Costa Rica Species
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Transition Zone Forest
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Transition Zone Forest

Added by

Anonymous Curator

Reviewed by

Under Review

Last modified by

Julia Trouin

Detailed Description

The transition zone is a unique and fascinating ecosystem located at the geographic boundary where the dry tropical forest of Guanacaste province merges with the wet tropical forest of the South Pacific. This zone, centered in Carara National Park, is a melting pot of biodiversity where species from both biomes converge, creating exceptional ecological wealth. It is characterized by seasonality that is less marked than in the dry forest, yet with a flora that still retains deciduous species alongside tall evergreen trees. It marks the northern distribution limit for many southern species and the southern limit for northern species, and is world-famous as one of the most important sanctuaries for the scarlet macaw (Ara macao), which finds ideal nesting and feeding resources here.

Climate Metrics

Altitude (m)Elevation above sea level in metres. Higher altitude means lower temperatures and pressure, shaping which species can survive.0 – 600 m
Precipitation (mm/year)Total annual rainfall in millimetres. A key driver of vegetation type — tropical rainforests typically exceed 2 000 mm/year.2,000 – 3,500 mm
Temperature (°C)Average annual temperature range in degrees Celsius. Together with precipitation, it defines the Holdridge life zone and resident species.22 – 33 °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 Moist Forest

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

Central Pacific (Manuel Antonio)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.

Hybrid climate with a moderate dry season (December to April). The temperature is hot and stable, but with higher relative humidity than in northern Costa Rica, favoring a denser and greener forest canopy for most of the year.

Record Completeness
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