Caiman, nokeys and cows....

This is a "caiman," a smaller cousin of the crocodile. This particular follow is a "Spectacled Caiman," called that because he has a ridge between his eyes. Don't worry, you wont find him in your backyard in Panama! Indeed, you will be very fortunate if you ever see one as they don't hang out with humans and live only in remote locations. Our friend here was found by workers for Futuro Forestal, a reforestation project in Panama.

They are called "howler monkeys" and they are the loudest land animals. Measuring up to a yard (meter) in height, these monkeys are "folivores" which means they eat leaves, fruit, buds, flowers, and nuts, not us! Indeed, howlers are relatively friendly animals and are not threat to their Panamanian neighbors. However, a mother is a mother, so keep your distance when baby is asleep.





Chiriqui province in the fart west of Panama is our equivalent of America's Texas. Local folks are extremely proud of their province, and there are plenty of cattle. This fellow is very typical. Most Panamanian cattle are hybrids, but you can see the influence of the Brahma family in this gentleman.