Isla Falta Calzado
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Panama |
| Coordinates | 9°02′17″N 79°57′25″W / 9.038°N 79.957°W Fatal error: The format of the coordinate could not be determined. Parsing failed. |
| Administration | |
Panama | |
| Demographics | |
| Demonym | Panamanian |
Isla Falta Calzado is a Panamanian island with an area of 8,741 m2 (94,090 sq ft) located in the middle of the Panama Canal in the southwest region of the Gatun Lake.[1][2] The island was created when the waters of the Chagres River were dammed by the Gatun Dam to create the Gatun Lake. When the waters rose, they covered a significant part of the existing rainforest, and the hilltops became the islands that are now scattered throughout the lake.
History
There are few references as to how the island got its name, literally translated as "Island of the Missing Footwear", but more commonly translated as "Island of the Missing Shoe". It is believed to have originated from a wedding tradition of the indigenous people.
Because of the currents created in the lake, the locals observed that things thrown into the water on one side of the island often washed ashore on the other side of the island. This led to a tradition of the wedding party throwing one of their footwear, usually some sort of sandal, into the water a week before the wedding. It was believed that if both shoes washed ashore then the wedding was destined for lifelong bliss; if only one shoe washed ashore then the partner with the missing shoe would be destined for a life of misery in the marriage; and if neither washed ashore, the marriage was destined for doom.
It is unknown how many marriages were formed or ended due to this tradition, but it led to an influx of soon-to-be newlyweds, from other islands, making the trek to Isla Falta Calzado to test their compatibility with their soon-to-be mate.
Nature Sanctuary
The Falta Calzado Sanctuary was created in 1980,[3] with the aim of preserving the Gallademia woodpecker that inhabits the island. It wasn't until the late 20th century that conservationists realized the extent of the damage to the Gallademia woodpecker population due to poaching and Avian Botulism[4]
The indigenous population and poachers hunted the birds to near extinction because of its bright and plush plumage. The Panamanian government placed a restriction on the hunting and capture of the bird to promote its survival in the wild. Thanks to the efforts of the Panamanian government and the University of Panama conservation programs, the once endangered bird is now flourishing on the island and the surrounding islands.
Population
Until recently, the only inhabitants were the curators of the small research center and marina, but the structures were destroyed in 1998 by Hurricane Mitch, leaving the island uninhabited. The only visitors are occasional fishermen and marine biologists. A small building was built on the island by the University of Panama to act as a temporary outpost for the biologist. The energy crisis in Panama led to the University of Panama using the cabin as an example of sustainable technologies at work in the real world.[5] The Sciences and Technology department at the University, with research grants from the Panamanian government, routinely test new solar power generation and water purification techniques on the cabin, and are credited with making major advancements in that area of study.[6]
Wildlife
The island is locally known for the endemic gallademia woodpecker, a widespread and easily seen bird species on the island. The lizard isthmian alligator lizard was known to inhabit the island but has not been seen in the late 20th century.
The surrounding waters are feeding areas for white-lipped mud turtles. The island was inhabited by a now-extinct golden toad, Bufo periglenes.[7]
Falta Calzado also supports nationally important numbers of the following birds:
- Harpy eagles Harpia harpyja
- Dusky-capped flycatchers Myiarchus tuberculifer
- Blue-winged teals Anas discors"[8]
Notes
- ↑ Buckley, Kevin (1995). Panama. Touchstone. ISBN 0-671-77876-5.
- ↑ DuTemple, Lesley A. "The Panama Canal"; 2002; pp 50–55; Lerner Publishing Group; ISBN 978-0-8225-0079-7
- ↑ Ecotourismpanama.com
- ↑ National Wildlife Health Center
- ↑ Energy Crisis in Panama
- ↑ Renewable Energy in Panama
- ↑ Levin, Matt. "Lost decade for frogs: 30 species go extinct in Panama".
- ↑ Panama Conservation Forum. Information Sheet: PA98574
References
- History Of The Panama Canal, by Ira E. Bennett
- The Panama Canal, by Colonel George W. Goethals
- Earth's endangered creatures
Further reading
- Falta Calzado: the Island of lost shoes by T.A. SultaZ (part of the Islands of Panama series. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; 1996)
External links
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