Panama’s tropical climate is apt to carry out diverse tourist activities, and experts say that it has 12 of the 30 zones of life that exist in the world. Presently, Panama has reported between 1,300 to 1,900 endemic species, most of which have been included in the list of endangered species.



It is important to know that Panama´s forest resources are composed by natural forests, established plantations, and by the areas with apt forest ground that are now used for other things.

Tropical Rainforests

These forests can be found on both the Atlantic and Pacific basins, specifically in the provinces of Panama, Colon, Darien, Chiriqui, Veraguas, Bocas del Toro, and Los Santos. Regarding the zone of life, it occupies 32% of the total surface of the country. The zone of life is characterized by having planes with a slight incline, ideal for growing many tropical forest species with worldly commercial value. These lands are well drained or can be drained with the purpose of making them optimum for current or future agriculture.

Tropical Dry Forests

Tropical dry forests are located on the pacific side on the lower lands of West and Central Panama, Cocle, Herrera and the province of Los Santos. There also is a small part of the peninsula of Garachine in Darien. Among the species of trees in these forests we have: the spiny cedar, bitterwood, mahogany, carob, oak, and corotu among others.

Premontane Dry Forests

The zone of life in these forests are found toward the side of the sea, specifically land within the Golf of Panama, Cocle, Herrera and Los Santos. The experts say that the grounds of these forests are excellent since they occupy mostly leveled ground with soft inclines, except in the mangroves. The area has a surface of 2,070 square kilometers which represents 3% of Panamanian territory.

Urban Forests

Urban forests are made of areas that are rich in biodiversity that were near or in the periphery of civil or residential facilities. These also include the forests within the areas of the Panama Canal, near the city of Colon. These forests are between 85 and 150 years old, which form part of the Atlantic-Pacific corridor of the Canal sector.

Meanwhile the forest of the Pacific are considered semideciduos of low grounds. These forests are rich avifaunal forests that are unbeatable in proportion to its size in relation to any other part of the world. These forest shelter migratory birds of prey such as the broad winged hawk, swainson’s hawk, and the red-headed vultures of North America. They are also the habitat of big and small mammals.

If Panama is your next destination, remember to visit the national parks and forest reserves located across the country.