The park serves as habitat for numerous endangered species, including the spectacled bear, jaguar, and white-tailed deer. It hosts over 300 bird species, making it an important area for bird conservation. Notable species include the harpy eagle, military macaw, and various toucans. The region also supports diverse populations of primates, including the white-fronted capuchin and red howler monkey.
Catatumbo Barí hosts exceptional biodiversity with over 800 plant species identified. The park contains various ecosystems including tropical humid forests, premontane forests, and cloud forests. Notable species include valuable hardwoods like cedar and mahogany, alongside numerous orchid species, bromeliads, and medicinal plants traditionally used by the Barí people.
The park encompasses part of the eastern range of the Andes Mountains, featuring diverse geological formations including limestone outcrops, deep valleys, and the Catatumbo River basin. The terrain varies from lowland tropical forests at 200 meters to mountainous areas reaching 2,000 meters above sea level. The region's unique topography contributes to the formation of the famous lightning phenomenon.
The park, established in 1989, derives its name from the indigenous Barí people who have inhabited this region for centuries. The area has historical significance as a territory of resistance for the Barí against Spanish colonization. In recent decades, the park has faced challenges from oil exploration, agricultural expansion, and armed conflict, while remaining an important sanctuary for biodiversity and indigenous culture.
The most remarkable feature is the Catatumbo Lightning, recognized by Guinness World Records as the place with the highest concentration of lightning on Earth. The park also contains significant portions of the Catatumbo River watershed, crucial for regional water supply. The presence of the Barí indigenous communities adds cultural significance, with their traditional ecological knowledge contributing to conservation efforts.
The Catatumbo region experiences a tropical humid climate with average temperatures ranging from 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F). The area is famous for the unique Catatumbo Lightning phenomenon, where spectacular lightning storms occur on average 300 nights per year, typically lasting up to 10 hours per night. Annual rainfall averages 1,600-4,000mm, with a notable wet season from April to November.
Colombia
8.6330°, -73.1670°
1989
1581
Catatumbo Barí is known for its unique lightning phenomenon and diverse ecosystems. The park protects the ancestral territory of the Barí people and tropical rainforest. It features frequent lightning storms and rich biodiversity.