By David “Sancho” Byun

10/31/06

Costa Rica GuideCosta Rica Guide

Rainforest• Rainforests have the greatest number of species of any ecosystem found in Costa Rica. Rainforests

have consistently warm temperatures and have abundant precipitation which provides a superb environment for a wide variety of plants, fungi and animals.

• The rainforest is a great example of a multi-layered ecosystem. Ferns and mosses cover the ground. Short foliage and tree ferns occupy the next higher level. Petite, short trees vie for holes in the canopy, desperately seeking life-giving sunlight. Shade-loving trees create a mid-level and everything is blanketed by a canopy of full-grown trees, some of them as tall as 190 feet.

• Rainforests can be found along the Atlantic Coast and Corcovado Peninsula, and in reserves such as the Sarapiquí and Gúapiles areas.

Dry Pacific Forest• Dry Pacific Forests receive less annual precipitation then rainforests, and consequently have a

smaller ground water supply. To conserve water during the dry season, deciduous trees of the dry pacific forests will shed their leaves, thus reducing the amount of sunlight the tree will receive. The tree canopy is not as high as it is in the rainforests. Many animals found in the dry pacific forest are usually seasonal migrators from other ecosystems.

• Tropical dry forests only occur in Guanacaste.

Paramo• The paramo is located at the summits of Costa Rica's southern Talamanca mountain range. The flora

and fauna of this area are hardy and very tolerant. The plant life is relatively dark in color, and their resilient leaves are waxy to the touch. This adaptation helps against water loss in this hot ecosystem. Animals of the area consist mostly of small yet tough rodents, and lizards that thrive in the hot sun.

• This ecosystem is slowly taking over parts of Costa Rica due to deforestation. Paramo can be found Cerro de la Muerte, Chirrípo, and the high mountain peaks in Parque Internacional La Amistad.

***Key***Located at the star

Cloud Forests• The most elevated Rainforests, cloud forests, richly dot the slopes of Costa Rica's mountains. Their

name comes from the almost constant veil of clouds that envelop them. The clouds are formed when warm air rises and condenses into clouds. The surrounding forests will soak up the abundant moisture. Because of the excessive amount of moisture these forests collect, a crucial watershed is formed for the areas below.

• Costa Rica's most well-known cloud forest is Monteverde, but others exist, such as Braulio Carillo National Park, Los Angeles Cloud Forest, Bosque de Paz, and the ancient oak forests on Cerro de la Muerte.

Mangroves• This estuarine ecosystem exists on the fringe of the mainland, thriving on the blending of marine salt

waters and the fresh water sources on land. A particular variety of trees suited for this challenging environment are the mangroves. The different types of mangroves (black, white, red, tea and buttonwood) are from four entirely unrelated families. However, each variety has adapted in its own way to this harsh environment, similar to the evolution of Darwin’s finches. Mangrove roots are above ground to allow for aeration, and they provide a perfect habitat for many species of developing marine life. A system of mangroves can also act as a filter for freshwater dumping into the ocean from lakes and rivers.

• Mangroves can be observed at the estuaries of the Pacific Coast, the Río Sierpe boat trip to Drake Bay, the Atrocha route between Golfito and Zancudo, and the canals just north of Moín on the way to Tortugeuro.

Coral Reefs• Coral reefs are animals, plants and geological formations existing in one very fragile system. They

develop in areas of the coast where the water is very healthy and clear. Coral Reefs are habitats of biologically rich gardens occupied by a diverse selection of life forms. From microscopic unicellular algae and phytoplankton to a wide range of the world's most beautiful marine fish, even sting rays.

• The coral structure is formed by unique plantlike coral polyp that live within it. These organisms are filter-feeders, acquiring nutrients as they filter the surrounding water. A byproduct of this process is calcium carbonate, which, as it accumulates, forms the entire coral skeleton. The coral superstructure itself dampens incoming waves, which creates a calm and inviting place where marine life can take shelter and feed.

• Coral reefs can be found at Manual Antonio's third beach, the point at Cahuita, in Bahía Ballena National Marine Park. Recently mapped is the Manzanillo Reef, south of Puerto Viejo.

Map of Costa RicaGeneral Overview

http://www.vivacostarica.com/costa-rica-information/costa-rica-ecosystems.htmlhttp://centralamerica.com/cr/moon/moflora.htm

https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/cs.html

Bibliography