New Study Serves as Call to Action to Protect Ecologically Diverse Regions of Costa Rica.

The National Museum has just conducted the study of a small tropical rainforest called the Capintero, which is currently only registered under the status of “Protected Zone”, the lowest conservation level in the country. The 2,991 hectare property is located in the province of Cartago and was discovered to contain an astonishing 1,100 species of plants, 31 species of mammals, 187 species of birds and 174 species of butterflies. The National Museum’s Department of Natural History lead the extensive project, which took four years to complete.

The paradox of this area is that it is situated in the Central Valley, the zone that is the least cared for in the country. The amount of flora and fauna housed discovered really came as a wonderful surprise. The region even contains areas of immense value, as the scientists discovered ancient vegetation dating up to 500 years old! It is now hoped that this rainforest, which turned out to be a jewel, will now be given a higher protection status.

The forest shows an interesting variety of ancient trees, like the White Oak, which is a descendant of trees that used to inhabit the Central Valley a long, long time ago. To the joy of scientists and biologists, a large group of Epiphytes (parasite plants) was also discovered, including a large number of Orchids, Bromeliads, Lichens and Lianas among other flower species. Even more astonishing was the discovery of a species of plant that turns out to be unique in the whole country; the Peperomia Carpinterana. Indeed according to the researchers, The Carpintero may well be the only place in the world guarding this plant today.

The animals are no less disappointing, with 187 species of birds, of which 13 are unique to Costa Rica and Panama and 40 are migratory. In particular, there appears to be a large number of Green Toucans. Out of the mammals, at least 16 species of bats were counted. Coyotes, two-toed sloth and armadillos are amongst the largest species found in the rainforest. A small type of wild cat, the Caucel, that is similar to an Ocelot, was apparently seen; the wild cats of Costa Rica are finding themselves at high risk and are rapidly becoming extinct so this comes as a positive surprise. Insects also are thriving in the area, with 142 species of butterflies and 32 species of moths were counted.

This study was released at an important moment in which human development has surrounded this important biological zone and is threatening to further impede on the habitats of these diverse creatures and plant life. It needs stronger and better protection and it needs it now. Its status must be changed immediately if it is to survive.

Scientists are currently holding meetings with the Ministry of the Environment, Energy and Telecommunications in an effort to solve this problem and designate a larger amount of Costa Rica Land for reserves and even national parks. Every tree, bird and butterfly counts in the days where extinction is a common menace. Hopefully it is not too late and the flora and fauna of this newly found paradise will be able flourish instead of fighting for its right to exist.

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Filed under: Costa Rican Wildlife on September 22nd, 2008