The Costa Rica Big Five

Here are The Big Five Animals of Costa Rica for each natural life lovers' container rundown. A Costa Rica nature safari is an unquestionable requirement for explorers needing a list of things to do in Costa Rica. Here is our list of the Costa Rica Big Five. 

Sloths 

You'll normally discover sloths staying nearby the covering of low and center rise woods in Costa Rica. They infrequently descend unless they're doing their business. However, why so moderate? Sloths eat leaves which are hard to process and create little vitality. To moderate vitality, they move at the moderate, dormant pace that we all adoration them for. At the point when searching for these languid critters, make like a sloth and move moderate since they can be hard to spot in the backwoods overhang. 

Toucans 

Vivid, garish, energetic. There are six toucan species in Costa Rica. The bright flying creature you're envisioning is likely either the bottom charged or the chesnut-mandibled assortment. Toucans are frugivorous significance they bolster only on natural product. Sorry Toucan Sam, Froot Loops won't cut it. The fowls utilize their gigantic bills at this very moment get berries and scoop the sweet substance from their natural product. On the off chance that you'd like to see a toucan, simply make a beeline for the forested areas. They are ample in backwoods all through Costa Rica. 

Monkeys 

The fun thing about monkeys is that frequently on the off chance that you see one you'll see numerous. These kooky little animals go in troops taking after their alpha. Immaculate, you'll have sufficient energy to get the camera prepared! There are four types of monkeys found in Costa Rica. The most well-known is the white-confronted capuchin, however. You'll likely hear the noisy cries of the Howler much sooner than you see it. Try not to be shocked if a troop of monkeys discovers you before you discover them. A few troops have figured out how to depend on explorers maybe verging on excessively vigorously to supply sustenance. Do whatever it takes not to empower this and hold tight to your lunch! 

Tree Frogs 

Costa Rica's 43 types of frogs come in every single distinctive shading and sizes. So in case you're looking, you'll spot no less than one and leave with bounty more to find on your following visit. The most acclaimed tree frog in Costa Rica is the red-peered toward tree frog. Their brilliant, wonderful hues caution different creatures of their poisonous quality. In the same way as other Costa Rican frogs, the red-peered toward tree frog is nighttime. Plan a night climb to see a mixture of animal groups. 

Dolphins 

Dolphins can be found in Costa Rica up and down the Pacific and Southern Caribbean Coasts. While you won't have the capacity to swim with these cordial animals, you can watch them all over the Pacific Coast. Taking a waterfront visit in the middle of November and May will build your possibilities of spotting them, at this very moment when they come to breed. Look out for whales close Playa Uvita, and down on the Osa Peninsula!

Heard of Tortuguero National Park? You Should See its Wildlife.

Brilliant looked at caiman associate out from the water's surface and lurk into the shadows to rest away the day underneath the tree roots close to the waterway's edge. A stalking green heron scratches at the lily cushions searching for a bug to use as snare while angling for a breakfast of minnows. 

The snorts of the howler monkey flag the day break as the sun gets through the rainforest foliage spilling into the channels. 

It's simply the start of an alternate day inside the sprawl of rainforest, bogs, channels, and sea that makes Tortuguero National Park – one of the most sought after Costa Rica attractions. 

Little open-confronted, single prop speedboats and kayaks go through the channels and waterways toting guests from everywhere throughout the world. With cams under control, guests catch single-casing trophies to add to their travel: a bug monkey swinging through the trees, a capuchin gnawing into a bit of tree grown foods, an anhinga with spread wings drying in the wind and a green iguana relaxing in the daylight on a log. 

The tracks of something more noteworthy untruth engraved on the stream banks and the sandy shorelines. Tracks like the profound, sloppy foot shaped impressions left from Costa Rica's biggest well evolved creature, the tapirs, crossing the stream in the night, or, the void shell of green ocean turtle assaulted by one of the about 20 pumas that live in and around Tortuguero National Park. 

Among other jeopardized and hard to-spot species staying in Tortuguero, guests may see incredible green macaws, the waterway otter sluggishly gliding down stream, and the manatee whose populace has dwindled to an insignificant 50 creatures. 

So in case you're arranging an outing to Tortuguero, keep in mind to bring your cam.

The White-faced Capuchin Monkey of Costa Rica

When you go to a Costa Rica excursions for a rainforest walk, you will be delighted to see the Capuchin monkeys playing, hanging or just relaxing on trees. These creatures that are only native in the forests of Costa Rica are the few species of the so-called “New World Monkeys”.

Appearance

Capuchin monkeys are called white-faced monkeys because of their white-haired face. Aside from this distinct physical feature, they also have white upper chest and shoulders, black torso and a black cap of hair on their head. They are mainly seen on the lowland forests of the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. 

The body of an adult capuchin monkey can grow from 335 mm to 453 mm and can weight from about 3.9 kilograms.  Its tail grows longer than their body from up to 551 mm, male capuchin are larger than the females for around 27%. Capuchin monkey’s brain is much larger than other monkey species. 

Diet

They have the most flexible diet among other New World Monkey species. Aside from resting on trees, they spend the whole day swinging and traveling from tree to tree from the morning and rests at night. As they swing from tree to tree, finding and carrying food, they disperse seeds from the food they have making it a reason for the vast vegetative population in their habitat. They also eat insects from trees and the land which stimulates life balance in the rainforest ecosystem.

