Nicaraguan Biodiversity
Central America has 0.5% of the world’s land mass but 10% of the world’s biological diversity.
Nicaragua presents a great opportunity to appreciate this diversity with approximately 12,000 plant and 1,400 animal species currently recorded.
The country is comprised of three distinct geographic regions: Pacific, Central and Caribbean. The Pacific region is the most densely populated with remaining natural areas primarily confined to forests on the higher slopes of volcanoes, coastal mangroves, and coastal ecosystems including prominent turtle nesting grounds. The Central Highlands have cloud and dry forests, while the Caribbean has lowland tropical rainforest.
Nicaragua has the longest river system, the two largest freshwater lakes and the richest volcanic soils in Central America. The tropical rain forests of the Caribbean are the largest north of the Amazon. The country supports abundant wildlife including toucans, ocelots, warthogs, pumas, jaguars, sloths, spider and howler monkeys, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, hawks, quetzals, boas, anacondas, crocodiles, manatees, caymans and deer. Lake Nicaragua supports unusual fish, including the world’s only freshwater sharks.
National Parks and Conservation
Before the eighties, Nicaragua had neither firm national conservation objectives nor the infrastructure to support them. Although the first protected area was established by decree in 1958 and the first national park was legally established in 1971, these areas lacked support in terms of management or protection.
During the early eighties, the Nicaraguan Institute of Natural Resources and the Environment (IRENA) was created. During their inaugural year, IRENA, now called MARENA, created the National Parks Service to manage protected areas. In 1987, the first constitution in the country’s history included provisions for the rational use and protection of the environment. During the 1980s, 17 protected areas were legislated.
It has only been since 1990 and the end of the war that protected areas received planning and support. Nicaragua, in 2002, has 76 protected areas encompassing almost 18% of its territory.
Enthusiastically embracing the long-term benefits of protecting large tracts of natural resources, Nicaragua’s difficulty lies in the complicated and costly task of managing these areas. The mining and logging industries exacerbate this challenge. Both create income at the expense of conservation efforts. Recent reports suggest that the Nicaraguan rainforest is in greater danger than the Amazon’s. Human habitation and poaching are additional problems for nearly 80% of protected areas.
As visitors, one of our biggest contributions can simply be to visit, appreciate and support the protection of Nicaragua’s natural assets. Visitors can make the trek on their own or arrange to go with a tour company or local guide.
PROTECTED AREAS POPULAR FOR VISITING
Mombacho Natural Reserve:
Mombacho’s majestic peak overlooking Granada has two craters and is covered in dense cloud forest. This extinguished volcano is the first area to be managed by a private not-for-profit organization, Fundación Cocibolca. In good weather, tourists have fantastic views of Granada, Las Isletas, Laguna de Apoyo and Lake Nicaragua. There are scenic walks on well-built trails ranging from a few minutes to several hours and from easy to challenging due to climbing of steps. It is possible to see over 50 different species of mammal, 174 types of birds and 750 different varieties of flora. One trail passes fumarolic vents where steam and gases escaping the Earth’s depths can be witnessed. Knowledgeable guide services are available upon arrival at the Biological Station. This center educates and entertains with exhibits and videos. A light lunch or snack may be had here as well. The weather on top is cool, fresh and sometimes wet; a light jacket for rain and wind is essential.
Easily reached on the road between Granada and Rivas, there is a Mombacho sign from which you drive or walk 2 ½ km to the entrance. From there it is necessary to take the fun tourist truck up the steep slope through the coffee plantations. The fee for foreigners is 115 córdobas/adults and 50 córdobas/kids for entry and transportation. The trucks leave at 8:30AM, 10, 1PM and 3PM. Open Tuesdayand Wednesday to groups of 10 & more, Thursday to Sunday for the general public.
There is a new “Walk around the Crater-Sendero del Puma.” It is about 4 km and costs $10 with a guide. Information
(552-5858).
Masaya National Park
Nicaragua’s first national park, just north of Masaya, is predominantly a volcanic landscape; however, the main attraction is its active craters. In spite of the toxic smoke from Santiago Crater, an endemic species of green parakeets nest in the crater walls, producing one of many unique ecological experiences the park has to offer. Here, the landscape resembles something from a Paleolithic era; simple life forms, such as lichens and mosses, are just beginning to renew the forest ecosystems. There are numerous trails around the park that offer spectacular views. Be sure to take the 15-30 minute hike up to the left of the craters for terrific views toward the lake and Mombacho. The park’s entrance is on the Granada-Managua highway at the 20 km point. It is open all week 9AM to 4:45PM and a 50 córdoba entrance fee is payable for foreigners. From the entrance, there is a 5 km shadeless road that runs up to the dry and barren crater’s edge. There is an interesting visitor’s center with numerous displays of volcanic geology.
Indio-Maíz Biological Reserve
Indio-Maíz is the largest wildlife reserve in Nicaragua. It covers 264,000 hectares and includes the country’s largest pristine rainforest. The rainforest is the wettest area in the country and supports amazing biodiversity. It is possible to see manatees, monkeys, jaguars, turtles and countless species of birds. Exciting boat rides leave from San Carlos a couple times a week heading east down the Río San Juan toward San Juan del Norte and the reserve. In conjunction to visiting the reserve, other points of interest along the Río San Juan include El Castillo and Refugio Bartola, at the western tip of the reserve. This trip is a fascinating adventure through one of the wettest parts of Nicaragua. Be prepared for rain and mosquitoes.
