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Metropolitan Natural Park

[edit] Overview

Next to the modern center of Panama City, the Metropolitan Natural Park is the only natural park in Central America within the limits of a metropolitan area.

The MNP was the first place in the planet where canopy studies were conducted using a construction crane.

With only 265 hectares (655 acres) the MNP have also 45 mammals, 36 reptiles and 14 amphibians.

[edit] Birds

[edit] Notable Species

46 species of bird migrate from North America to the MNP to complete the 227 bird list that make the MNP a must-to-visit if you come to Central America. Bird highlights are: Blue-crowned Motmot, Green Shrike-vireo, Lance-tailed Manakin, Buff-breasted Wren, White-shouldered Tanager, Rosy Thrush-tanager, Orange-billed Sparrow.

[edit] Check-list

Birds you can see here include:

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[edit] Other Wildlife

Geoffrey's Tamarin, known locally as "Mono Titi" are common in the park and there are small Spectacled Caiman in the ponds.

[edit] Site Information

[edit] History and Use

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[edit] Areas of Interest

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[edit] Access and Facilities

4 km. (2.5 miles) of well signed trails, excellent interpretive system and is only 10 minutes by car from Panama City Downtown.

[edit] Contact Details

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[edit] External Links

Metropolitan Natural Park

Content and images originally posted by Frogdoondey

[edit] Reviews

Phaethon's review

For a close to the city birding experience I would bet this is one of the best sites in the world.

It's a habitat of forest (400h+/-) in an urban area so it is missing some of the birds of remote areas like Toucans and Macaws but it is a great appetizer for the main course of birding in Panama and is also a good spot for dry forest species. Pros

• `convenient
• no bugs
• good forest
• trails and birds

Cons

• hot climate
• city park and missing some diversity

David Kelly's review

A great park, accessible from central Panama City, I had good views of Slaty-tailed Trogon but the Ocelot being kept in a small cage was a bit dispiriting. A must do if you visit Panama City.