Panama is home to a wide variety of rainforests. Expectations vary, depending on the experience of the traveler. Everyone who books our hiking adventures is looking for the Resplendent Quetzal. But this little guy (pictured below) can be found in Costa Rica and Panama. (Scale-crested Pygmy-tyrant (Lophotriccus pileatus)--photo courtesy of Mongabay)
Visiting a tropical rainforest promises to be a memorable experience. Rainforests house around half the world's plant and animal species and are home to indigenous people who live in ways quite unlike those in the western world.
Further, rainforests are found in a variety of landscapes: some are situated on scenic mountain ranges, others hug giant lowland rivers, while more still are found near beautiful beaches and coral reefs. Rainforests offer opportunities for cultural exchange, photography, adventure, fishing, hiking, relaxation, birding and wildlife spotting. However, a visit to the rainforest is not a trip fit for everyone. Rainforests can be hot and humid, are often difficult to reach and insect-ridden, and have wildlife that is relatively hard to see. Before planning your first trip to the rainforest there are some things you should consider.
Wildlife -- What to reasonably expect.
Do not confuse "diversity" with "abundance." While rainforests are home to countless numbers of species, most of these are small creatures that live in the forest canopy. The biology of tropical rainforests is a biology of rare species -- any one given species is not necessarily plentiful. Animal life in the rainforest is subtle and fleeting, and many animals rely on camouflage and nocturnal behavior to protect themselves from predators. The only guarantees are insects and maybe some lizards. A good guide can make your experience educational and fascinating even if you don't see a jaguar or tapir.
That said, there is a good chance that you will see some interesting species when visiting the rainforest, especially if you visit a lodge in a protected area that has a lot of biodiversity and top-notch guides. Just don't be disappointed if you fail to see a number of large mammals or birds.
For the complete article on what to expect in the rainforest:
http://news.mongabay.com/2005/0914-rainforest_ecotourism.html
For pictures of the Quetzal and other wildlife spotted on our hiking tours:
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