Wildlife in Costa Rica!

Amazingly, Costa Rica hosts more than 5% of the world’s biodiversity even though its landmass only takes up .03% of the planet's surface. There are more than

•   130 species of freshwater fish
•   160 species of amphibians 
•   208 species of mammals 
•   220 species of reptiles 
•   850 species of birds 
•  1,000 species of butterflies 
•  1,200 varieties of orchids 
•  9,000 species of plants 
• 34,000 species of insects 

And still counting as new species are discovered every day!! More than 25% of Costa Rica’s land is dedicated to national parks, reserves and wildlife refuges. There are more than 100 different protected areas to visit. Along with its diverse geography, the large number of species in Costa Rica is also due to the relatively recent appearance of the country. Roughly three million years ago Costa Rica rose from the ocean and formed a land bridge between North and South America and as species from these two vast biological provinces started to mingle and mix, the number of species was essentially doubled. Nowhere else in the world are so many types of habitats squeezed into such a tiny area, which makes it perfect for tourists interested in wildlife!!