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

Gallery Forest

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Anonymous Curator

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Under Review

Last modified by

Julia Trouin

Detailed Description

The gallery forest is an arboreal ecosystem that develops along the banks of rivers and streams, forming a tunnel or 'gallery' of vegetation that covers the watercourse. In Costa Rica, these forests are vital, especially in dry forest areas like Guanacaste, as they maintain their greenery and foliage even during the dry season thanks to the proximity of groundwater. They function as critical biological corridors that allow wildlife to pass between isolated forest patches, in addition to preventing bank erosion and filtering sediments that would otherwise reach marine ecosystems. They are a haven for species such as the howler monkey, the green iguana, and a great diversity of riparian birds that depend on the connectivity these forests provide.

Climate Metrics

Altitude (m)Elevation above sea level in metres. Higher altitude means lower temperatures and pressure, shaping which species can survive.0 – 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.1,200 – 4,500 mm
Temperature (°C)Average annual temperature range in degrees Celsius. Together with precipitation, it defines the Holdridge life zone and resident species.18 – 32 °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.Multiple (Riparian Transition)
Water TypeFor aquatic habitats: whether the water body is freshwater, marine (saltwater), or brackish (mixture of both).Freshwater

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

Tempisque RiverCaño NegroOsa PeninsulaSarapiquíGuanacaste Lowlands

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

JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilDecember

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

Microclimate cooler and more humid than surrounding areas due to water evaporation and dense shade. It is less prone to the extreme temperatures of open plains.

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