CLOUD FOREST
Biological Reserve
 The
10,500 hectare Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is acclaimed
as one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries. It is owned
and operated by the Tropical Science Center, a non-profit organization
for scientific research and education, with headquaters in San
José.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve protects more
than 100 species of mammals, more then 400 species of birds, and
more than 1200 species of amphibians and reptiles, including the
golden toad, an endemic species that is deaf and dumb and lives
on the continental divide -the males are a striking bright orange
colour. It is one of the few remaining habitats of all five species
of the cat family: jaguar, ocelot, puma, margay and jaguarundi.
Insects include over 5,000 species of month, 2,500 species of
plants, among which there more over 500 butterfly species are
300 species of orchids that mainly flower in March and 200 species
of ferns. The preserve has kilometers of trails, sections of which
are not for the weak-hearted. Parts ooze with mud; other sections
have been magnificently covered with raised wooden walkways. Because
of the fragile environment, the preserve allows a maximum of 120
people on the trails at any one time. The paths are strewn with
exotic blossoms, such as "hot lips".
It extends down both the Caribbean and Pacific
slopes and encompasses eight distinct ecological zones. Temperatures
range 13-24ºC (55-75ºF), average annual rainfall is
242 cm (97 inches) falling mostly between June and November. Temperature
and humidity change dramatically over relatively short distances,
producing a great diversity of forest types with little change
in elevation. Wind-battered elfin woods on exposed rides are particularly
dwarfed, whereas more protected areas have majestically tall trees
blanketed with orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and vines. Poorly drained
areas support swamp forests, huge philodendrons, tall bamboo,
and giant tree farms from the age of the dinosaurs. Humid trade
winds blowing in off the sea shroud the forest ina veil of mist.
Early morning and late afternoon
are the best times to see birds, including hummingbirds, which
can be seen feeding outside the information hut. Just after dawn
is a good time to spot quetzals, which are particularly active
in the early morning, especially in the mating season (April and
May). Midmorning peak hours are to be avoided.
Click
here for Monteverde Cloud Forest clickable map
Much
of the information on our site as it relates to Costa Rica is:
 Courtesy
of Christopher P. Baker and Avalon Travel Publishing.
© 2004 Christopher P. Baker. All Rights Reserved.
Spanish Abroad, Inc. highly
recommends Christopher P. Baker's book: Moon
Handbooks Costa Rica. Click on the image to visit
his website where you can purchase this book or find out more
about the author.
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