Isla Escudo de Veraguas facts for kids
Isla Escudo de Veraguas (also known as Escudo de Veraguas Island) is a small, beautiful island located about 18 kilometers (about 11 miles) off the coast of Panama. Even though we don't have much information about its exact climate or long history, this island is famous for its amazing and unique animals. Some of these animals, like the pygmy three-toed sloth and Derby's woolly opossum, are found nowhere else in the world!
Island Life and Climate
While there isn't much detailed information about the weather on Escudo de Veraguas itself, we know that nearby Panama has a warm climate. Temperatures there usually stay between 21 to 32 degrees Celsius (70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit) all year round. This warm weather helps many different plants and animals thrive on the island.
Unique Animals of the Island
The animals living on Escudo de Veraguas are quite special. They are often smaller than their relatives on the mainland. This is because they have adapted over many years to live on a small island with limited space and resources. This process is called "island dwarfism."
Here are some of the unique creatures you can find on the island:
- Bradypus pygmaeus: This is the pygmy three-toed sloth. It's much smaller than other sloths and lives only on this island. It spends most of its life in mangrove trees.
- Oedipina maritima: This is a type of salamander that has adapted to life near the sea.
- Caluromys derbianus: Also known as Derby's woolly opossum, this small mammal is known for its soft fur.
- Hoplomys gymnurus: This is a type of spiny rat. It has stiff, spiny hairs that help protect it.
- Myotis riparius: A species of bat that can be found flying around the island at night.
These animals show how living on an isolated island can lead to new and unique species evolving over time.
Images for kids
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A map showing the location of Isla Escudo de Veraguas.
