What Is So Special About Costa Rica's Biodiversity?
Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world — you can find nearly 5 percent of all known plants and animal species in its national parks and wildlife refuges. Before you venture into the Costa Rican wilderness, look at our overview of Costa Rica’s species. For each animal you'll find a list of national parks where you can see some of these rare animals for yourself.
Costa Rica’s biodiversity is attributed to the dramatic shifts in terrain — this tiny country has wetlands, mountains, rivers, and arid plains. You can find many different types of forests here, including tropical dry forests, rainforests, and cloud forests. There are mountain ranges, some of which are studded with volcanoes.
All these different environments make excellent destinations for bird watching tours. Some of Costa Rica’s national parks have bird species that you can see very few places in the world.
Go for long walks through primary rainforest in La Selva Biological Station or Braulio Carillo National Park. Primary rainforest is completely untouched, and had enjoyed uninterrupted growth. The Corcovado National Park on the [Osa Peninsula] is one of the most biologically diverse places in the country, and has a huge tract of primary rainforest.
While you’re here you’ll see evidence of Costa Rica’s commitment to protecting its wildlife. Deforestation was a major problem in the 20th century, but Anywhere and other organizations in Costa Rica are committed to planting trees and a host of other efforts to offset carbon footprints. Well-maintained parks and knowledgeable guides make it easy to appreciate Costa Rica’s wildlife.
Related Questions
- I Want a Nature Vacation. Where Should I Go in Costa Rica?
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Costa Rica Bird Watching Tours
Owing both to a temperate climate and an environment that is rich in fruits and flowers, Costa Rica is blessed with an avian population that is diverse, colorful, and prolific. Nearly 840 species of birds can be found here, ranging from Scarlet Macaws to resplendent quetzals to Keel-billed Toucans. Accompanied by experienced naturalist guides, birding tours are hands down the best way to spot these animals. Binoculars and birding booklet in hand, tours wind through forest trails and up rivers searching for the winged creatures. Monteverde, Guápiles, and the Caño Negro Wildlife Reserve are some of the country’s finest places to go birding.
Sustainability
Sustainability is the ability to continue a defined behavior indefinitely. It relates to the auto industry as much as the environmental movement and it wears many faces. People are often quick to equate sustainability with green development, but it’s not that easy. Environmental preservation is undoubtedly a linchpin of sustainability—however, it’s just one piece of the puzzle.
Plant & Animal Biodiversity Profiles
From Costa Rica to Peru and East Africa to SE Asia Earth species of all shapes and sizes have evolved to survive in a variety of terrains. Some are found in thick forests, vast wetlands, and misty mountains, arid deserts, expansive grasslands and even beneath the soil.
Birds Profiles
With around 10,000 species of birds found on the planet, many concentrated in the tropics, a special type of person can grow obsessed and even competitive with increasing their bird count. To date there are 13 people that have criss crossed the planet to personally see more than 9,000 birds.
Braulio Carrillo National Park
Getting its name from Costa Rica's third president, Dr. Braulio Carrillo, the national park, full of tropical rainforest, spans northeast of the Central Valley. Flowing down from the Central Volcanic Corridor, Braulio Carrillo National Park (Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo) falls between the Poas Volcano to the west and the Irazu Volcano to the east. The protected zone encompasses 108,970 acres (44,100 ha) of rolling hills crammed with dark-green vegetation that teems with wildlife.
Corcovado National Park
The crown jewel of Costa Rica's national park system, Corcovado National Park (Parque Nacional Corcovado), is comprised of an enormous 103,290 acres (41,800 ha) of tropical rainforest. The largest of Costa Rica's parks, it encompasses about a third of the Osa Peninsula and embraces an unbelievable amount of its biodiversity.
La Selva Biological Station
La Selva Biological Station (Estacion Biologica La Selva) was originally created for scientific purposes in 1954. Since then it has been converted into a leading research center for Costa Rican ecology and has been opened to the public. Providing some of the most immaculate primary tropical rainforest available, the well-kept trail system extends over 31 miles (50 km) and provides visitors the opportunity of exploring La Selva with a knowledgeable guide.
