The Animals in Costa Rica

The wildlife of Costa Rica is the true treasure that the country has to offer. This small country has almost 900 species of birds which is truly amazing considering the U.S. has around 700. Some of the most known and recognizable include the long tailed quetzal, scarlet macaw, and popular toucan. Costa Rica is a bird watchers paradise, and attracts viewers from all over the planet.

Costa Rica is also home to 175 species of amphibians including many types of frogs. Some of the most interesting include the brightly colored poison dart frogs and the giant toad which is known for its voracious appetite.

Butterflies and moths are abundant throughout Costa Rica with over 9000 species found inside the country. The most amazing butterfly has to be the Blue Morpho which can get larger than a dinner plate and glows an iridescent blue. There are several butterfly farms located throughout the country which provide a great opportunity to see several species close up.

Costa Rica has a population of about 200 mammals. There are four types of Monkeys that reside in Costa Rica, white-faced, howler, squirrel, and spider. The howler monkey is known for its extremely loud call which can be heard from over a mile away. The apex predator in Costa Rica is the jaguar. Unfortunately, due to development and deforestation it has been isolated in only a few remote areas of the country like the Osa Peninsula. The slowest moving mammal in Costa Rica is without a doubt the sloth. This strange and unique creature can often be seen high up in the trees methodically moving from branch to branch.