Behavior

Capuchin monkeys are diurnal and arboreal animals. Diurnal means that they do most of their activities; preying, eating and playing during the day then they sleep at night. Arboreal, is when they move from trees to trees in their habitat. However, capuchin monkeys also move and get down to the ground often compared to other New World Monkeys. Male capuchin migrates to different new social groups from the course of their lifetime and they are dominant to female capuchin monkeys.

Habitat

They are mainly found in Costa Rica, in many different kinds of forests; evergreen forests, dry or moist, deciduous forests, but more often in the secondary and mature forests. During the dry season, you’ll see them on the forests where there is a near and abundant water availability. 

Image credits: discovermagazine.com

Plants of the Tropical Rainforest

Costa Rica is considered as one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world. No wonder, its greatest treasure is the diversity among flora and fauna. A wide range of plants, for example can be found here which accent its tropical rainforests. As for other rainforests, it is divided into five different layers (starting from the lowest level):  the forest floor composed of fallen branches and leaves; the shrub layer which serves as a home for small trees; the understory layer consists of vines and shrubs; the canopy layer primarily comprises of leaves and branches that cover the other layers; and the emergent layer where you can see the tallest trees. 

EPIPHYTES

Also known as air plants, is distinct because of their rooting behavior, by rooting from some other plants. Take note: They are not dependent on their attachment for nutrition; rather, they photosynthesize and produce their own food. All out Costa Rica rainforest is covered by these kind of plants. Families of Epiphytes include orchids, ferns, lichens, and mosses. 

FLOWERS

You might be amazed on how flowering plants and trees ornament Costa Rica. In fact, people all over the world are drawn here just for its flowers. One species of great attraction is the angel’s trumpet tree. This is a pendulous white flower which has bat-like characteristics. It remains dormant during daylight and opens only at night time, exposing its pollen-releasing stamen. 

TREES

There are several species of trees that make up the canopy and emergent layer of Costa Rica’s rainforest. Some are coconut trees, Strangler Figs, and Milk or Cow tree. 

STRUCTURAL ADAPTATIONS

As most people notice, most of the leaves of plants in Costa Rica have pointed tips, and as they call it, the drip tip. This structural adaptation among plants collects moisture and raindrops at the tip and eventually, dripping it to the ground. This mechanism establishes the drainage capability of the leaves which helps avoid accumulation of excess water that can disrupt the process of photosynthesis. Another characteristic is its smooth, wax-like surface which acts as a water repelling surface. This also helps in drying the leaves easily significant for food processing.

The plants also possess adaptations which benefits animals living in the rainforest. For instance, the bromeliads serve as temporary home for insects and frogs in their metamorphic stage.  Its water container inside the leaves caused the body parts modification in frogs that have undergone the tadpole stage. 

Rainforest Animals of Costa Rica

Diverse numbers of tropical animals inhabit the rich land and waters of Costa Rica. From the mountaintops, hills, swamps, dry lands and wetlands, these are all dominated by animal abundance. Primarily because of the country’s adaptation abilities to different species and the balance in the ecosystem make it really a frontier for animal life. No one could ever imagine that such a small place would be a home for 615 species of animals; no wonder it is a favorite destination for nature and wildlife seekers.

Typical animals that you can encounter once you visit Costa Rica are listed. But do not limit yourself on these because most animals evolve to be hidden, not commonly seen to people.

MAMMALS. Wildlife tour would be more interesting if you start with the most complex and highest form, the class Mammalia. Over 200 species are present, half of it are bats. Though extinction are becoming notorious in Central America, wildlife in Costa Rica are starting to recover. Mammals in Costa Rica have ecological roles that are unparalleled in temperate zones. Rare ones include Agouti, Armadillo, Baird’s Tapir, Coati, Jaguarundi, Sloth, Puma, and many others. As a tip, night hikes offer batter opportunities in spotting these forests animals.

REPTILES. Costa Rica is full of reptiles, nearly 220 species. It is best to keep watch on them, though some might be shy and hiding, others would be aggressive and venomous especially half of this huge number are snakes. Species that you must spot are as follows: Boa Constrictor, Black Ctenosaur, Fer-de-Lance, Green Turtle, Zopilota and House Gecko. Also, be amazed of the Jesus Christ Lizard that is known to walk on water. Reptiles in Costa Rica are full of surprises but once spotted; they offer appreciation for the agility that makes them legendary.

AMPHIBIANS. Costa Rica is a home for 160 species of amphibians. It is exciting to know that most of the colors in the rainforest are provided by these amphibians, especially frogs. Species to look out for are Strawberry-poison dart Frog, Glass Frog, Milk Frog, and Brilliant Forest Frog. Though these creatures seem interesting to touch, do not dare to because their colors might be a sign of poison in them. In fact, poisons from frogs are used by hunters with their hunting arrows.

BIRDS. Costa Rica has long been a top destination for bird-watching. Mainland Costa Rica and its waters house more than 840 species plus 10 more if Coco Island and its waters are included. Variation of avifauna will not make anyone disappointed. Bird species that you would probably see are Bananaquit, Brown Pelican, Green Heron, Resplendent Quetzal, Long-tailed Hermit and many others.

FISHES. Costa Rica is home to 180 species of freshwater fish. Different forms and sizes interest fishermen all over the world. Pacific Blue Marlin, Pacific Sailfish, Yellow fin Tuna and Snapper are just some of their fish abundance.

INSECTS. Pay attention to these tiny creatures as these show-stoppers caught your eye. There are about 35,000 species present in Costa Rica to think that they are larger in number than mammals. Insects to look out for are Glass Butterfly, Helicopter Damselfly, Walking Stick, and Rhinoceros Beetle.