Mamoní Valley Preserve, a remarkable natural haven in Panama, stands as a testament to the resilience of nature and the critical role of biodiversity in conservation. Historically, the valley was a densely forested area, but extensive deforestation for ranching and farming dramatically altered the biodiversity of the landscape. Today, the Preserve is dedicated to reversing this trend by stewarding the recovery of large, deforested sections, slowly nurturing them back to their original state.

Central to this recovery are the Preserve’s tracts of original primary forest, which serve as vital reservoirs of biodiversity. These areas are crucial for supplying the plants, animals, fungi, and microbes necessary to facilitate the natural regeneration of the deforested lands. As the vegetation reclaims its rightful place, these lush forests showcase the power of natural restoration in maintaining the ecological balance and enhancing the biodiversity of the region.

Mamoní Valley is home to a diverse range of mammals, including jaguars, pumas, and ocelots. The preserve also protects a wide variety of bird species, reptiles, amphibians, and an extensive collection of butterflies, contributing to its remarkable biodiversity. Among its most distinctive inhabitants is the Limosa harlequin toad, a rare and endangered species unique to this region.

Flora & Fauna

MVP’s Senior Naturalist, Lider Sucre, who just might be Panama’s best-known naturalist, has estimated the flora and fauna species count in Panama and the Valley as follows:

Species Biodiversity	Mamoní Valley	Panama
Mammals	130	270
Birds	420	1,012
Reptiles	80	240
Amphibians	70	221
Butterflies	800	1,800
Plants	2,800	10,444
Orchids	230	1,200
Trees	850	2,400