Central America supports an abundance of wild creatures. Due in large part to its climate, geographic location between the North and South American continents, and a wide variety of habitats, Costa Rica is home to over 50,000 species of wildlife.
Since the establishment of its national parks, wildlife refuges', and forest reserves in 1970, Costa Rica has done more than any other nation to conserve its natural environment. Over 27% of the land mass is protected under federal law. Eco-tourism is one of Costa Rica's major industries. As a result, the list of mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects found there is quite extensive. Despite comprising only 0.03% of the planet’s surface, Costa Rica is considered to be one of the top twenty most bio-diverse countries in the world- supporting 4% of the total number of species found on earth.
Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, located in the steamy remote southern Pacific region of the country, is one of the best places in the world to see wildlife. Within the lowland rainforest of the Osa Peninsula's Corcovado National Park, one can see: puma and other large cats, crocodiles, monkeys, anteaters, sloths, agouti (a racoon like animal), coati, peccary, and the endangered tapir, as well as many different kinds of multi-colored tropical birds.
Corcovado encompasses an area of 263 miles of protected rainforest and coastline, Because of its bio-diversity, biologists from across the globe come to the Sirena Ranger Station, in the heart of Corcovado, to do research. Most scientests probably fly into Sirena, but for anyone seeking an adverturious wilderness experience, it is a 10.5 mile hike to get there- including 2 major river crossings.
Spotting and photographing tropical birds and monkeys high up in the dark canopy of the rainforest can be difficult. Both move from branch to branch very quickly. While being lucky should never be downplayed, having patience and knowing how to spot the fruit trees that monkeys and tropical birds eat, are helpful skills.
Over 60% of belize is covered by forest. 37% of belize's land is protected. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary protects is the worlds only sanctuary.
