Costa Rica Species
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Seasonal Wetlands and Swamps
MixedIn ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow.

Seasonal Wetlands and Swamps

Added by

Anonymous Curator

Reviewed by

Under Review

Last modified by

Julia Trouin

Detailed Description

Seasonal wetlands and swamps are lowland ecosystems that experience drastic variations in water levels depending on climatic seasonality. During the rainy season, these floodplains transform into vast water mirrors that serve as shelter and foraging sites for thousands of migratory and resident birds, such as the iconic Jabiru. Vegetation consists of aquatic plants, grasses, and trees tolerant of prolonged flooding. These ecosystems function as natural kidneys that filter sediments and pollutants, while acting as critical hydrological regulators that prevent catastrophic flooding in downstream communities. In the dry season, the water recedes, leaving nutrient-rich soils that support a unique food chain.

Climate Metrics

Altitude (m)Elevation above sea level in metres. Higher altitude means lower temperatures and pressure, shaping which species can survive.0 – 100 m
Precipitation (mm/year)Total annual rainfall in millimetres. A key driver of vegetation type — tropical rainforests typically exceed 2 000 mm/year.1,000 – 2,500 mm
Temperature (°C)Average annual temperature range in degrees Celsius. Together with precipitation, it defines the Holdridge life zone and resident species.24 – 36 °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.Tropical Moist Forest
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.

Guanacaste / Dry PacificNorthern Lowlands (Caño Negro)

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

December – MarchJuly – SeptemberOctober – November

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

Tropical climate with marked seasonality. High temperatures and intense solar radiation. The hydrological cycle is the engine of the ecosystem, with periods of deep flooding followed by partial or total drying.

Record Completeness
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