Reserva de la Biosfera Bosawás, Nature reserve in northern Nicaragua

The Bosawás Biosphere Reserve is a large protected forest area in northern Nicaragua covering millions of hectares of tropical rainforest. This woodland contains thousands of plant species and many animal types, from jaguars to harpy eagles and other rare birds.

The reserve was first declared in 1979, but the Sandinista revolution and the subsequent civil war with the US-backed Contras stalled its implementation. After the 1990 election of Violeta Barrios de Chamorro restored peace, work resumed, and UNESCO designated it a biosphere reserve in 1997. In 2003 the government titled six indigenous territories in the nucleus to curb logging.

The reserve overlaps the homelands of the Mayangna and Miskito, organised into six titled indigenous territories, among them Miskito Indian Tasbaika Kum and Mayangna Sauni As. The name Bosawás combines the Bocay River, Mount Saslaya and the Waspuk River. The 1987 Autonomy Law recognised these communities' territorial rights after armed conflict with the Sandinista government.

The best experience comes with a local guide who knows safe trails through the forest and understands the wildlife. Visitors should prepare for wet conditions and wear sturdy shoes suited to natural paths.

The Saslaya moss salamander (Nototriton saslaya) is named after Mount Saslaya, and its entire range lies inside the reserve. The name Bosawás itself is an acronym of the Bocay River, Mount Saslaya and the Waspuk River.