Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Isla Bastimentos Marine National Park |
|
|---|---|
|
IUCN Category II (National Park)
|
|
Bastimentos Wizard
|
|
| Location | Bocas del Toro Province, Panama |
| Nearest city | Bastimentos |
| Area | 132.26 km² |
| Established | 1988 |
Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park is a special place in Panama. It is a marine park found in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago. This park protects a huge area of 13,226 hectares (about 32,682 acres) of ocean and islands. It is known for its amazing wildlife and beautiful natural spots.
Contents
History of the Park
Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park was created in 1988. Since then, the National Environmental Authority of Panama (ANAM) has looked after it. They work to keep the park safe and healthy. One of the most popular spots to visit in the park is the Cayos Zapatillas.
Where is the Park Located?
The park covers about 13,000 hectares. It includes many different islands. Among these are the larger Cayo Zapatilla Major and several smaller islands. These islands are part of the beautiful Bocas del Toro region.
Amazing Animals and Plants
This park is home to many different kinds of animals and plants. It protects important forests and mangrove areas. You can find monkeys, sloths, and even caimans and crocodiles here. The park also has 28 different kinds of amphibians and reptiles.
Sea Turtles and Their Nesting
Playa Larga (which means Long Beach) is on Isla Bastimentos. This beach is a very important place for sea turtles. Four different kinds of endangered sea turtles come here to lay their eggs. They use this beach as a nesting site from April through September each year. Most turtles go to Playa Larga, which is on the north side of the marine park.
The Strawberry Poison-Dart Frog
The rana rojo, also known as the strawberry poison-dart frog, lives on the island. This small, brightly colored frog is famous for its striking red color. It is a unique part of the park's wildlife.
Monkeys, Sloths, and Marine Life
If you visit Quebrada de Sal (Salt Creek), you might see monkeys and sloths. The park is also home to over 250 different kinds of fish. Many marine mammals also live in these protected waters.
Ancient Coral Reefs
The park has nearly eighty different coral species. These corals are very old and important. Scientists believe some of these coral reefs are over 10,000 years old. They form an amazing underwater world.
Beautiful Beaches to Explore
The park has several stunning beaches.
- Wizard Beach, also called Playa Primera, is a beautiful yellow sand beach. It is next to the jungle. You can reach it by a wilderness path from Old Bank when the weather is dry.
- Playa Segunda (Second Beach) is further along the coast.
- Red Frog Beach is another popular spot. You can also get to Red Frog Beach by a water taxi from a marina on the south side of the island.
See also
In Spanish: Parque nacional Isla Bastimentos para niños
- List of National Parks
