The Ecology of Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a natural paradise. The concept of ecotourism was born in Costa Rica; this carries an emphasis on minimizing the impact of tourism on the environment. This concept is heartily endorsed and encouraged by the staff and members of "Travel to Costa Rica."

Costa Rica has twelve distinct ecological zones, more than in all of North America. There is a fantastic proliferation of wildlife; Costa Rica amazingly is home to 5% of all known animals on this planet, including an incredible number of birds and butterflies. There is also an explosive array of vegetation consisting of over 9,000 species found everywhere from the pristine forests and jungle to the brisk, cool mountaintops.

An interesting fact relates to Costa Rico's being the land bridge between North and South America. Through the centuries, animals indigenous to either continent have converged in Costa Rica, enhancing the impressive diversity.

And as a great friend to this planet, Costa Rica had dedicated one quarter of its land area to parklands and wildlife refuges. No other country in the world has devoted so much of its territory to environmental protection.

· 130 species of freshwater fish
· 160 species of amphibians
· 208 species of mammals
·1,600 species of fresh and salt water fish
· 220 species of reptiles
· 850 species of birds
· 1,000 species of butterflies
· 1,200 varieties of orchids
· 9,000 species of plants
· 34,000 species of insects
· Canal networks through jungles
· Cloud forests
· Coral reefs
· Deciduous forests
· Elevations from sea level to 12,529 feet
· Mangrove swamps
· Rain forests
· Tropical dry forests
· Volcanoes (112 craters)
· White, black, and pink shell beaches on both coasts
· Extensive networks of rivers