Biosphere Reserve Río Plátano
Country: Honduras.

The "Reserva de la Humanidad y Biosfera del Rio Platano" was declared in 1980 by the Honduran government. The reserve is situated in the North East of Honduras and covers 5251 km². The Reserve is one of the largest areas of forest remaining in Honduras. The reserve has a great bio-diversity of eco systems ,vast mangrove swamps, pine forests, savannas, tropical rain forests, and elffin forest make up the reserve. These areas are dissected by numerous rivers which ultimately flow into the Caribbean Sea. In 1980 UNESCO designated Rio Platano a world heritage site.

Four indigenous groups inhabit the Rio Platano, Garifuna, Miskito, Pech, and Sumo (Tawahka). Garifunas are a mix of African and Carribean Indian, The Miskito are a mix of Garifuna and Mosquita Indians ( Pech and Tawanka ) while Pech and Tawahka communities remain living there traditional lifestyles in remote regions with in the Biosphere.

25% of the biosphere is a flat coastal plain made up of large areas of mangroves, the largest two areas being found around the large coastal lagoons of Brus (120 km²) and Ibans ( 63 km²) coastal savannas and wetlands that are found behind numerous long stretchs of beach make up the rest of this region.

About 75% of the Biosphere is mountainous with many steep ridges, Pico Morrañanga reaches 1500 m and Punta de Piedra 1326 m. Amazing geological formations are found in the inland region, such as the exposed El Viejo or Pico de Dama. Cascading waterfalls are found regurarly, the highest (100-150 m) being the Cascada del Mirador in the headwaters of the Cuyamel River. This large area mainly consists of tropical rainforest.

Some of the tree species found growing in the reserve include, Balsa, Ceiba, Guayacan, Mahogany, Rosewood, Sapodilla, Santa Maria, Cedar and Pine. It has been proven that the biosphere contains more tree species per square hectare than the Amazon jungle. A quite amazing fact.

The variety of ecosystems in the biosphere provides habitats for many endangered and rare species. The coastal and river areas are home to Manatees, Southern River Otters, Leather Back and Green Sea Turtles and Caiman. The forested areas are home to Baird's tapir; Jaguar, Ocelot, Margay Cat, Jaguarundi, Cougar, Collared and White- lipped Peccaries, White-faced, Howler and Spider Monkeys, White Tailed Deer, Two and Three Toed Sloth and Giant Anteaters just to name a few. The biosphere contains the largest populations in Honduras of most of these endangered species. The protection of the reserve is of great importance to the survival of
each of these species.

Over 375 bird species are found in the biosphere. The biosphere is also visited by many migratory species. And is of great importance for them. Many rare species of birds that are found in the region can not be seen in other parts of the country. Species such as the Harpy Eagle, Aplomado Falcon, Great Green and Scarlet Macaws, Green and Rufous Kingfisher, Chestnut-Mandible Toucan, Yellow Eared Toucanet, Jabiru and the Black and White Hawk Eagle. Again the protection of the biosphere is of great importance to the survival of each of these species.

Visiting the Rio Platano Biosphere is an unforgetable experience, It is possible to visit this wonderful area independently but it is very difficult due to the areas remoteness and limited facilities. In a few of the communities Palacios, Las Marias, Playitas and Kuri local guides can be organised as can accomadation. The best obition for visiting the area is with a Tour Operator, the better companies known this area extremely well, and put together a once in a lifetime experience.

Ecotourism is an alternative from logging the forest. By visiting the biosphere you are contributing to the local economy, this is very important as the main source of income for these local communities are logging or slash and burn agriculture.

This information was provided by Dean Milverton and Mesoamerican Travel, your best choice for EcoTouring Honduras.