Forest Ecosystems and Species of Costa Rica

General Overview of Costa Rica Forests Has a total area of 2,605,000 hectares

This is 51% of Costa Rica's total area! 23.9% of this area is primary forest

Is habitat to 500,000 species 1,500 of which are amphibians, birds, mammals, and

reptiles 6.9% are endemic 6.6% are threatened

Comprised of 12,119 species of known vascular plants 7.8% are endemic

Contains many different microclimates Differences in shading, precipitation, and other factors

Nutrient cycling and soil cohesion Very efficient nutrient cycling; closed-loop system Root from vegetation prevent soils from eroding

Climate and air quality regulation Acts as a carbon sink and produces oxygen

Contains 238 million metric tons of carbon in living biomass

Regulates temperatures through evapotranspiration Provision of goods

Produces raw materials for construction and fuel Provides fresh water and food

Key habitat for animals and plants Plants have potential medicinal purposes Attracts tourists and increases the nation’s economy

Ecological Services

Ecosystems to ExploreRainforests Cloud Forests

Dry Forests

One of the most productive and biodiverse ecosystems in the world

Very poor soil fertility but efficient nutrient cycling 4 forest layers:

Tropical Rainforests

High productivity and biodiversity Found in higher elevations, such as the sides of

mountains Almost always shrouded in clouds, producing unique

climates 4 forest layers, same as rainforests

Cloud Forests

Scarce vegetation but high biodiversity Can sustain 50-100% of the number of fauna and flora

as neighboring rainforests can Little to no precipitation for most of the year, but

receives a great amount during the rainy season 2 forest layers:

Canopy Forest Floor

Dry Forests

What are the differences?Rainforest Cloud Forest Dry Forest

Temperature (°F)

Precipitation (cm)

Elevation (m)

Canopy Height (m)

0 - 6000 - 1,000

72 - 92

15 - 40

500 – 3,000

200 - 600 100 - 300

61 - 64

40 - 60

110 - 150

20 - 30

72 - 92

Types of Vegetation

Evergreen Trees(Some Deciduous)

EpiphytesClimbers

Evergreen and Deciduous Trees

EpiphytesMosses

Deciduous Trees(Some Evergreen)

ShrubsHerbs

Forest Layers 4 4 2

Dry Period 0 - 2 Months 0 - 2 Months 5-8 Months

Deforestation

Agriculture

Ranching

Urbanization

Mining

Dam construction

Pollution

Threats to these Ecosystems

Description: About 80-96 cm in length and weighs 1 kg Can live up to 50 years in the Wild (75 years in captivity); reaches sexual maturity at age 5 Produces 2 or 3 offspring each season

Population decline: No more than 4,000 in Central America

Threats: Deforestation and habitat fragmentation/loss Illegal pet trade Hunting for feathers

Scarlet Macaw

Description: One of the largest New World monkeys; around 140 cm long from head to tail and weighs 6-9 kg Has long, slim limbs and a strong prehensile tail Lifespan of up to 33 years

Population Decline: Since 1995, populations have declined as much as 50%

Threats: Deforestation and habitat loss Illegal pet trafficking and hunting

Spider Monkey

Description: One of the largest butterflies in the world with wings

that span 3-8 inches Tops of wings are bright blue edged with black, but

undersides are dull brown with spots Lifespan of 115 days

Threats Deforestation Capture by collectors

Morpho Blue Butterfly

Conservation Efforts National parks

Minimizes and prevents degradation of forested ecosystems in protected areas

Increases visibility of issues to public Restoration projects

Replanting forests

Connect to nature Reduce waste Conserve energy and water Buy less, buy “green” Eat local and grow your own! Volunteer Express yourself!

What can you do?