NCI 2024
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    Mammals Birds Amphibians Reptiles Myxini – Hagfishes Petromyz' – Lampreys Sharks & rays Animals Holocep' – Chimaeras Ray-finned fishes Dipneusti – Lungfish Gastropoda – Snails & slugs Coelac' – Coelacanths Insecta – Insects / bugs Arachnida – Spiders & scorpions Malacostraca – Malacostracans Diplopoda – Millipedes Bivalvia – Marine molluscs Cephalopoda – Squids & octopuses Chilopoda – Centipedes Pycnogonida – Sea spiders Merostomata – Horseshoe crabs More Classes
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    Panama stands as a vibrant hub of biodiversity, boasting tropical landscapes that harbor an extraordinary variety of plant and animal species. Encompassing nearly half of the nation’s land area are expansive stretches of rainforests, mangrove swamps, and cloud forests nestled within the mountains.

    Situated within the world’s most biodiverse region and bridging Central and South America, Panama enjoys unparalleled proximity to the diverse flora and fauna of three distinct bodies of water: the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Chiriquí, and Gulf of Panama. These lush forests of Panama serve as crucial biological pathways, facilitating the migration of various species.

    Score Rank Change
    Total Score – NCI 2024 59.1 48 N/A
    Land Management 73 11 N/A
    Protected Areas (Terrestrial) 100 1 N/A
    Ecological Representativeness of Terrestrial Protected Areas 100 1 N/A
    Connectedness of Terrestrial Protected Areas 66 42 N/A
    Protected Areas (Marine) 87 11 N/A
    Pristine Habitat (Converted Land) 100 1 N/A
    Sustainable Nitrogen Management (Soil Pollution) 27 126 N/A
    Sustainable Pesticide Use 34 86 N/A
    Threats to Biodiversity 58 132 N/A
    Threatened Species (Terrestrial) 84 116 N/A
    Threatened Species (Marine) 66 55 N/A
    Threatened Species’ Coverage by Protected Areas 85 111 N/A
    Species Coverage by Marine Protected Areas 91 73 N/A
    Species with Declining Populations (Terrestrial) 0 165 N/A
    Species with Declining Populations (Marine) 0 10 N/A
    Depleted Fisheries 0 39 N/A
    Fishery Pressure in the High Seas 100 96 N/A
    Invasive Species Pressure 96 80 N/A
    Capacity and Governance 63 97 N/A
    Total Management Cost 70 160 N/A
    Conservation Culturomics 68 16 N/A
    Conservation Legislation 27 151 N/A
    Ratification of CBD 100 1 N/A
    Ratification of CITES 100 1 N/A
    Political Stability and Absence of Violence 50 63 N/A
    Control of Corruption 37 114 N/A
    Government Effectiveness 48 84 N/A
    Future Trends 42 92 N/A
    Climate Change Mitigation 42 92 N/A


    Four pillars elaborated:

    Land Management

     Panama’s extensive network of protected areas covers more than a third of its land area and half of its marine territory, ensuring the preservation of diverse ecosystems such as rainforests, cloud forests, mangroves, and coral reefs. Recently, Panama reached a significant milestone by safeguarding over half of its marine waters, a feat largely attributed to the expansion of the Banco Volcán Marine Protected Area. This milestone positions Panama as a global frontrunner in ocean conservation, marking it as the first Latin American nation to achieve this level of marine protection. Such accomplishments underscore Panama’s dedication to environmental sustainability and its influential role in regional ocean conservation efforts.

    Threats to Biodiversity

     The primary challenges to biodiversity in Panama stem from factors like agricultural expansion, alterations in land use, soil degradation and loss, deforestation, and habitat fragmentation. Additionally, issues such as water and soil pollution, the development of human infrastructure within protected areas, various human-related risks, climate change, natural disasters, and the emergence of diseases further threaten the country’s biodiversity.

    Capacity and Governance

     Panama has implemented various strategies to tackle biodiversity threats. To combat invasive alien species, it’s developing a national legal framework and strategy to prevent their introduction. In response to the decline of amphibian populations due to chytridiomycosis, ex situ conservation efforts have led to the establishment of conservation centers like the El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center and the Amphibian Rescue Center, serving as models for global replication. Conservation plans have been devised for other endangered species like the Harpy eagle and jaguar.

    Additionally, efforts under the REDD+ initiative have enhanced understanding of deforestation causes, facilitating the design of a national strategy for forest conservation and carbon stock increase. Furthermore, the Panama Canal Authority has initiated reforestation programs since 2011.

    Future Trends

     Panama’s 30×30 Plan is an ambitious endeavor aimed at safeguarding 30% of the nation’s land and marine territories by 2030. This comprehensive initiative involves expanding protected areas, revitalizing degraded ecosystems, and promoting sustainable land management practices. As a signatory to this international commitment, Panama is dedicated to halting and reversing biodiversity loss by the target year of 2030. Additionally, the country has pledged to derive 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2050, a move designed to curb greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change on biodiversity.


    Biodiversity

    The tropical rainforests, particularly those in the Darién National Park and the Soberanía National Park, are among the most biodiverse areas in Central America. These lush forests are home to a wide array of wildlife, including jaguars, ocelots, Baird’s tapirs, and several species of monkeys, such as the howler monkey and capuchin monkey. Birdlife is abundant, with over 900 recorded species, including the harpy eagle, Panama’s national bird, and the resplendent quetzal. These forests are also rich in plant diversity, with numerous species of trees, orchids, and bromeliads.

    Panama’s coastal and marine environments are equally rich in biodiversity. The country’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts are lined with extensive mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs, which provide crucial habitats for a variety of marine species. The coral reefs, particularly those around the Bocas del Toro archipelago and the Pearl Islands, are teeming with marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and various invertebrates. The waters around Panama are also important for humpback whale migration.

    In the table below are the number of known species in several main groups, how many of these species are Threatened with extinction, and how many of them are Endemic (unique to Panama only):


    Species
    (World rank)    		 Threatened % Threatened Endemic % Endemic
    Mammals 258 (#38) 17 6.6% 19 7.4%
    Birds 889 (#20) 17 1.9% 11 1.2%
    Reptiles 286 (#29) 10 3.5% 32 11.2%
    Amphibians 230 (#17) 49 21.3% 51 22.2%
    Fishes 1,439 (#24) 103 7.2% 30 2.1%
    Plants 10,444 (#31) 212 2.0% 201 1.9%


    Go To 2024 National Nature Conservation Index Main Page

    Panama

    A biological corridor that fosters an incredible array of flora and fauna

    Score:

    59.1 / 100

    Rank:

    48 / 180