BIODIVERSITY IN COSTA RICA:
The tropical zones of the American continent, the Neotropics, contain more species than other tropical regions of the world and, definitely, many more species than the Planet's temperate and cold zones. Costa Rica has been considered one of the most diverse regions and it is estimated that 4% of all living species are found here, even though this country comprises only 0,01% of the global territory.
When comparing Costa Rica with large countries well-known for their biological resources, such as Colombia or Brazil, our great biodiversity becomes evident. For example, if we consider the number of species for every 10,000 km2, Costa Rica has 295 tree species, while Colombia has 35 species and Brazil, 6.
Out of the 500,000 species estimated for the country, more than 87,000 (17.4%) have been described. Over 79% of these species are arthropods. Plants comprise another important group, of which some 10,979 (91%) species have been described. Such data indicate that out of the entire biodiversity described in the world, approximately 6% belongs to Costa Rica.
At present, we know 98.8% of vertebrates (excluding fish), close to 90% of plants and 60% of fish. However, out of the most diverse group (arthropods), less than 20% of species have been described. The same goes for other invertebrates, excluding mollusks. Groups such as fungi, bacteria and virus are almost unknown, since more than 98% of expected species are yet to be described.
NATIONAL PARKS OF COSTA RICA
Greenway Nature Tours is a Travel Agency and Tour Operator specialized in rain forest tours and adventure. We have many tours to the most famous National Parks of Costa Rica. For more information about every national park, please click on the park´s name for a full description.
Arenal National Park
Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge
Poás Volcano National Park
Juan Castro Blanco National Park
Irazú Volcano National Park
Tapantí National Park
Guayabo National Monument
Santa Rosa National Park
Guanacaste National Park
Rincón de la Vieja National Park
Barra Honda National Park
Palo Verde National Park
Lomas Barbudal Biological Reserve
Tamarindo National Wildlife Refuge
Ostional National Wildlife Refuge
Braulio Carrillo National Park (Barva Volcano sector)
Braulio Carrillo National Park (Zurquí sector)
Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge
Tortuguero National Park
Cahuita National Park
Gandoca - Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge
Hitoy - Cerere Biological Reserve
Peñas Blancas National Wildlife Refuge
Guayabo, Negritos and Pájaros Islands Biological Reserves
Curú National Wildlife Refuge
Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve
Carara Biological Reserve
Manuel Antonio National Park
Ballena Marine National Park
La Amistad International Park
Corcovado National Park
Caño Island Biological Reserve
Golfito National Wildlife Refuge
Cocos Island National Park
Chirripó National Park
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