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SAN BLAS FOOTHILLS

PANAMA
LOCALE

Area (ha):60,000
# Species:351
# Excl Vagrants:351
# Endemics:2
# Near Endemics:13
Species/100 ha:0.6
Habitat: Foothill and lowland forest

ABOUT THE BIRDING

The San Blas Foothills and nearby Nusagandi Forest Reserve are one of the world's premier birding destinations, featuring numerous range-restricted and Darien endemic species. Some 400 species of birds have been recorded in the region. The Nusagandi Forest Reserve protects about 60,000 ha. of unspoiled forest and is a wild area managed by the Kuna Indians. The Continental Divide is very low elevation in this part of Panama, resulting in a variety of highland species being present at lower altitude than in the rest of Panama. The single road traversing the forest is isolated and scarcely travelled, allowing for excellent, undisturbed birding along the road itself. Trails in the San Blas Foothills are nowhere level and can be steep in some sections. The birding along these trails is well worth the effort.

LOCATION OF SITE

The San Blas Foothills and Nusagandi Forest Reserve are located about 2-2½ hours east of Panama City. They are reached via a single gravel road that traverses the area and was built so the Kuna Indians could reach their home in the San Blas Islands.