There are currently more than 40 national parks, wildlife refuges, biological reserves, and marine parks. One highlight of the system is the remote Rio Platano Biosphere, covering 5,300 km . It has been designated a World Heritage site and protects one of the largest tropical rainforests in Central America. The wildlife found throughout Honduras is staggering. The rare Resplendent Quetzal can be found in numerous areas, and the overall birding is excellent, with tremendous habitat for waterfowl.
Manatees thrive in some of the lagoons, as well as crocodiles.
The park system was inspired by a growing force of Honduran environmentalists who treasure the vast riches found in their country. There is also an awareness that travelers today are interested in wildlife and pristine ecosystems. The potential revenue created by saving the environment offers an excellent, sustainable alternative to the traditional Mayan method of slash and burn cultivation, however government funding for protection of the system has been slow in coming. Honduras is bordered to the west by Guatemala, to the south by El Salvador and to the east and southeast by Nicaragua. It spans Central America with 545 miles of Caribbean coastline and 95 miles on the Pacific.