Darién National Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Darién National Park |
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IUCN Category II (National Park)
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Collared aracari at Darién National Park
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 Darién National Park
Location in Panama
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| Location | Darién Province, Panama |
| Area | 5,790 km2 (2,240 sq mi) |
| Established | 27 September 1980 |
| Official name: Darien National Park | |
| Type: | Natural |
| Criteria: | vii, ix, x |
| Designated: | 1981 (5th session) |
| Reference #: | 159 |
| Region: | Latin America and the Caribbean |
The Darién National Park (which in Spanish is Parque Nacional Darién) is a very special place in Panama. It's a huge park, about 325 kilometers (200 miles) away from Panama City. It is the largest national park in Panama. This park is also one of the most important World Heritage Sites in Central America.
The Darién National Park acts like a natural bridge. It connects North America and South America. This makes it a unique place for plants and animals.
Contents
History of Darién National Park
The area that is now Darién National Park has been protected for a long time. In 1972, a large part of it became the Alto Darién Protection Forest. This helped keep the area safe.
Then, in 1980, the entire area was officially named a national park. This gave it even more protection. A few years later, in 1983, a big part of the park became a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. This means it's recognized globally for its important nature. The park covers about 5,790 square kilometers (2,236 square miles).
Where is Darién National Park Located?
This amazing park is in the very southern part of Panama. It is located in the Darién province. Its southern edge runs along most of the border between Colombia and Panama.
The park is found between two important areas. To the northeast, it's near the Serranía del Darién mountains. These mountains run parallel to the Caribbean Sea. To the west, the park reaches the Pacific Ocean coast. It is also right next to Los Katíos National Park in Colombia.
Diverse Habitats of the Park
Darién National Park has many different types of environments. These are called habitats. You can find rocky coastlines and sandy beaches here. There are also large areas of mangroves.
The park is also home to huge swamps. And it has vast areas of tropical forests. These different habitats support many kinds of life.
Amazing Wildlife in Darién
The park is full of incredible animals. Some common species you might see include macaws and parrots. You might also spot tapirs. A very special bird, the harpy eagle, also lives here.
The park is very important for its genetic value. This means it has many unique plants and animals. Some species found here live nowhere else in the world.
People Living in the Park
Darién National Park is special for another reason. It is one of the few protected areas in the world where people still live. Two Native tribes call this park home. They have lived there for a very long time.
Visiting Darién National Park
Because the park is so remote, it can be hard to get to. However, there are two main places where visitors often go.
Santa Cruz de Cana
One popular spot is Santa Cruz de Cana, often just called Cana. It is located in the middle of the park. Cana is near the eastern side of Cerro Pirre mountain. Many people say Cana is one of the best places in the world for bird watching. There are trails to explore and a ranger station there.
Pirre Station
The second way to enter the park is through Pirre Station. This is another ranger station. It is on the opposite side of Cerro Pirre. This area has old, untouched forests. It is also home to many animals. You can see different types of monkeys and sloths here. Many bird species also live around Pirre Station. There are several trails you can hike from the ranger station. Travelers can even stay in a basic dormitory at the station.
The Darién Gap
The park is also known for the Darién Gap. This is a unique part of the Pan-American Highway. The Pan-American Highway is a road that goes all the way from Argentina to Alaska. But the Darién Gap is the only place where this highway is broken. There is no road through this part of the park.
See also
In Spanish: Parque nacional Darién para niños
