Costa Rica Animals

Costa Rica’s Amazing Wildlife:
While you’re on one of our many wildlife observation tours, you will see the sights of countless different species such as four different types of monkeys, jaguars, pumas, sloths, anteaters, frogs, snakes, iguanas, lizards, turtles, quetzals, Toucans, Hummingbirds, Parrots, Macaws, dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, butterflies, and other animals and insects, many that are endangered.

White-throated Capuchin Monkeys:
These curious and agile monkeys life in groups of 5-30 and are known for their aggressive nature as they powerfully defend their territory. They make a commotion by shaking trees and baring their sharp teeth. They are not picky eaters as they survive on fruits, leaves, birds, eggs, lizards, and almost anything else they can get their little hands on. They are a spectacular sight to see and are recognized by their white fur on their face, throat and chest, and dark black or brown fur covering the rest of them.

Howler Monkeys:

Very commonly seen in Costa Rica, these monkeys are not as aggressive as Capuchins, although make quite a bit more vocal noise, as their name depicts. Living in the canopy of the rainforest, Howler Monkeys eat an array top leaves, together with fruit, buds, flowers, and nuts. Unlike many other monkeys, they very rarely leave the trees and spend about 80 percent of their time resting. You will recognize a Howler monkey by their all-over dark fur, and their extremely loud roars that they make. In fact, they are considered to be the loudest land animal in the world!

Spider Monkey:

Very agile, these disproportionately long monkeys are a common sight in Costa Rica’s rainforests. They eat a lot of ripe fruit from a wide variety (over 150 species) of plants and are recognized by their long dark bodies with small, hairless faces. They strictly live in trees and have very useful tails with a pad, much like on our fingertips, on the end.

Squirrel Monkeys:

Costa Rica’s smallest monkey is the squirrel monkey, known to locals as Titi. These funny little creatures scurry on all fours around the rainforest floor where they are safe from the large predators that live high up in the canopy. Unlike other primates, Squirrel Monkeys live in very large groups that sometimes have as many as 30 members! They are similar to the larger Capuchins with food preferences and will eat almost anything. During times of abundance, in the rainy season, the two species get along quite well, but they become rivals when food is scarce.

Anteaters:
Anteaters are common in lowland and middle-elevation habitats throughout Costa Rica. As their name suggests, Anteaters survive solely on a diet of ants and termites, and the inevitable bits of dirt. They are famous for their unique way of getting their dinner. With a long tongue with many microscopic spines, a toothless jaw with one long tube, and powerful forearms and claws which help them rip open ant and termite nests. There are three different species of anteaters in Costa Rica. The most commonly seen is known locally as a Tamandua. These striking creatures can grow up to 5 feet and weigh up to 17 lbs. Less commonly seen is the Giant Anteater who get as long as 6” 5’. They can be fearsome because when threatened they will rear and slash wildly with their sharp claws. You may be lucky enough to spot a “silky anteater”. These are cat-sized anteaters that strictly stay in the trees, hanging upside down by their strong tails.

Bats:
Bats make up a huge portion of Costa Rica’s mammals. During the day you many spot they as they are sleeping up in a tree or mad made structure. They avoid the bright light of the day and even nights around full moons. Their fear is a survival tactic as they avoid predators like owls. There are many different species of bats in Costa Rica such as the Jamaican fruit bat, vampire bats, fishing bulldog bat, and hundreds more. Have no fear; they are pretty much harmless to humans.

Cats:
Costa Rica boasts six endangered members of the cat family, which are rarely seen. If you are lucky enough to spot one of these magnificient critters, they will probably be a jaguarondi, puma, jaguar, margay, oncilla, or a ocelot. Keep your eyes peeled!

Tapirs:
Baird's tapirs are solitary exotic animals that resemble a mixture of an elephant, rhinoceros, and a pig. They are an endangered species that live in the protection of National parks and have a tiny population of less than 300. They have become weary of humans as they used to be fiercely hunted, therefore spotting one may be difficult. If you are so lucky as to see one, chances are it will be close to swampy water in the dense part of the forest.

Three-toed Sloths:
Three-toed Sloths are a favorite animal for many people visiting Costa Rica. They are medium-sized, and very slow moving. Eating leaves from the canopy is where you are most likely to spot them because they never leave the trees. They live, feed and reproduce many feet above the rainforest floor. They move from tree to tree, only every 1-2 days. These unique animals eat food that is largely indigestible and as it travels through their long intestinal tract, they instinctively do everything they can to conserve energy, thus moving very slowly, and basking in the sun to keep their body temperature like that of other mammals.

Amphibians and Reptiles:
Costa Rica is home to many amphibians and reptiles. Whether you want to venture to the warm beaches to see 300 lbs sea turtles nesting, or trek through the rainforest and watch for poisonous snakes, and frogs, you will be amazed by the extreme colors, and sizes of these creatures. You will also have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the spectacular caimans, crocs, iguanas, and lizards that live in the many different ecosystems that Costa Rica supports.

Birds:
Bird Watching is huge for Costa Rica. Even for people who would never go birding at home, they put it at the top of their list when traveling to Costa Rica. The sheer numbers of different species that both live all year round, and that migrate there in the winter are outstanding. You will no doubt, see several different exotic birds when you get here. Among these birds, you’re likely to see the likes of Quetzals, Toucans, over _ species of Hummingbirds, parrots, Macaws, and many, many more!

Marine Life:
With all the water surrounding Costa Rica and running through it by rivers, Costa Rica has some rare and spectacular marine life. While you’re surfing or diving, you might get to privilege to swim along-side the friendly dolphins. Manatees, that are now endangered, have a relatively large population living in the country. You may also get the chance to see the famous sea turtles, sharks, and giant manta rays that live in the Costa Rican waters.

Insects:
Insects make up for a very large part of the wildlife population of Costa Rica. Visiting the many butterfly farms, is a beautiful and fun experience. While on a wildlife tour, you may get to spot some species such as ants, spiders, caterpillars, and many other big, bizarre, and debatably beautiful creatures!