A natural paradise like no other in the world

by Bret G. Dudl
13.07.09
2:54 PM GMT+8

Filed in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a natural paradise in the tropics unmatched by any other place in the world. The facts speak for themselves: 6 % of all species that can be found on the planet are concentrated here, in a tiny area that represents the equivalent of 0.03 % of the earth’s surface. Nowhere in the world you will find such a spectacular biodiversity per square kilometer.

Even better, Costa Rica is doing a lot for the conservation of these natural treasures for future generations and has protected more area per capita than any other country in the world.

A total of 27 % of the country’s area is protected in national parks, biological reserves, national wildlife refuges and privately protected areas. 12 ecosystems in eight climate zones are the home of 850 species of birds, more than in all of North America; as well as 205 kinds of mammals, 376 different species of reptiles and more than 9000 species of flowers, among them 1200 types of orchids. More than 1400 tree species can be found in Costa Rica and until today, more than 35,000 insect species have been discovered, including 2000 species of butterflies alone; and new species are still being discovered.

Numerous ecosystems coexist like a colorful kaleidoscope next to each other: rain forest, cloud forest, dry forest, paramo, mangroves, coral reefs complement each other in a very small space, leaving visitors stunned as they travel through the ever changing landscape. Everywhere there is a sensation of life in its most exuberant expression: plants spring up, insects swirl around, birds sing a song, monkeys jump from one tree to another. Costa Rica, biologically a bridge between North- and South America, truly is a Garden Eden that captivates the senses of visitors from all over the world.