Congolón, Piedra Parada, and Coyocutena National Park

Congolón, Piedra Parada, and Coyocutena Overview

Congolón, Piedra Parada y Coyocutena National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional Congolón, Piedra Parada y Coyocutena, is a protected area located in the Lempira Department of Honduras.

Established on October 14, 2010, the park encompasses approximately 110.46 square kilometers (42.65 square miles) of diverse landscapes and cultural significance.

The park’s terrain is characterized by prominent geological formations and lush vegetation. Notable features include Cerro Congolón, a mountain rising to 890 meters (2,921 feet) above sea level, situated near the municipalities of Candelaria and La Unión.

This mountain holds historical importance as the site where the indigenous Lenca leader, Cacique Lempira, is believed to have been killed in 1537 during resistance against Spanish conquest. The park also encompasses other significant peaks such as Cerro Coyocutena and Piedra Parada, each contributing to the area’s rugged landscape. The vegetation is predominantly tropical forest, providing a habitat for a variety of plant species and contributing to the region’s rich biodiversity.

Wildlife within the park includes various mammal species such as white-tailed deer, armadillos, and howler monkeys. Bird enthusiasts may encounter species like the keel-billed toucan, motmots, and various hummingbirds, reflecting the park’s avian diversity.

Visitors to Congolón, Piedra Parada y Coyocutena National Park can engage in several activities to experience its natural and cultural offerings. Hiking trails lead to the summits of the prominent mountains, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

Birdwatching is a popular activity due to the variety of species present. Additionally, the park’s historical significance provides opportunities for cultural tourism, allowing visitors to learn about the indigenous Lenca heritage and the legacy of Cacique Lempira.

Conservation efforts in the park have focused on preserving its ecological and cultural resources. In 2010, the Honduran government declared Cerro Congolón a National Historic Monument, recognizing its cultural importance.

The park’s management plan, approved in 2016 for the period of 2016-2027, aims to ensure sustainable use of natural resources while promoting environmental education and community involvement. Challenges such as deforestation and habitat degradation have been addressed through these conservation initiatives, contributing to the protection of the park’s biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Park Map

Congolón, Piedra Parada, and Coyocutena National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

The park’s avian population is diverse, with at least 75 bird species recorded, including migratory species that use the forest as a temporary refuge during their migrations.

Bearded Screech Owl (Megascops barbarus)
A small owl with distinctive facial features, including “ear” tufts and a complex vocalization pattern. It inhabits montane forests and is known for its elusive nature.

Fulvous Owl (Strix fulvescens)
This medium-sized owl has a rich brown plumage and prefers highland forests. It feeds on small mammals and birds, often hunting at night.

Ocellated Quail (Cyrtonyx ocellatus)
A ground-dwelling bird with striking plumage featuring eye-like spots. It inhabits pine-oak forests and is known for its elusive behavior.

Belted Flycatcher (Xenotriccus callizonus)
A small passerine bird with distinctive plumage and a preference for dry forests and scrublands. It feeds on insects and is considered vulnerable due to habitat loss.

Pink-headed Warbler (Cardellina versicolor)
This vibrant songbird has a distinctive pink head and is found in highland forests. It feeds on insects and is a sought-after species for birdwatchers.

Black-capped Siskin (Spinus atriceps)
A small finch with a black cap and yellow body, inhabiting montane forests and feeding on seeds. It is often seen in mixed-species flocks.

Green-throated Mountain-gem (Lampornis sybillae)
A hummingbird species with iridescent green throat feathers, found in cloud forests where it feeds on nectar and insects.

Wine-throated Hummingbird (Selasphorus ellioti)
A tiny hummingbird with a distinctive wine-colored throat patch, inhabiting high-altitude forests and known for its rapid flight and hovering abilities.

Blue-throated Motmot (Aspatha gularis)
A colorful bird with a distinctive blue throat and long tail, found in humid forests where it feeds on insects and small vertebrates.

Black-capped Swallow (Atticora pileata)
A small swallow with a black cap and white underparts, often seen in flight over forests and open areas as it catches insects mid-air.

These species highlight the rich biodiversity of Congolón, Piedra Parada, and Coyocutena National Park, reflecting its importance as a conservation area for both resident and migratory species.

Congolón, Piedra Parada, and Coyocutena National Park, established in 2010, is located in the Lempira department of Honduras. The park encompasses significant historical sites linked to the indigenous resistance led by Cacique Lempira against Spanish conquest, notably the Cerro Congolón, Piedra Parada, and Cerro de Cerquín.

Jaguar (Panthera onca)
A powerful feline native to the Americas, the jaguar is known for its robust build and distinctive rosette-patterned coat. As an apex predator, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.

Puma (Puma concolor)
Also known as the mountain lion or cougar, this adaptable predator inhabits various environments, from forests to deserts. It has a tawny coat and is renowned for its strength and agility.

Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)
A medium-sized wild cat characterized by its striking dappled fur, the ocelot is primarily nocturnal and favors dense vegetation for hunting small mammals and birds.

Baird’s Tapir (Tapirus bairdii)
The largest land mammal in Central America, Baird’s tapir has a prehensile snout and is vital for seed dispersal in tropical forests. It is currently listed as endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.

Cacomistle (Bassariscus sumichrasti)
A nocturnal mammal related to raccoons, the cacomistle has a slender body, bushy tail, and is adept at climbing, often found in forested regions.

Greater Grison (Galictis vittata)
This weasel-like carnivore has a sleek body, short legs, and is known for its agility. It preys on small animals and is found in various habitats, including forests and grasslands.

Tayra (Eira barbara)
A member of the weasel family, the tayra is an omnivorous mammal with a slender body and dark fur. It is both arboreal and terrestrial, feeding on fruits, insects, and small vertebrates.

Central American Spider Monkey (Ateles geoffroyi)
Known for its long limbs and prehensile tail, this primate is highly agile in the forest canopy. It primarily feeds on fruits and is considered endangered due to habitat destruction.

Mantled Howler Monkey (Alouatta palliata)
Recognized by its loud howls, this monkey has a prehensile tail and predominantly black fur with a fringe of long, lighter hair on its sides. It feeds on leaves, fruits, and flowers.

Mexican Mouse Opossum (Marmosa mexicana)
A small marsupial with large eyes and a prehensile tail, it is nocturnal and omnivorous, inhabiting tropical forests where it feeds on insects and fruits.