12 Aug The Dry Forest in Coronado, Panama
By Natalie Warner
Have you ever heard of a dry forest? If not, you’re not alone. Tropical dry forests are one of the most endangered ecosystems – even more so than tropical rain forests. Despite this, Coronado, Panama is fortunate enough to have its own tropical dry forest reserve that is accessible to the public.
Dry forests are also commonly found along the Pacific Coast of Mesoamerica, which includes parts of Southern Mexico down to Panama. This area is important for many migratory animals, as it acts as a land bridge connecting North and South America. While there was over 550,000 square kilometers (341,754 square miles) of dry forest at one point, this number has since dropped below 480 square kilometers (298 square miles). Although nearly 11% of the corridor is considered protected, these protections are not effectively enforced.
These forests are populated with broad leaf trees and get little to no rain for up to four months out of the year. Thought to be less rich in species compared to other tropical biomes (regions with similar climate, animals, and plants), these areas are often overlooked by conservationists. Despite this, research suggests that diversity in Panama’s dry forests are quite high including over 500 recorded vertebrates alone. Some species are even dormant during inclement weather during the rainy or dry seasons. Dry forests also bring a wide variety of migratory animals throughout the year.
Coronado, Panama and the surrounding areas are located in Panama’s Arco Seco (dry arch). Many tourists and real estate developers consider the warm climate ideal. As a result, deforestation of a lot of the area’s dry forests have occurred. The biome’s low-lying trees, usually under 10 meters (30 feet), and shrubs make it easy for these areas to be cleared out.
However, those of us in the Playa Coronado area are in luck! The Coronado Dry Forest Reserve was created in honor of Eugene Eisenmann, a dedicated conservationist. This reserve is about 45 hectares (111 acres) and is open to the public. Although the primary reasons for the reserve is focused for the purpose of study and scientific research, anyone can visit the dry forest in Coronado.
Eugene Eisenmann Trailhead Sign
Located by the yellow Coronado Association Building after the first gate, this trail and is an easy walk or hike with a trail that forms a loop. The path does have a few stairs and visitors may need to duck under branches along the path. Along the trail you can read about the various trees and animals that live throughout the forest. This is a known spot for runners in the area and is roughly 1.2 kilometers in length (3/4 miles), the trail is said to take up to 40 minutes for walkers.
I recently visited the dry forest amid rumors that the path was in need of maintenance due to overgrowth. This proved to be the case as the path became increasingly difficult to navigate. Plans to maintain the path began last week, according to the Coronado Golf Association.
The Coronado Dry Forest Reserve is a gem within the Playa Coronado community. Often overlooked, this area provides a change of scenery from the high-rise developments. Within a short drive for those living in nearby communities, including Palmar and Nueva Gorgona, the dry forest in in Coronado is worth the visit.