
Costa Rican Biodiversity
An abundance of lush greens and other tropical colors, the Costa Rican rain forests are a national treasure. Costa Rica maintains 25 percent of its land for biological preserves, national forests, and other protected sites. Research, education, and investment in a stable and welcoming tourist industry have contributed greatly to the world's understanding of just how important our natural environment is.
Costa Rica is home to:
- more than 6% of all life forms on earth
- more than 630 resident bird species (quetzals, macaws, parrots)
- 120 seasonal migrating birds (hawks, falcons, eagles)
- 66 species of hummingbirds
- 5,000 different species of grasshoppers
- 160 known amphibians (frogs and toads, turtles, salamanders)
- 220 reptiles (lizards, snakes, caimans, crocodiles)
- 10% of all known butterflies
- many varieties of mammals including, sloths, tapirs, jaguars, and monkeys
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