Laguna del Tigre facts for kids

The Laguna del Tigre National Park is a very important natural area located in northern Guatemala. You can find it in the San Andrés area of the Petén Department. This park is huge, covering about 337,899 hectares! That makes it the biggest national park in Guatemala. It's also the largest protected wetland in all of Central America.

This special park is part of the Maya Biosphere Reserve, which is a massive area set aside to protect nature. Laguna del Tigre is the main "core zone" within this reserve, meaning it's one of the most important parts.

The park is also recognized as a Ramsar site. This means it's a wetland of international importance, especially for water birds. Its large size and unique wetland features make it very special. The park often floods, which creates amazing landscapes like wide-open savannas and special "transition forests" that change between different types of trees.

Because of some challenges it faces, Laguna del Tigre is also on the Montreux Record. This is a list of important wetland sites that need extra attention and help to stay healthy. The park is full of different kinds of plants and animals, living in its flooded savannas, wetlands, and various forests.

Challenges for the Park

Even though Laguna del Tigre National Park is protected, it faces some serious challenges. People sometimes use parts of the park for activities that can harm the environment. For example, some areas have been used for raising cattle, which can damage the natural habitats.

These activities can lead to the loss of important forests and wetlands. This makes it harder for the animals and plants that live there to survive. Protecting this park is very important to keep its unique nature safe for the future.

See also

In Spanish: Parque nacional Laguna del Tigre para niños