Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno

The quetzal, Central American quetzal or Mesoamerican quetzal is one of the most representative and symbolic birds of Panama. Its area of distribution extends from the south of Mexico, through Guatemala and to the west of Panama.

The color of its plumage is the first thing that catches the attention of this animal, with colors such as iridescent green in most of the body, chest and deep red belly and reflections of gold, blue and purple. However, the colors of the females are much duller and their tail shorter.

In size, it can measure up to 40 centimeters and weigh about 200 grams. This not particularly fast flying bird is essentially frugivorous, although it also occasionally feeds on insects.

Unfortunately, this species is in near threatened status according to the IUCN and the number of specimens is decreasing. The causes, once again, focus on human action, such as the destruction of their habitat and the capture of the species.

Panamanian night monkey (Aotus zonalis)

Another of the endangered animals in Panama is the species known as Aotus zonalis. The Panamanian nocturnal monkey, Chocoano nocturnal monkey or Panamanian nocturnal monkey is a primate with a long tail and enormous eyes adapted to its nocturnal habits. Its territory is distributed only from Panama to the Chocó region, in Colombia.

The Panamanian is of arboreal habits, being able to find specimens in a great variety of forests. It usually lives in small groups of two to six individuals. In addition, it should be noted that they are territorial and monogamous. The number of individuals in the wild is currently unknown, but deforestation and pollution seriously threaten their persistence.