Costa Rica Species
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Tropical Rainforest
TerrestrialIn ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow.

Tropical Rainforest

Added by

Anonymous Curator

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Under Review

Last modified by

Julia Trouin

Detailed Description

The tropical rainforest is the ultimate expression of biodiversity on the planet, characterized by a complex vertical structure of multiple strata. Majestic trees such as the Ceiba or the Great Green Macaw almond tree exceed 50 meters, forming a dense canopy that shelters an infinite network of epiphytes, orchids, and bromeliads. This ecosystem is crucial for global climate stability, acting as a giant lung that processes carbon dioxide and regulates the water cycle through constant evapotranspiration. In Costa Rica, these forests are a sanctuary for emblematic species such as the jaguar, the Baird's tapir, and the scarlet macaw, maintaining ancient evolutionary processes in an environment of constant competition and symbiosis.

Climate Metrics

Altitude (m)Elevation above sea level in metres. Higher altitude means lower temperatures and pressure, shaping which species can survive.0 – 1,200 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.22 – 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.Tropical Wet Forest

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

Osa PeninsulaCaribbean Lowlands (Tortuguero / Sarapiquí)

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.

Warm and extremely humid climate. The average temperature ranges between 24°C and 30°C with relative humidity that rarely drops below 85%. Rainfall is abundant throughout most of the year, with a brief decrease between February and April.

Record Completeness
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