Species in Corcovado National Park
Located
in Osa Peninsula, Corcovado is an irreplaceable part of the natural
wealth of Costa Rica Rain Forest. A lagoon set
in a forested alluvial plain which opens to the Pacific on the west,
flanked by mountains on the east and south by a low plateau to the
north, Corcovado's 43,735 hectares is home to at least 800 species
of birds, 139 of mammals, 116 of amphibians and reptiles, plus over
6,000 insect species. It is a major refuge for the American Crocodile,
jaguar, tapirs, Squirrel Monkeys, giant anteaters, Harpy Eagles,
Scarlet Macaw, and Red-throated Caracaras. Some of the forested
areas, such as the Llorona Plateau, with high densities of large
trees, are as species-rich as any in the Neotropics (over 100 species
of trees per hectare). The canopy height reaches 55-60 meters, the
tallest in Costa Rica.
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The relatively
small area of this park contains, like Costa Rica itself, an
amazing diversity of habitats. At least 13 different vegetation
associations can be mapped, ranging from floating herbaceous
swamp in the center of the Corcovado Lagoon to the mangroves
along the coast, to high forest on the plateau and the mountains.
High diversity of tree species is characteristic of most habitats
within the park. However, one also finds striking examples of
monospecific stands, such as the Raphia palm swamp which surrounds
the central lagoon, or the Pterocarpus swamp forest near the
mouth of the Llorona River.
The park has numerous hiking trails and rustic camping refuges. A guide is
recommended. Less adventurous visitors can also enjoy the park on boat
excursions or arrive by plane at the Sirena station. Visitors who keep their
eyes open can see whales and macaws in Corcovado, as well as many other animals
in danger of extinction. Visitor services include information, a park ranger
station, trails, signage, restrooms, drinking water, a landing field, camping area,
radio communication and rustic lodging.
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Beginning December 01, 2006
the Costa Rican National Park Service
is implementing restrictions on the amount
of daily visitors to National Parks. For more info
click here.
Travel to Costa Rica, must include a visit to Corcovado National Park. |
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Giant Anacardium excelsum trees (Anacardiaceae) characterize
the alluvial plain of Corcovado and Cryosophila
guagara palms (Palmae), as well as many other
tree species. Here one finds beautiful examples
of periodically flooded, poorly drained and well
drained forests, where huge lianas ascend some
of Central America's tallest trees (70-80 meters).
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We recommend to visit:
Chamber of Tourism of Osa | Tourism Osa
Tourism Information Official Website | ICT
Solid Car Rental | Solid Car Rental
Point Break Hotel | Point Break Hotel
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