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Whale Shark. A whale or a shark?

We get asked this question a lot during Whale shark season here in Panama and we thought perhaps it was time to answer the top five questions that we hear before the Whale Sharks arrive again this year.

Is a Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus), a Whale or a Shark?

The Whale Shark is the biggest fish and shark in the world. The largest mammal is the Blue Whale.

What do Whale Sharks eat and are they dangerous?

Despite their massive size they are entirely harmless unless you are tiny plankton, krill, small squid or algae, as this is all they really feed on. Krill are small crustaceans that are generally no bigger than 1 or 2 centimeters, although a few species can grow up to 15 cm. They gather in swaying swarms of up to 60,000 per square meter!

How big can Whale Sharks get?

The largest confirmed individual was 12.65m (41.50ft) in length and weighed 21.5 tons. Despite this being longer then a school bus, unconfirmed reports suggest even bigger ones existing with Whale Shark sightings by fisherman and divers alike of up to 18 meters. When you ask many of our guests returning from a daytrip out snorkelling or diving with them, the reports of how big they were gets bigger by the hour!

Where do the Whale Sharks go?

For the months that the Whale Sharks are not with us here in Panama they are off chasing the flow of food, feeding where ever the currents take them. Whale Sharks that have been tagged in Coiba island have been tracked as far South as the Galapagos Islands and as Far North as Mexico.

How many Whale Sharks are there and are they endangered?

Whalesharks are on the IUCN Red list as Vulnerable and are protected by CITES as well as the UN Environment Programme’s Convention on Migratory Species. Sadly, their population is decreasing as they are being hunted for their meat, liver oil, fins, skin and gills. Now, new policies for the protection of whale sharks have been enacted in Coiba and Discover Hidden Panama is eager to be a part of helping with monitoring the new regulations. More importantly, because of the decline in Whale Shark populations we work with the two largest international databases tracking and monitoring the Whale Sharks here.

Whale sharks in coiba island

Whale shark conservation

What Discover Hidden Panama is trying to achieve

We also offer special packages where part of the proceeds is donated to Sea Shepherd, the worlds leading direct action ocean conservation and protection group.We offer not only for our guests to participate with us in preserving and protecting these giant fish but offer an internationally recognised certification for diving with Whale Sharks. Guests can learn about these amazing creatures and how to dive with them. This experience coupled with our underwater photography program and knowledge of identifying and cataloguing these species will help you to contribute to their preservation for many, many years as you travel to other places and continue the work within this amazing program tracking the global populations.

snorkel with the whale shark and learn if they are a shark or a whale

Snorkelling with whale sharks

 

On: By: Posted in Coiba, Conservation, whale sharks
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Five Amazing Birds Found in Panama

Five Amazing Birds Found in Panama

Panama, and more specifically, Coiba National Park, is home to an exciting population of birds, some of which are hard to find anywhere else. Journey with us to view the diversity of Panama’s bird population.
 

Scarlet Macaw

The Scarlet Macaw gets its name from the vibrant red feathers covering a large portion of its body. They are known for having relatively long tail feathers which are usually light blue. The upper wings are yellow and the flight feathers of the wing are dark blue. Although the Scarlet Macaw is listed on the IUCN Red List as “Least Concern” worldwide, it is considered endangered in Panama and is very rarely seen on the mainland. Cobia Island is the best place to get a look at this tropical beauty!

Scarlet Macaw

Scarlet Macaw

Crested Eagle

The Crested Eagle is a neotropical eagle, meaning it can be found throughout the neotropical region, it can be easily spotted by the prominent crest at the top of its head. The Crested Eagle is a very large raptor and loves catching a variety of animals around Coiba Island, including fish and snakes. The Crested Eagle is listed as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List. They live at very low densities, meaning they require a considerable amount of space between each other. Consequently, Crested Eagles are seen infrequently in the wild.

Crested Eagle

Crested Eagle

Coiba Spinetail

The Coiba Spinetail, a subspecies of the rusty-backed spinetail, is an endemic species to Coiba. Although they are fairly common on Coiba, they are considered vulnerable due to their lack of range outside of the island. The Coiba Spinetail can be identified by its rusty-brown colored wings, crown, and tail. Its head is brown with grey streaks.

Coiba Spinetail and Nest

Coiba Spinetail and Nest – Photo Credit: Glenn J. Lee

Brown-Backed Dove

The Brown-Backed Dove is endemic to Panama and is most commonly found on the islands of Cebaco and Coiba. It is listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List due to its relatively small range, though the population within Panama seems to be quite healthy. Brown-Backed Doves can be identified by their brown back and wings. Its crown, nape, and throat are grey in color.

Photo Courtesy of Bird Coiba

Photo Courtesy of Bird Coiba

Scaly-Breasted Hummingbird

The Scaly-Breasted Hummingbird, also known as the Scaly-Breasted Sabrewing, is a relatively large hummingbird common in Central America and northern Columbia. It has vibrant, almost iridescent green feathers and can be found in a variety of habitats including dry forests, rain forests and mangroves. They are often seen on Coiba and the surrounding area. The Scaly-Breasted Hummingbird is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and is not believed to be in any danger of vulnerability.

Scaly Breasted Hummingbird

Scaly Breasted Hummingbird

On: By: Posted in Birds, Central America, Coiba, Conservation, Latin America, Panama, Research, Travel Panama, Wildlife
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