Five Most Common Sea Turtles Found in Panama

Leatherback Sea Turtle

Leatherback sea turtles are the oldest and rarest turtles in Panama, and are the largest of the five sea turtle families. They are one of at least four sea turtle species found nesting on the beaches of Coiba Island. Leatherbacks are listed as VULNERABLE on the IUCN Red List.

Leatherback Sea Turtle

Leatherback Sea Turtle

Green Sea Turtle

The Green sea turtle is one of the largest sea turtle species. An average Green sea turtle can weigh as much as 700 pounds and can grow up to 5 feet in length. They are listed as ENDANGERED on the IUCN Red List.

Green Sea Turtle

Green Sea Turtle

Hawksbill Sea Turtle

Hawksbill sea turtles are some of the smallest among the sea turtle species, reaching a maximum of 300 pounds and 3 feet in length. Hawksbills are considered by many to be the most beautiful of the sea turtle family for their colorful shells. Their vibrant color patterns make them highly sought after by poachers. The Hawksbill sea turtle is listed as CRITICALLY ENDANGERED on the IUCN Red List.

Hawksbill Sea Turtle in Coiba National Park

Hawksbill Sea Turtle in Coiba National Park

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle

The Olive Ridley sea turtle is one of the most abundantly found species of sea turtle found in Panama and in Coiba National Park. Because they are listed as VULNERABLE on the IUCN Red List, it is important for researchers and conservationists to monitor them and their nesting sites within the park.

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle

Loggerhead Sea Turtle

The Loggerhead sea turtle is aptly named for its exceptionally large head. Loggerheads are listed as VULNERABLE on the IUCN Red List and are one of at least four species of sea turtle known to nest on Isla Coiba.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle

Loggerhead Sea Turtle

New Poison Dart Species Found in Panama

Researchers from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and two Latin American Universities have confirmed the discovery of a new species of poison dart frog.

The new frog, named “Andinobates geminisae”, bears a striking resemblance to the strawberry poison dart frog (Oophaga pumilio). Researchers believe the new species may have been observed in the past, but was likely confused with Oophaga.

According to Cesar Jaramillo, a Smithsonian herpetologist, “Based on morphological characteristics of the adult and the tadpole, I thought it might be a new species of Andinobates.”

A. geminisae was found in the district of Donoso, Colón Province, Panama. The new species appears to be present solely in this geographical region, leading researchers to caution against deforestation or depletion of its natural habitat. Special conservation plans are also recommended to ensure this species’s long-term survival.

Photo taken by Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute