Peat bogs and mountain wetlands are high-elevation ecosystems characterized by waterlogged, acidic soils that accumulate organic matter (peat) due to slow decomposition rates. In Costa Rica, they are found in depressions and valleys in the Talamanca Mountain range. These habitats are dominated by sedges, cushion plants, mosses, and stunted shrubs, and host a highly specialized and often endemic flora and fauna. They play a critical role in water regulation, carbon storage, and climate moderation, acting as natural sponges that slowly release water to lower elevations.
Los Quetzales National Park
Chirripó National Park
La Amistad International Park
Tapantí–Macizo de la Muerte National Park (fringe zones)
March–April (less precipitation and clearer skies); year-round for ecological monitoring
These peat bogs are natural climate regulators and carbon sinks, storing more carbon per hectare than most forests. Their conservation is critical for hydrological integrity, endemic species survival, and mitigating climate change impacts in highland ecosystems.
