Stories and photos from the field
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
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 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
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
“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
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) 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)
Paraponera clavata, commonly known as “bala” or “bullet ant” in English, is a species of ant that is commonly found throughout Costa Rica. The bullet ant has been found to be distributed throughout Central and South America, generally in tropical forest zones. This species is the only member of the genus Paraponera, and it’s closest… Continue reading The “Bala” Ant
The 3-Toed Sloth is a famous animal, recently and noticeably gaining popularity due to zootopia’s portrayal of the animal. The dopey face and slow movements are all notable characteristics of the animal, but beneath these characteristics lies some unique hidden traits. First, there are two primary types of sloths: the two-toed sloth and the three-toed… Continue reading Three-Toed Sloth (Brown Throated Sloth) – Natural
Picture source: Jouneytothejungle.com Frequently spotted on signs, merchandise, and advertisements, the great green macaw has become a popular emblem of nature and conservation for Costa Rica. Sadly, this amazing bird is at risk of disappearing from the planet and is recognized as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the… Continue reading Ara ambiguus (Great Green Macaw)