What about nature in Honduras?

Unfortunately, not much is left of the tropical rainforest that once covered the entire lowland. Much of it was cut down because they wanted to gain arable land or needed wood for building huts or as firewood.

In the remaining regions with tropical rainforest, especially in the Mosquitia area in the northeast of the country, an enormous biodiversity has been preserved. Protected areas were also set up in which the flora and fauna could develop undisturbed.

In the Caribbean Sea, the coral reef around the Islas de la Bahía is a natural paradise, but it is also increasingly endangered by overfishing and pollution.

Which animals live in Honduras?

Reptiles, birds and insects are particularly rich in species in Honduras. Brightly colored butterflies, wasps, bees, beetles, moths, spiders, flies and mosquitoes flutter and crawl around here. Crocodiles, lizards and snakes such as the boa constrictor can also be found. Anolis allisoni, a species of lizard, also belongs to the reptiles. The endemic species of the Útila iguana can be found on the island of Útila. He lives in tree hollows in the mangrove forest there.

Mammals

Of the approximately 200 species of mammals, around half are bats. Tapirs, pumas, jaguars and ocelots live in the remaining rainforests. Other animals in Honduras include the Amazon skunk, the wrapped bear, the nine-banded armadillo, the pygmy anteater and its big brother, the great anteater.

White-shouldered capuchin monkeys climb through the trees. There are two types of umbilical pigs, the collar peccary and the white bearded peccary. The white-tailed deer is considered the national animal.

What is flying there?

Honduras is home to more than 700 species of birds. The toucans and the scarlet macaw, which is the country’s national bird, are particularly colorful. Endemic is the Honduras Amazilie, a species of hummingbird that only occurs in Honduras worldwide.

Other species are the red-billed tropical bird, the rhinoceros pelican and the blue-footed booby, which actually has blue feet. The Great Egret comes from the north to winter in Honduras. The Cuban flamingo feels at home in the lagoons.

In the sea

Bottlenose dolphins, manta rays and parrotfish can be seen off the coast in the Caribbean Sea. Schools of blue surgeon fish swarm the water. Moray eels and water turtles such as the hybrid turtle and whale sharks are other sea creatures.

Whale sharks are not only the largest sharks, they are the largest fish in the world. The whale shark can be up to 18 meters long. While most shark species snap for their prey, the whale shark sifts through the water and fishes out crabs and small fish. The top of the whale shark is spotted white.

And what is growing in Honduras?

In the lowlands of the coasts, mangrove forests grow alongside the remaining tropical rainforest. In the inland mountains, this forest then changes into mountain and cloud forest. The north of the country is particularly humid, so the forest is evergreen. Mahogany trees, for example, grow here.

At higher altitudes, the forest loses its leaves in the dry months. Here you can find for example oaks, pines, sweetgum trees and the West Indian cedar. Alongside mangroves, there are also various types of palm such as the Pacaya palm on the coast.

630 species of orchids have also been found in Honduras so far. They often grow on the trees of the rainforest. Tillandsia flabellata belongs to the bromeliad family. We know the flamingo flower as a houseplant.

Christmas in Honduras

Christmas is celebrated big in Honduras, a country located in Caribbean and Central America listed on payhelpcenter. The families set up a Christmas tree, the house is decorated with lights and Christmas decorations. The whole family goes to church on Christmas Eve. At midnight, people wish for peace and exchange gifts. There are also fireworks!

A typical Christmas meal includes nacatamales, or turkey, as well as torrejas. Nacatamales are banana leaves filled with corn dough and meat, which are then steamed. Torrejas are slices of white bread that are dipped in milk with honey and then in egg and then fried. You then sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on it. They are available as a sweet end to the festive meal. Grapes and apples are a specialty at Christmas in many families.

The Posadas take place from December 16 to 24. You re-enact Mary and Joseph’s search for a hostel. There is a kind of chant between those outside and those in the house who eventually let the supplicants in. A different family entertains the neighbors every day.

In addition, there are pastorelas in many placeslisted. It depicts the shepherds’ hike to the baby Jesus. On the way the devil tempts them, but the archangel Gabriel leads them back on the right path and finally they worship the child in the manger.

By the way: snow does not fall here all year round and at Christmas you can sit under palm trees on the Caribbean beaches.