an American Vulture dries its wings
nothing to eat here
a coati hurries to safety
Iguanas are skilful climbers
this pelican sits high an dry
a bat hugs the tree
it found something edible
a Capuchin Monkey plays peekaboo
while his sibling demonstrates its acrobatic skills
a Gatun Lake wildlife tour
Gatun Lake is a large artificial body of fresh water and forms a crucial part of the Panama Canal. The lake was created in 1913 after
completion of the Gatun Dam that blocks the Chagres River just south of Colon.
Gatun Lake sits at an elevation of about
26 meters and not only provides the water for the operation of the locks, but also a stretch of 33 km of the canal.
The lake
is filled by seasonal rainfall in the surrounding forests.
Deforestation, droughts and increased shipping nowadays
can limit the draft of the Neopanamax superships.
When the lake filled up, hilltops became islands, creating favorite
situations for wildlife. Over the last century Gatun Lake has turned into a thriving tropical ecological zone that draws
scores of ecotourists.
After the accidental introduction of Peacock Bass, angling has become the major recreational sport.
Most
wildlife viewing tours by small boats operate from the Gamboa area.
We visited Gatun Lake in January 2009 and
were amazed by the amount and diversity of wildlife we encountered.
let the tour begin
Anhinghas are also called snakebirds.
a Howler Monkey checks out the leaves for food
according to our guide this three-toed Sloth has stayed in this tree for days
Snail Kites are abundant here since Apple Snails were introduced to fight water weeds
a crocodile warms up in the sun
