For its ecological sensitivity, Costa Rica is a rare and diverse tropical realm where nature will always reign. This tiny country that represents only .01% of the earth’s landmass is home to an astonishing 5% of its wildlife. Imagine dwelling among 205 species of mammals, 2,000 types of moths and butterflies, more than 10,000 species of plant life, and one-tenth of all known bird species in the world. Protected lands cover more than one-fourth of the country, including sixteen protected preserves surrounding our Lake Arenal properties. Mist-haunted cloud forests…hidden waterfalls few people know about… mischievous howler monkeys swinging overhead…all of this pristine flora and fauna will never be altered by man.

If ever there was a place destined to retain the boundless splendors of Costa Rica, the verdant landscape around Lake Arenal is most surely it.

 

Mammals of Costa Rica

Sloth's

Sloth sloth2 Tayrasloth

The two pictured at the end are species of aptly named sloths; the opportunistic White-nosed Coati; and the fierce predator, the Tayra. The living sloths are omnivores. They may eat insects, small lizards, and carrion, but their diet consists mostly of buds, tender shoots, and leaves, mainly of Cecropia trees.

Tapir's

Tapirs Tapirbaby

Tapirs are large browsing mammals, roughly pig-like in shape, with short, prehensile snouts. For the most part, tapirs are likely to avoid confrontation in favor of running from predators, hiding, or, if possible, submerging themselves in nearby water until a threat is gone.

Coati's

Coatis coati2

The coati s a member of the raccoon family a diurnal mammal native to South, Central and south-western North America.

 

Birds of Costa Rica

toucan ScarletMacaw Owl FasciaterTigerHeron

894 bird species have been recorded in Costa Rica (including Cocos Island), more than all of the United States and Canada combined. More than 600 of the Costa Rican species are permanent residents, and upwards of 200 are migrants, spending portions of the year outside of the country, usually in North America.

 

Plants of Costa Rica

Coffee

coffeeplant coffee2

Coffee production plays an important role in the Costa Rican economy. Coffee is Costa Rica's number one export followed by bananas. In 1997, the agriculture sector employed 28 percent of the labor force and comprised 20 percent of Costa Rica's total GNP.[1] Production increased from 158,000 tons in 1988 to 168,000 tons in 1992. Costa Rican coffee is high in caffeine; it is often blended with inferior varieties. The largest growing areas are in the provinces of San José, Alajuela, Heredia, Puntarenas, and Cartago.

Strawberry Guava

StrawberryGuava

Strawberry guavas taste like a passionfruit mixed with strawberry, the fruit can be eaten by cutting them in half and scooping out the pulp and seeds.

Naranjilla Plant

naranjilla naranjilla2

The Naranjilla s a subtropical perennial plant from northwestern South America. The juice of the naranjillas is green and is often used as a beverage. Naranjilla are delicate plants and must be protected from strong winds and direct sunlight. They grow best in partial shade.

Mimosa Pudica

mimosapudica mimosapudica2 mimosapudicaseeds

Mimosa Pudica is a creeping annual or perennial herb often grown for its curiosity value: the compound leaves fold inward and droop when touched, re-opening within minutes.