Costa Rica Species
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Cloud Forest
TerrestrialIn ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow.

Cloud Forest

Added by

Gerardo Venegas

Reviewed by

Under Review

Last modified by

Alberto Zuluaga

Detailed Description

Characterized by persistent low-level cloud cover, high humidity, and abundant epiphytes.

Climate Metrics

Altitude (m)Elevation above sea level in metres. Higher altitude means lower temperatures and pressure, shaping which species can survive.1,200 – 1,800 m
Precipitation (mm/year)Total annual rainfall in millimetres. A key driver of vegetation type — tropical rainforests typically exceed 2 000 mm/year.2,500 – 6,000 mm
Temperature (°C)Average annual temperature range in degrees Celsius. Together with precipitation, it defines the Holdridge life zone and resident species.12 – 24 °C

Basic Identification

Habitat TypeBroad ecological classification: Terrestrial (land-based), Aquatic (water-based), or Mixed (both).Terrestrial
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 Rain Forest

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

Monteverde / Santa Elena

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

Dry Season (Dec–Apr)Rainy Season (May–Nov)Year Round

Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species.

  • Rising temperatures are pushing the cloud base higher, threatening moisture-dependent species.
  • Agricultural expansion on the lower slopes limits altitudinal migration.

Conservation InitiativesActive programs and initiatives working to protect and restore this habitat or area.

  • Private Conservation Corridors
  • Reforestation of adjacent pasture lands

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

Cool and highly humid with frequent mist.

Additional DataSupplementary data that does not fit the standard classification fields.

  • Exceptionally high endemism for amphibians and epiphytes (orchids, bromeliads).
  • Resplendent Quetzal, Golden Toad (extinct)

Comments & NotesCurator observations, fieldwork comments, and data quality annotations.

  • Initial data imported from Holdridge Life Zones dataset.
  • Need to update the bibliographic references with the 2023 climate report.
Record Completeness
46%
Coming soon

Bibliographic ReferencesScientific publications, field guides, and databases that document this species or area.

  • Holdridge, L. R. (1967). Life Zone Ecology.
  • Boza, M. A. (1993). Parques Nacionales de Costa Rica.