America with South America. Both the northwestern and eastern halves of Panama as well as the canal zone is dominated by rain forests teeming with animal and plant species from both continents. More bird species live in Panama than in North America. In total, there are 954 indigenous bird species plus hundreds of migrating bird species. Panama is also home to 225 mammal species, 214 reptile species and 143 amphibious species, as well as host to more than 10,000 plant species.
Panama provides visitors with an abundance of protected areas. More than 29 percent of Panama's land mass is given over to 15 national parks, a dozen forest reserves and 10 wild life sanctuaries.
There are hundreds of islands near the Panamanian coasts. The two major archipelagos are the San Blas and Bocas del Toro chains in the Caribbean, though the best snorkeling, diving and deep-sea fishing are to be found in the Pacific near Coiba Island and the Pearl Islands. Panama has flat coastal lowlands and two mountain chains running along its spine. The highest peak is Volc??n Bar?? at 11,400ft.
There are two seasons. The dry season lasts from January to mid-April and the rainy season from mid-April to December. Rainfall is heavier on the Caribbean side of the highlands, though most people live on or near the Pacific coast. Temperatures are typically hot in the lowlands (between 70F and 90F) and cool in the mountains (between 50F-64F).
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