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Life on Roatan with Roatan Life Real
Estate
 Flora,
Fauna and Marine Life
The warm temperature and heavy rainfall in the
Bay Islands support a wide variety of plant life and eco-systems.
Guanaja was named by Christopher Columbus as the "Island
of Pines" after the abundant pine forests found on the
islands. The islands also boast tropical forest areas, which
are home to a wide range of tropical species including fruit
trees such as Hog Plum, Nance and Strangler Fig. Bromeliads,
ferns, orchids, bamboo, and palms are also common sights.
Mangrove forests are found throughout the islands and play
an important role in protecting the coastal areas from storm
and hurricane damage. Mangroves are also important breeding
grounds for the diverse marine life. Red, Black, White and
Buttonwood Mangrove are the four common species of mangrove
found.
 A
variety of plants fringe the islands tropical beaches. Coconut
Palms symbolize Caribbean beaches, as they do the Bay Islands.
Coco plums, sea grapes, almond trees and a variety of vines
and bright flowering plants add to the color and attractiveness
of the island's Caribbean beaches.
About twelve mammal species inhabit the islands. A third
of these are bat species, additionally Agoutis, two varieties
of rats, Opossum and White-tailed Deer, which now are very
rare, are found. Historical reports state that manatee and
monk seals where also found in the area but now are extinct.
About 40 reptile species are found on the islands including
endangered species of sea turtles such as the Hawksbill. Six
species of frogs are found, 15 lizard species and 13 snake
species, the only poisonous species being the Coral Snake.
 You
will find approximately 120 species of birds on Roatan, of
these only about 40 species actually live and nest on the
Islands, the rest are migratory. The Yellow-nape Parrot is
one of the more famous resident species as it is listed as
an endangered species in Honduras, additionally several species
of hummingbirds, Golden-fronted Woodpeckers, Osprey and the
Great-tailed Grackle are regularly seen.
Of the migratory bird's warblers, vireos, tanagers are the
most common along with a variety of Caribbean Sea birds such
as the White Ibis, Brown Pelican, Frigate Bird and the Roseate
Tern.
Roatan's fringing coral reef is still one of the most beautiful
and unique in the world, and at just a short swim from the
shore, easily accessible. There are 38 dive sites within the
West End Marine Reserve, all within 15 minutes boat ride,
and they are all different. There are many very shallow snorkeling
areas and the coral reef is perfect for everyone, as the top
is about 40ft. This reef structure allows snorklers and novice
divers to glide along in shallow water, while the more advanced
are down below, all visible to each other because of the wonderful
clarity of the water. With deep drop-offs, caverns, swim throughs,
canyons and an abundance of marine life, Roatan offers something
for everyone. The West End is on the leeward side of the island,
so the water is always calm.
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