Diversity of Flora and Fauna in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is known as one of the most biologically intense places in the world. Costa Rica means “rich coast” in Spanish, and the incredible flora and fauna support this name. Rich in natural resources, its innate beauty is impossible to deny. Home to 5% of the word’s biodiversity with over 1000 plants, Costa Rica is truly rich in life. Micro-ecosystems are throughout the country. In 1992, Costa Rica was made the headquarters of the world “Earth Council.”

A wild array of exotic, tropical flora and fauna supports the wildlife. 25% of the country is protected including 26 forests, 20 national parks, 9 forest reserves, 8 wildlife refuges, 7 wildlife sanctuaries and 1 national archaeological monument. Costa Rica has over 1,200 species of orchids and a range of wildly diverse habitats. 9,000 species of flowering plants and about 800 species of ferns grow in the region. The country has 12 different ecosystems including: tropical wetlands, primary dry forests and tidal mangrove swamps, which support a range of species, flora and fauna.

There is an abundance of rainforests throughout the country. Trees can grow up to 100 feet tall, absorbing up to 90% of the forest’s photosynthesis, while underneath through the wonders of nature, thousands of species of smaller trees sprout up. The dry forests do not contain as many plants. Here the exotic trees are short and robust. The mangrove swamps hold a variety of flora growing in the border between the land and the ocean and produce algae. These forests are essential for the preservation of species that only flourish in these unique conditions.

Costa Rica’s abundant fauna makes this one of the richest territories on the planet. 200 species of mammals, 850 species of birds, 220 species of reptiles, 200 species of amphibians and over 300,000 species of insects live in this country. Its geographic location between North and South American continents, and climate with a wide variety of habitats makes it home to so much biodiversity. Rich in bees, ants, moths, butterflies, lantern flies, and much more, Costa Rica has 1,251 species of butterflies and at least 8,000 species of moths. It is also home to the magnificent, endangered turtles: Giant leatherback, hawksbill, and loggerhead turtles also nest here.

The number one threat to species is endangered habitat followed by hunting and trapping. With an estimated 500,000 creatures throughout the country, Jaguars, Tapirs and the Squirrel Monkey are among the endangered species. The country is critical to preserving and protecting the world’s biodiversity. There rich number of wildlife preserves set aside across the country to protect endangered species throughout the country play a critical role in protecting biodiversity for the entire planet.