Costa Rica Uncategorized | MSEM in the Field

The diets of tropical birds are not influencing population changes

Published on June 9, 2017 Author aqueved1

Source: Boyle W.A., Sigel B.J. 2015. Ongoing changes in the avifauna of La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica: Twenty-three years of Christmas Bird Counts. Biological Conservation 188: 11-21 Summary: Contrary to previous research, recent research has found that the diets of tropical birds are not a main factor that affect affect bird communities. Instead, body… Continue reading The diets of tropical birds are not influencing population changes →

Toucan’s unusual behavior at La Selva Biological Research Station

Published on June 9, 2017 Author aamjad

The toucan is a medium sized bird with a large beautifully colored beak, and it is native to the rainforests of Central and South America and the Caribbean. The toucan is mostly known as a frugivorous bird (one that feeds on fruits), and their primary ecological function is seed dispersal because of their long distance… Continue reading Toucan’s unusual behavior at La Selva Biological Research Station →

Wanted for the murder of lizards: Climate Change

Published on June 9, 2017 Author jgonza49

“Global temperature increases over the next century are predicted to contribute to the extinction of a number of taxa, including up to 40 % of all lizard species.” Frightening way to start a scientific paper, but even more so when you realize the drastic implications that this study brings about. By using a cross examination… Continue reading Wanted for the murder of lizards: Climate Change →

Baird’s Tapir

Published on May 29, 2017 Author kmeisner

Named after American naturalist Spencer Fullerton Baird, Baird’s Tapir (Tapirus bairdii) is one of the four species of the tapir family and is currently found in the national parks of Costa Rica. Tapirs are identified by their long and flexible snout, stubby tail, and are typically around 2 meters in height. They are nocturnal and vegetarian and… Continue reading Baird’s Tapir →

Ringed Kingfisher

Published on May 29, 2017 Author wmudong

The ringed kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata) is the largest of all kingfishers found in the Americas. This once rare bird species in North America can now be seen in Central Texas and other southern states of the United States all the way down to the southernmost part of South America. It is unique with its blue,… Continue reading Ringed Kingfisher →

The majestic Kapok tree

Published on May 29, 2017 Author aqueved1

The Kapok tree (Ceiba pentandra), often referred to ceiba or silk cotton tree, is native to the Neotropics. Kapoks are easy to spot because of their size and giant limbs (buttresses). They can be up to 200 ft. tall and have a diameter of up to 10 ft. It is easy to assume that these… Continue reading The majestic Kapok tree →

Ramphastos ambiguus

Published on May 29, 2017 Author pmackin

There are different types of toucans that can be found in Costa Rica. The species that this blog will discuss is Ramphastos ambiguus. There are two colloquial names for Ramphastos ambiguus: the black mandible toucan and the yellow throated toucan. This species inhabits humid forests in the Neotropics. Photo Credit: Hectonichus – Bronx Zoo Ramphastos ambiguus… Continue reading Ramphastos ambiguus →

The Jamaican Fruit Bat

Published on May 29, 2017 Author ahall6

“Rats with wings”, “they suck your blood”, “they get caught in your hair”, “they carry diseases”; when I was young I heard all of these things about bats. Thankfully, in my schooling, I gained clarity into these rumors and common misconceptions. The fact that these creatures are so misunderstood endears them to me. While it is… Continue reading The Jamaican Fruit Bat →

Brown Forest Skink

Published on May 29, 2017 Author abussell

Scientific name – Sphenomorphus cherries Common name – Brown Forest Skink Biodiversity loss has increased at Las Selva Research Station in the last several years and understanding even the smallest creature’s dynamics will be beneficial in its protection. In 2013, the IUCN listed the skink as a species of least concern because of its wide… Continue reading Brown Forest Skink →

The Spectacled Caiman (Caiman Crocodilius)

Published on May 29, 2017 Author aburke3

The spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilius) gets its name from the bony ridge that lies between its eyes that gives it the appearance of wearing a pair of glasses. The spectacled caiman belongs to the family Alligatoridae along with many other species of crocodile and alligator. Unlike the other species in its family, the caiman… Continue reading The Spectacled Caiman (Caiman Crocodilius) →