15 Amazing Animals in Panama You Can See on Vacation

With a plethora of biodiverse national parks spanning the country, there’s a wide array of animals in Panama for visitors to enjoy.

From La Amistad (on the western border with Costa Rica) to Darien National Park (bordering Colombia in the east), the country is filled with more than 10,000 types of plants and hundreds of species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. 

Whether you prefer fertile land covered in lush rainforests or tropical beaches surrounded by big, blue ocean, Panama has plenty of natural beauty to spare.

The country’s coast is dotted by islands such as the Bocas del Toro archipelago, Pearl Islands, and San Blas Islands, with abundant marine life to be seen along with the picturesque scenic views. 

Here’s a look at some of the more iconic Panama wildlife you may see in this unique land, which serves as a crossroads between North and South America. 

READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Panama (For Nature Lovers)

Animals in Panama Guide

1. Red-eyed Tree Frog
2. Bush Dog 
3. Capybara
4. Dolphins 
5. Giant Anteater 
6. Green Iguana
7. Jaguar
8. Jaguarundi
9. Margay 
10. White-Faced Capuchin Monkey
11. Morpho Butterflies 
12. Sea Turtles
13. Sloths
14. Tapirs
15. Whale Sharks 

READ MORE: The 20 Best Places to Visit in Central America (For Nature Lovers)

1. RED-EYED TREE FROG

According to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, there are over 200 different species of amphibians found in Panama.

But the Red-eyed Tree Frog is one of the most beloved, with its small green body and the piercing red eyes that give it its name.

In Panama, these little amphibians are commonly spotted in tropical rainforest habitats, usually resting behind large leaves during the day and becoming more active at night. 

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2. BUSH DOG 

With an appearance more like a large weasel or a very small (around 13 pounds) bear, the bush dog is a relatively rare and unusual native animal of Panama.

They’re very hard to spot, usually preferring to hide in rainforests.

They’re quite fond of the water, and feed on reptiles and small mammals. Sometimes they have been known to hunt for larger mammals (including capybaras) as well. 

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