Current view: Text account
Site description (2007 baseline):
Site location and context
This area consists of extensive freshwater wetlands on the Chiriquà Lagoon and the base of the Valiente Peninsula.
Threatened and near-threatened species reported for the area include Harpy Eagle, Great Curassow, and Three-wattled Bellbird, although only Great Curassow may reach thresholds. Three of the 11 species of EBA 019 (27%) have been reported from the area (Lattice-tailed Trogon, Snowy Cotinga, and Sulphur-rumped Tanager. Since it is likely that Black-crowned Antpitta also occurs, this site probably also qualifies under A2. The site is along the major route of migratory raptors through Bocas del Toro, and almost certainly exceeds A4i levels for these species.
Non-bird biodiversity: West Indian Manatee occurs.
The area consists mainly of freshwater swamps dominated by orey
Campnosperma. There is some subsistence agriculture.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Threats are poorly known, but include hunting and deforestation for subsistence agriculture.
Conservation responses/actions for key biodiversity
A survey was carried out by Alonzo et al. 2004
This site has recently been designated a protected area as a Humedal de Importancia Internacional by ANAM.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Damani Wetlands (Panama). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/damani-wetlands-iba-panama on 23/11/2024.