Maderas Volcano Nature Reserve
An extinguished volcano on Ometepe Island, Maderas features thick cloud forests, waterfalls, a beautiful crater lagoon and amazing panoramic views. The cloud forest may afford opportunities to observe monkeys, armadillo, opossum, anteaters, deer, bats and a veritable smorgasbord of amazing orchids and ferns. The main Maderas Reserve attraction is climbing the volcano. This excursion takes roughly eight hours and rewards the hiker with the beautiful sights described above.
La Flor Wildlife Refuge
Located 18 km south of San Juan del Sur, this is a spectacular deserted pacific beach where the Paslama, Olive Ridley and Tora sea turtles arrive by the thousands to lay their eggs between July and January each year. The greatest concentrations of arrivals take place about eight to ten times a year roughly following lunar patterns. It is possible to camp at La Flor for a fee, but tourists must adhere to the refuge’s directions and heed park ranger advice about respecting the turtles. The reserve has no amenities. La Flor is reached by taking the coastal dirt road south from San Juan del Sur. The entrance fee is 150 córdobas. To find out the most likely times to see the largest concentrations of turtles, call the ranger at 458-2514 or e-mail Fundación Cocibolca at fcdeje@ibw.com.ni. Organized tours leave from San Juan del Sur or tourists may drive themselves or take a local bus.
Miraflor Natural Reserve
This 5,600 hectare reserve is at a higher altitude than other protected areas and offers tropical savannahs, dry forests, cloud forests and the beautiful lagoon from which its name is derived. Wildlife includes numerous bird species including hummingbirds, toucans and the rare quetzal. The jungle here is lush with tall moss-laden oaks, orchids and begonias and worth the 18 km trip north from Estelí on the road towards Yali. A tour may be organized through operators in Estelí or Managua. Accommodation with resident communities is available as part of the program to promote eco-tourism and sustainable use of this protected area. Check with the Estelí tourist office for arrangements (713-6799).
Tisey / La Estanzuela Nature Reserve
Just south of Estelí, the reserve has Salto de la Estanzuela, a charming 30-meter waterfall. Visitors may swim in the pool beneath cascading waters. Larger during the wet season, this area is reached by turning west off the main road a kilometer south of town. The turn-off is located near the hospital and is easy to miss; however, locals will gladly provide directions to the waterfall. You can drive or take a bus to the turn off and then walk or hitch a ride the 5 km to the entrance. There is no entrance fee but local children hoping to make a few córdobas will want to act as guides.
Juan Venado Island Natural Reserve
Located at the southern end of the Poneloya and Las Peñitas beaches near León, Juan Venado is a barrier island. Its river system at times is only separated from the sea by less than a hundred meters. Visitors may take a lush mangrove boat ride through the estuaries and stop to visit turtle nesting areas when in season. The nesting may be watched at night during season. For those who wish to see iguanas, caimans, crabs or the beautiful bird species, it is best to organize a trip close to sunrise or sunset. It is cooler and the wildlife more active. The departure point at the southern end of Las Peñitas is reached via buses that depart hourly for the beaches from the west end of León, Mercado Felix, also called Subtiava. Once there, local businesses will direct visitors to the park ranger. A short, one and a half-hour trip may be arranged for $20 US dollars, or a five-hour trip for between $50 and $60. There are both accommodations and restaurants at this pretty fishing village.
Chocoyero-El Brujo Waterfall and Nature Reserve
The Chocoyero-El Brujo reserve is small but it is an important watershed that provides potable water to thousands. It is also an important tourist attraction. Every year, approximately 10,000 people visit Chocoyero-El Brujo and the two crashing waterfalls that give the reserve its name. Located 23 km south of Managua, the Chocoyero-El Brujo Nature Reserve is a refreshing getaway from Managua. From Managua heading south to Masaya turn west after 14 km heading toward Ticuantepe and La Concepción. At 21 ½ km there will be a dirt road to take you to the entrance.
Bosawás Biosphere Reserve
Bosawás occupies 730,000 hectares covering approximately 14% of Nicaragua’s territory. It is the largest tract of tropical, humid forest in Central America and is located in the northeastern Caribbean region bordering Honduras. This sparsely populated area is the traditional homeland of the Miskito people with indigenous communities still living there. Although this area is difficult to access and tour, it can be worth the trouble. Visitors can reach this area by flying to Puerto Cabezas on the coast or Bonanza in the heart of the R.A.A.N. department. Overland journey via the dirt road to Puerto Cabezas is another option. At Rosita, turn north to reach Bonanza from where it is possible to make day trips into the forest.
Los Gatuzos Wildlife Refuge
Located on the stretch of land between Lake Nicaragua, Río San Juan and the Costa Rican border, this park covers 43,000 hectares. The wetland and rainforest here are home to a large variety of migratory birds and mammal species, many of which are in danger of extinction. Part of this area may be observed from the river crossing the border between San Carlos and Los Chiles in Costa Rica. For more detailed viewng, a guide will need to be arranged from San Carlos.
Zapateras Archipielago National Park
This national park, comprised of 13 islands, is host to dry tropical forests, savannahs and swamps and provides a home for a rich variety of birds. It is also a notable archeological site. Petroglyphs remain on Isla El Muerto and are amongst the oldest examples of known pre-Columbian art in Nicaragua. You can also find fine examples in the Convento de San Francisco museum in Granada. The islands are not easily accessed and it is best to go with someone who knows where the petroglyphs are. Not far from Granada, it takes approximately two hours by boat. A tour or hired boat may be arranged from Puerto Asese, where boats also depart for Las Isletas.
