Panama eco-park: a protected urban forest

Abstract

Eco-Park and surrounding areas located near the Pacific or southern entrance to the Panama Canal have a long history involving pre-Columbian inhabitants, Spanish conquistadors, pirates, and Panamanian natives and immigrants associated with the construction and operation of the Panama Railroad and Canal. Some major 20th century events included Panamanian independence from Colombia, building of the Balboa Naval Station (later called Rodman Naval Station), construction of the Bridge of the Americas (formerly Thatcher Bridge), the Torrijos-Carter Treaty and, subsequently, the U.S. departure from Panama. Eco-Park is dominated by a semideciduous seasonal mixed forest. A plant survey carried out in that forest type for Eco-Park and nearby military bases (i.e., Howard, Rodman, and Kobbe together called HOROKO) revealed 378 species, 97 genera, and 82 families. An animal survey carried out in the same forest type disclosed 260 species, including 40 mammals, 19 reptiles, 13 amphibians, and 188 birds (39 migratory and 149 residents). In summary, Eco-Park and surrounding areas have a fascinating history and a diverse flora and fauna. Moreover, being situated near Panama City and along the Canal route, Eco-Park and surrounding areas offer numerous outdoor recreational opportunities for Panamanian residents and Canal Area visitors. Eco-Park, beginning as a fascinating idea, was made into reality through the dedicated efforts of both local and international groups.

Citation

Weaver, P. L. 2009. Panama eco-park: a protected urban forest. Gen. Tech. Rep. GTR-IITF-41. San Juan, Puerto Rico: U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, International Institute of Tropical Forestry. 66 p.