over the country, is easily recognized by its fruit, which is shaped like a misshapen oval, and whose skin is dotted with small brown spots. Its color varies from green to translucent yellow, depending on the degree of ripeness. When ripe, it falls from the shrub, giving off a terrible smell. Rich in fiber, iron, vitamin C, calcium and zinc, it is consumed in juice form (available in our stores in the organic section).
Orchids(orchideas). Over 1,000 species have been recorded in the country. You can admire them in the wild in trees or on the ground and in rock gardens, but they are also cultivated by enthusiasts on specialized farms in El Valle, Santa Fe or Cerro Punta. The emblematic Panamanian flower is an orchid (la flor del Espíritu Santo), resembling a dove with outstretched wings, white and delicate.
A fauna to flush out
Whether it's the island of Coiba, nicknamed the Panamanian Galapagos, or one of the many protected terrestrial or marine areas covering more than a third of the country's surface area, the playground is as fascinating for the scientific community as it is for any visitor passing through or staying in Panamá. Whatever route you take to reach this destination, wildlife is never far away, even in the midst of the capital's vertical towers. In fact, it doesn't take long to reach one of the national parks that act as the city's lungs and encounter a few animals... An encounter that calls for the respect of a few elementary rules: don't disturb or feed the animals, don't pollute their ecosystem or rely on the skills of responsible local guides or agencies. The structuring of the tourism offer for nature lovers is well underway, with a wide range of tailor-made excursions designed to satisfy the most demanding and passionate visitors. Whether it's a question of increasing the professionalism of guides or setting up themed tours, projects are well underway. So grab your binoculars and telephoto lenses, and keep an eye on the migration calendar for birds, whales and turtles, for some magical moments..
