Category Archives: Coiba

Whale Shark. A whale or a shark?

We get asked this question a lot during Whale shark season here in Panama and we thought perhaps it was time to answer the top five questions that we hear before the Whale Sharks arrive again this year.

Is a Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus), a Whale or a Shark?

The Whale Shark is the biggest fish and shark in the world. The largest mammal is the Blue Whale.

What do Whale Sharks eat and are they dangerous?

Despite their massive size they are entirely harmless unless you are tiny plankton, krill, small squid or algae, as this is all they really feed on. Krill are small crustaceans that are generally no bigger than 1 or 2 centimeters, although a few species can grow up to 15 cm. They gather in swaying swarms of up to 60,000 per square meter!

How big can Whale Sharks get?

The largest confirmed individual was 12.65m (41.50ft) in length and weighed 21.5 tons. Despite this being longer then a school bus, unconfirmed reports suggest even bigger ones existing with Whale Shark sightings by fisherman and divers alike of up to 18 meters. When you ask many of our guests returning from a daytrip out snorkelling or diving with them, the reports of how big they were gets bigger by the hour!

Where do the Whale Sharks go?

For the months that the Whale Sharks are not with us here in Panama they are off chasing the flow of food, feeding where ever the currents take them. Whale Sharks that have been tagged in Coiba island have been tracked as far South as the Galapagos Islands and as Far North as Mexico.

How many Whale Sharks are there and are they endangered?

Whalesharks are on the IUCN Red list as Vulnerable and are protected by CITES as well as the UN Environment Programme’s Convention on Migratory Species. Sadly, their population is decreasing as they are being hunted for their meat, liver oil, fins, skin and gills. Now, new policies for the protection of whale sharks have been enacted in Coiba and Discover Hidden Panama is eager to be a part of helping with monitoring the new regulations. More importantly, because of the decline in Whale Shark populations we work with the two largest international databases tracking and monitoring the Whale Sharks here.

Whale sharks in coiba island

Whale shark conservation

What Discover Hidden Panama is trying to achieve

We also offer special packages where part of the proceeds is donated to Sea Shepherd, the worlds leading direct action ocean conservation and protection group.We offer not only for our guests to participate with us in preserving and protecting these giant fish but offer an internationally recognised certification for diving with Whale Sharks. Guests can learn about these amazing creatures and how to dive with them. This experience coupled with our underwater photography program and knowledge of identifying and cataloguing these species will help you to contribute to their preservation for many, many years as you travel to other places and continue the work within this amazing program tracking the global populations.

snorkel with the whale shark and learn if they are a shark or a whale

Snorkelling with whale sharks

 

On: By: Posted in Coiba, Conservation, whale sharks
Comments: 0

Five Amazing Birds Found in Panama

Five Amazing Birds Found in Panama

Panama, and more specifically, Coiba National Park, is home to an exciting population of birds, some of which are hard to find anywhere else. Journey with us to view the diversity of Panama’s bird population.
 

Scarlet Macaw

The Scarlet Macaw gets its name from the vibrant red feathers covering a large portion of its body. They are known for having relatively long tail feathers which are usually light blue. The upper wings are yellow and the flight feathers of the wing are dark blue. Although the Scarlet Macaw is listed on the IUCN Red List as “Least Concern” worldwide, it is considered endangered in Panama and is very rarely seen on the mainland. Cobia Island is the best place to get a look at this tropical beauty!

Scarlet Macaw

Scarlet Macaw

Crested Eagle

The Crested Eagle is a neotropical eagle, meaning it can be found throughout the neotropical region, it can be easily spotted by the prominent crest at the top of its head. The Crested Eagle is a very large raptor and loves catching a variety of animals around Coiba Island, including fish and snakes. The Crested Eagle is listed as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List. They live at very low densities, meaning they require a considerable amount of space between each other. Consequently, Crested Eagles are seen infrequently in the wild.

Crested Eagle

Crested Eagle

Coiba Spinetail

The Coiba Spinetail, a subspecies of the rusty-backed spinetail, is an endemic species to Coiba. Although they are fairly common on Coiba, they are considered vulnerable due to their lack of range outside of the island. The Coiba Spinetail can be identified by its rusty-brown colored wings, crown, and tail. Its head is brown with grey streaks.

Coiba Spinetail and Nest

Coiba Spinetail and Nest – Photo Credit: Glenn J. Lee

Brown-Backed Dove

The Brown-Backed Dove is endemic to Panama and is most commonly found on the islands of Cebaco and Coiba. It is listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List due to its relatively small range, though the population within Panama seems to be quite healthy. Brown-Backed Doves can be identified by their brown back and wings. Its crown, nape, and throat are grey in color.

Photo Courtesy of Bird Coiba

Photo Courtesy of Bird Coiba

Scaly-Breasted Hummingbird

The Scaly-Breasted Hummingbird, also known as the Scaly-Breasted Sabrewing, is a relatively large hummingbird common in Central America and northern Columbia. It has vibrant, almost iridescent green feathers and can be found in a variety of habitats including dry forests, rain forests and mangroves. They are often seen on Coiba and the surrounding area. The Scaly-Breasted Hummingbird is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and is not believed to be in any danger of vulnerability.

