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Nicaragua

During the rainy season, eastern Nicaragua often floods along the upper and middle sections of all major rivers. In addition, destructive tropical storms and hurricanes, particularly from July through October, buffet the coast. The high winds and floods accompanying these storms can cause widespread destruction. Now and then, sudden heavy rains (called papagayo storms) follow a cold front and sweep from the north through both eastern and western Nicaragua from November through March. Plants and Animals in Abundance Nicaragua is fortunate to have some of the best and most abundant resources in Central America. Its volcanic soil is ideal for growing rich crops. Nicaragua also has the largest forests of commercially valuable trees in Central America, covering one-third of the country. Nicaragua’s forests contain valuable cedar, mahogany, and pine timber as well as quebracho (axbreaker), guaiacum (a type of ironwood), guapinol (a tree that yields resin ), and medlar (a tree that pro- duces a crabapple-like fruit). There is also a fascinating variety

of wildlife, such as pumas, jaguars, ocelots, margays, various monkeys, deer, and peccaries. Birds range from eagles to egrets to macaws and peli- cans. Reptiles include crocodiles, snakes, turtles, and lizards; and a variety of toads, frogs, fishes, and

This wind farm on the shore of Lake Nicaragua produces electrical power.