Over 270 plant species have been identified in the lush Mosquitian forest, including Spanish Cedar and Mahogany trees, both of which have great commercial value. It is estimated that there are thousands of vascular plant species, such as ferns and various flowering plants.
More than 150,000 species of insect have been discovered within its bounds and it is likely that there are many that remain unexposed.
Threatened and endangered species like Pumas, Baird’s Tapirs, Jaguars, Margays, White-Lipped Peccaries, Giant Anteaters, Ocelots and the Central American Spider Monkeys find refuge here.
A wealth of bid life, with estimates ranging from 400-700 species. The red breast and up to 25 inch long tail plume of the elusive, threatened Quetzal can be glimpsed here. Additionally, the endangered Great Green Macaw population persists within the Bosawas reserve. The near threatened Harpy Eagle, considered to be one of the world’s largest and most powerful eagles, resides year-round in Bosawas. The Harpy Eagle is an impressive sight with a body length ranging from 35 - 41 inches, it’s wingspan up to 6 1/2 feet, and body weight anywhere from 10 - 20 pounds. It shares forest with many migratory birds hailing from North America, including Wood Thrushes, Cerulean Warblers and Canadian Warblers.
Hundreds of other bird species reside in the reserve and a partial list is provided below:
- Eagles (Harpy, Crest)
- Cotingas (Lovely, Snowy)
- Tanagers (Scarlet-Rumped, White-Throated Shrike, Crimson Collared)
- Euphonia (Olive-Backed, Yellow-Crowned)
- Woodpeckers (Chestnut-Colored, Tawny-Winged)
Other species of interest include: Highland Guan, Plain Chachalaca, Great Curassow, White-Collared Manikin, Tawny-Chested Flycatcher, Streak-Crowned Antvireo, Golden-Winged Warbler, Montezuma Oropendola, Black-Cowled Oriole and Black-Faced Grosbeak.
