The Flora and Fauna

Nicaragua has many diverse ecosystems due to its varied
geography and location at the biological cross-roads of the
Americas. In fact, much of Nicaragua is unexplored, leaving
countless discoveries to be made.

The forest area of 5.5 million hectares includes 2.5 million
hectares of commercial timber forest. The majority of which is
mountainous broadleaf forest, Pacific dry forest, upland pine
forest and Caribbean rainforest.

Within this forest and throughout Nicaragua there is some
9,000 species of vascular plants of which many are thought
to have medicinal value. Nicaragua is also home to
hundreds of orchids, many of which are endemic to the
country.

Taking time to get off the beaten path might give you the
opportunity to see one of the 176 mammal species known to
exist in Nicaragua. Seeing one of the large species of cats,
including the Puma, Jaguar and Ocelot might be a little harder
as all three are listed as endangered. However you are bound
to find the mantled howler monkey and white-faced monkey in
in a variety of locations throughout Nicaragua.

Nicaragua is also home to a wide array of both saltwater and
freshwater fish, 58 types of marine coral, the manatee and
fresh water dolphin. Exploring the amazing waters of Nicaragua
can be a rewarding experience, head to the Southwest coast
or to the corn islands to scubadive or snorkel.

On the way, you might see Nicaragua's elegant and colorful
national bird, the Guardabarranco, that is one of 676 species
of birds in 56 families discovered to date.

Just about anywhere in Nicaragua you will find one of
172 reptile species are found in Nicaragua, including several
species of endangered marine turtles.

And of coarse Nicaragua is home to an unknown number of
insects. To date it is estimated that only 1% of 250,000 species
have been identified.

Nicaragua is such a diverse place, ecosystems and habitats
run the gambit. Whenever you get the chance to explore
any corner of this land, go ahead, and remember if you hire
a local guide you are bound to see more!