National Reserves of Panama

Panama is home to a number of nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries. These reserves provide an additional layer of environmental protection beyond Panama’s national parksystem, and many are important for migratory birds or sea turtles. Community and conservationist groups manage the land and use the revenues from visitor fees to maintain (and in some cases, expand) the reserve. Some protect dense swaths of forests, while others safeguard precious coastal habitat. One reserve, Barro Colorado Island, is home to one of the world’s most famous biological research stations.