The Wildlife of Costa Rica - Howlers Costa Rica Real Escapes

Explore hundreds of Howler articles

Costa Rica’s Biodiversity: A Haven for Fascinating Wildlife

Renowned for its remarkable biodiversity, Costa Rica is a sanctuary for captivating wildlife species. From its lush rainforests to coastal expanses, diverse ecosystems nurture an array of creatures. The intelligence and comprehension displayed by these species have perpetually intrigued scientists and nature enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Costa Rican wildlife and experience the delicate balance of its ecosystems, a testament to the beauty of nature’s intricacy.

See this section in the interactive, animated digital magazine:

Subscribe to the Guanacaste Wildlife Monitoring Youtube Channel

Discover the wildlife online puzzles

The Majestic Harpy Eagle: A Treasure in Costa Rica’s Skies

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]In the lush, vibrant jungles of Costa Rica, a true wonder of the avian world soars with grace and power—the Harpy Eagle. This magnificent bird, with...

The Shy Dwellers: Armadillos of the Costa Rican Soil

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Meet the unassuming architects of Costa Rica's rich soils: the armadillos. These creatures, clad in natural armor, are as mysterious as they are...

The Colorful World of Costa Rican Anoles

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]When you think of Costa Rica, images of lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and exotic wildlife likely come to mind. Among the myriad creatures that...

Majestic Mariners: The Seasonal Arrival of Orcas to Costa Rica’s Waters

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Orca sightings off the coast of Costa Rica are a rare and exhilarating phenomenon, attracting marine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The presence...

The Enchanting Hummingbird Moth: A Daytime Deceive

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]In the lush, vibrant landscape of Costa Rica, there exists a tiny marvel that often eludes the untrained eye—a creature so adept at mimicry that it can...

Costa Rica Birding: Little Tinamou—The Forest’s Whisper

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Costa Rica’s reputation as a birdwatcher’s haven is bolstered by the presence of diverse bird species, among which the Little Tinamou (Crypturellus...

The Graceful Giants of Costa Rica’s Waters: The Manta Ray Experience

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]In the crystalline waters off Costa Rica's expansive coastline, there exists a scene that seems plucked from a surrealist's dreamscape. Here, the manta...

Costa Rica Birding: Little Tinamou—The Forest’s Whisper

The Graceful Giants of Costa Rica’s Waters: The Manta Ray Experience

The Hidden Rainbow: Discovering Costa Rica’s Glasswing Butterflies

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]In the heart of Costa Rica's verdant rainforests, amidst the symphony of chirping birds and rustling leaves, a delicate creature dances through the air...

The Magnificent Frigatebird: Costa Rica’s Fearless Sky Pirate

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Soaring high above Costa Rica's coastal waters, the magnificent frigatebird commands attention with its impressive wingspan and distinctive forked...

Whispers of the Forest: The Margay’s Tale

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]In the dense, verdant jungles of Costa Rica, where the moonlight barely touches the forest floor, the margay cat moves like a shadow. This small,...

The Curious Case of the Leaf-Mimic Katydid

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]In the heart of Costa Rica's lush rainforests, a master of disguise plays an intricate game of hide and seek. This elusive artist is none other than...

The Muscovy Duck of Costa Rica: A Closer Look at This Unique Bird

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Costa Rica is a beacon for biodiversity, hosting an array of exotic flora and fauna. Among the fascinating creatures that call this vibrant land home...

Riverside Rulers: The Neotropical Otters of Costa Rica

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]In the lush, verdant waterways of Costa Rica, the neotropical otters—often playfully referred to as "riverine royalty"—have carved out an existence...

The Neon Glow of the Tortuguero Beetle

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]In the dense, dew-soaked rainforests of Costa Rica's Tortuguero, a tiny creature wields a light show that rivals the starlit sky. The Tortuguero...

From Rainforest to Cloud Forest: four amazing places to photograph wildlife

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]By Richard L. Camp rcamp@campphototours.com Costa Rica, a verdant tapestry of rainforests, cloud forests, and coastal ecosystems, is a wildlife...

Exploring the Untamed Wilderness of Costa Rica: A Comprehensive Guide

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Costa Rica, and its breathtaking landscapes and incredible biodiversity, offers a treasure trove of experiences for those looking to delve into its...

Keel-Billed Toucan: The Banana-Billed Acrobat

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Discover the Keel-Billed Toucan: Costa Rica's Rainbow-Beaked Wonder With a beak as colorful as a tropical fruit salad, the keel-billed toucan is...

The Spectacular Spectacled Caiman of Costa Rica

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Imagine peering through the misty veil of Costa Rica's lush wetlands, only to lock eyes with a pair of ancient, yet oddly stylish, spectacles. No, you...

Sally Lightfoot Crabs of Costa Rica: Nature’s Vivid Coastal Artists

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]The shores of Costa Rica, known for their lush landscapes and rich biodiversity, are also home to one of nature's most vibrant displays—the Sally...

Shadow of the Forest: Exploring the Enigmatic World of Costa Rica’s Jaguarundi

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Unveiling the Elusive Jaguarundi: Costa Rica’s Mysterious Feline Deep in the lush landscapes of Costa Rica, the jaguarundi, a lesser-known wild...

