Natural Wonders

Once part of the mainland, rising sea levels separated Coiba Island from the rest of Panama roughly 15,000 years ago. Despite its relatively short isolation, many plant and animal species have evolved new and distinct forms on the island, making them unique in the world. Endemic species include the Coiba Island Howler Monkey, the Coiba Agouti (a small rodent) and the Coiba Spinetail bird.



The island is also home to many plant and animal species that have largely vanished from the mainland, such as crested eagles, scarlet macaws, wpider monkeys, and the Yellow-billed Cotinga. Many of the islands inhabitants make their home in Coiba's red, white and black mangroves swamps, one of the most diverse mangrove systems in the region.