Scaly Breasted Hummingbird

Scaly Breasted Hummingbird

On: By: Posted in Birds, Central America, Coiba, Conservation, Latin America, Panama, Research, Travel Panama, Wildlife
Comments: 0

Weekly Wildlife Spotlight: Hawksbill Sea Turtle

Hawksbill Sea Turtle
 

Scientific Name:

Eretmochelys imbricata

Common Name:

Hawksbill – Named for its narrow head and hawk-like beak.

Population Estimate:

20,000 – 23,000 nesting females.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Where To Find Them:

Hawksbills are mostly found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. The Hawksbill’s narrow head and beak-shaped jaws allow it to get food from crevices in coral reefs. They eat sponges, anemones, squid and shrimp.
Hawksbills are typically found around coastal reefs, rocky areas, estuaries and lagoons. They nest at intervals of 2-4 years and usually nest between 3-6 times per season. An adult female will usually lay an average of 160 eggs per nest, these eggs will incubate for a period of about 60 days.

How to Spot Them:

The Hawksbill is among the smallest in the sea turtle family. Its head is narrow, has two pairs of scales in front of its eyes and a serrated jaw. An adult Hawksbill typically weigh 100-155 pounds (46-70 kg.) and measures 2.5-3 feet (71-89 cm) in length.
The shell of the Hawksbill is elliptical in shape and its flippers each have two claws. Its shell is typically orange, brown, or yellow, while the shells of hatchlings are mostly brown with pale blotches on their scales.

IUCN Redlist Status:

Hawksbill sea turtles are listed as Endangered (in danger of extinction within the foreseeable future) in the U.S. and Critically Endangered (facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future) internationally. The greatest threat to the Hawksbill sea turtle is hunting for their prized shell, often referred to as “tortoise shell.” In some countries the shell is still used to make hair ornaments, jewelry, and other decorative items.

How We’re Helping:

Not long ago, most researchers thought hawksbills had been eliminated from the eastern Pacific Ocean. Recent discoveries and new projects have changed the conservation outlook for this endangered species and inspired hope for its recovery. Of all the sea turtle conservation issues, the protection of Hawksbills in the eastern Pacific is one of the most pressing. The current low nesting numbers indicate that the turtle species is unlikely to survive without outside action and conservation efforts.
 
We are working to bring more awareness to the current plight of the Hawksbill by organizing beach patrols to protect eggs and ward off poachers, tracking sightings of the turtles in our partnership with Sea Turtle Conservancy, as well as teaching the PADI Project AWARE Sea Turtle Awareness Distinct Specialty Course to those who join us in our programs and expeditions. With your help, we are striving to bring the Hawksbill back from the brink of extinction.

On: By: Posted in Central America, Coiba, Conservation, Latin America, Marine Life, Panama, Research, Sea Turtles, Wildlife Spotlight
Comments: 0

Five Most Common Sea Turtles Found in Panama

Leatherback Sea Turtle

Leatherback sea turtles are the oldest and rarest turtles in Panama, and are the largest of the five sea turtle families. They are one of at least four sea turtle species found nesting on the beaches of Coiba Island. Leatherbacks are listed as VULNERABLE on the IUCN Red List.

Leatherback Sea Turtle

Leatherback Sea Turtle

Green Sea Turtle

The Green sea turtle is one of the largest sea turtle species. An average Green sea turtle can weigh as much as 700 pounds and can grow up to 5 feet in length. They are listed as ENDANGERED on the IUCN Red List.

Green Sea Turtle

Green Sea Turtle

Hawksbill Sea Turtle

Hawksbill sea turtles are some of the smallest among the sea turtle species, reaching a maximum of 300 pounds and 3 feet in length. Hawksbills are considered by many to be the most beautiful of the sea turtle family for their colorful shells. Their vibrant color patterns make them highly sought after by poachers. The Hawksbill sea turtle is listed as CRITICALLY ENDANGERED on the IUCN Red List.

Hawksbill Sea Turtle in Coiba National Park

Hawksbill Sea Turtle in Coiba National Park

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle

The Olive Ridley sea turtle is one of the most abundantly found species of sea turtle found in Panama and in Coiba National Park. Because they are listed as VULNERABLE on the IUCN Red List, it is important for researchers and conservationists to monitor them and their nesting sites within the park.

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle

Loggerhead Sea Turtle

The Loggerhead sea turtle is aptly named for its exceptionally large head. Loggerheads are listed as VULNERABLE on the IUCN Red List and are one of at least four species of sea turtle known to nest on Isla Coiba.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle

Loggerhead Sea Turtle

On: By: Posted in Adventure, Central America, Coiba, Conservation, Latin America, Marine Life, Panama, Sea Turtles
Comments: 0