Costa Rica Species
Back
Semi-Urban or Peri-urban Zones
MixedIn ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow.

Semi-Urban or Peri-urban Zones

Added by

Anonymous Curator

Reviewed by

Under Review

Last modified by

Julia Trouin

Detailed Description

Semi-urban or peri-urban zones represent the dynamic interface where urban growth meets the rural and forest landscape. In Costa Rica, these zones are common on the slopes of the Greater Metropolitan Area and are characterized by a mosaic of land uses including residential estates, small agricultural farms, and patches of secondary forest. Technically, these areas are vital due to the 'edge effect,' which fosters high biodiversity by combining deep forest species with species adapted to open environments. They function as buffer zones for high-altitude national parks, helping to filter human pressure and providing ecosystem services such as aquifer recharge and the maintenance of cool microclimates that counteract the warming of adjacent urban areas.

Climate Metrics

Altitude (m)Elevation above sea level in metres. Higher altitude means lower temperatures and pressure, shaping which species can survive.800 – 2,200 m
Precipitation (mm/year)Total annual rainfall in millimetres. A key driver of vegetation type — tropical rainforests typically exceed 2 000 mm/year.1,800 – 3,500 mm
Temperature (°C)Average annual temperature range in degrees Celsius. Together with precipitation, it defines the Holdridge life zone and resident species.14 – 26 °C

Basic Identification

Habitat TypeBroad ecological classification: Terrestrial (land-based), Aquatic (water-based), or Mixed (both).Mixed
Holdridge Life ZoneHoldridge Life Zone System — classifies world climates into discrete zones based on biotemperature, annual precipitation, and humidity. Developed by Leslie Holdridge in 1947.Premontane Wet Forest

Locations in Costa RicaGeographic regions of Costa Rica where this habitat or species has been documented.

Central Valley

Best Season to VisitBest times of year to visit or observe this area at its most biodiverse.

December – March

Climate & EnvironmentTypical weather patterns, temperature ranges, and seasonal rainfall affecting this location.

Moderate mountain climate. Characterized by sunny mornings and cloudy afternoons with seasonal rains. Temperatures are cooler than in city centers, with constant natural ventilation coming from the mountain ranges.

Record Completeness
38%
Coming soon