The Titi Monkeys of Costa Rica: Guardians of the Rainforest

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]In the verdant landscapes of Costa Rica, the Titi or Central American squirrel monkey represents not just a delightful spectacle for ecotourists but...

Colors in the Canopy: Discovering the Speckled Tanager’s Habitat and Habits

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]The Speckled Tanager, scientifically known as *Ixothraupis guttata*, is a captivating bird species found in the lush landscapes of Central and South...

Pelicans of Costa Rica: Majestic Birds of Coastal and Inland Waters

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Pelicans are a remarkable sight in Costa Rica, gracing both coastal and inland waters with their distinctive appearance and fascinating behaviors....

The Graceful Dance of the Mobula Rays

[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Why do mobula rays jump out of the water? Do you know? The vibrations from the engine tickles them Showing off for a potential mate Get rid of parasites Communicate with the other rays Mobula rays enjoy the warm,...

The Fascinating World of Scorpions: Their Role in the Ecosystem and Interaction with Humans

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]The Fascinating World of Scorpions: Their Role in the Ecosystem and Interaction with Humans Scorpions have been around for hundreds of millions of...

Whale Sharks Off Costa Rica’s Shores: A Majestic Encounter

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Costa Rica, renowned for its diverse wildlife, is a prime destination for those seeking encounters with marine giants. Among these, the whale shark...

Costa Rica’s Camouflaged Critters: The Art of Survival of the Snake-Mimic Caterpillar

[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]In the dense, verdant jungles of Costa Rica’s Corcovado National Park, a remarkable example of nature’s ingenuity in survival and adaptation quietly...

Exploring the Habitat of Collared Peccaries in Costa Rica

[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text] Collared peccaries, also known as javelinas, are adaptable mammals that inhabit a range of environments from the southwestern United States down to...

Meet Costa Rica’s Acrobats: The Fascinating Life of Spider Monkeys

[vc_row][vc_column width="5/6" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Spider monkeys, known for their playful antics and impressive agility, are one of Costa Rica’s most captivating wildlife species. Found primarily in...

Winged Fishermen: Exploring the Habitat and Habits of the Greater Bulldog Bat

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]The Greater Bulldog Bat, a creature that seems to leap straight out of a nature enthusiast's fantasy, is one of Costa Rica's most intriguing and yet...

A Guide to Costa Rica’s Best Sloth Sanctuaries: Where to See Them in the Wild

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Spotting a sloth in its natural habitat is a serene experience that epitomizes the Pura Vida lifestyle of Costa Rica. These fascinating creatures,...

The Enigma of the Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake: A Glimpse into Costa Rican Lore

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Nestled within the azure embrace of Costa Rican waters lies a creature as mysterious as it is captivating—the yellow-bellied sea snake. Known...

From Rainforest Canopies to Indigenous Lore: The Fascinating World of Dart Frogs

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]In the lush rainforests of Central America, two species of frogs captivate the attention of both locals and scientists alike—the Blue Jeans Dart Frog...

Turtles to the Sea: A Costa Rican Conservation Odyssey

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]The new little lives struggled over each other as they courageously floundered en masse toward the waiting waves. A millennia of history untold was...

Twilight Dancers: Exploring the Enchanting World of Fireflies

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Fireflies, often evoking a sense of wonder and nostalgia, are more than just enchanting creatures of the night. These luminous insects, belonging to...

The Vibrant and Mysterious Life of Costa Rica’s Orange-Kneed Tarantula

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]The orange-kneed tarantula, a striking arachnid native to Costa Rica, is a fascinating subject that blends the allure of exotic wildlife with the...

Costa Rica’s Stick Bugs: Masters of Camouflage and Eco Warriors

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Stick bugs or walking sticks, are among the most remarkable creatures in Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystem, epitomizing nature’s ingenuity in camouflage...

« Older Entries

Next Entries »

Costa Rican Culture: A Rich Blend of Tradition, Family, and ‘Pura Vida’

by John Quam | February 1, 2026 | Arts Culture Entertainment | 0 Comments

Costa Rica, though small in size, boasts a culture that’s vibrant, warm, and deeply rooted in both indigenous heritage and Spanish colonial influence. Whether you’re strolling through a lively town during a festival or enjoying a home-cooked casado meal, Costa Rican...

American Crocodile

by Vern Veer | January 30, 2026 | Wildlife | 0 Comments

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] American Costa Rica Crocodile: Visitors in Costa Rica can view the American crocodile at one of several prime spots, about 50 miles (85 km) west of San José, on the Tarcoles River. Here, they can be seen in abundance from the...

What Circle Of Hell Is This?

by John Quam | January 30, 2026 | Arts Culture Entertainment | 0 Comments

[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text The circle of life so lovingly narrated on nature documentaries plays out daily in Costa Rica. Toucans raid nests like feathered burglars. Iguanas—those smug, sunbathing “vegetarians”—will absolutely nibble the wrong...

The Tigrillo (oncilla) of Costa Rica: A Secretive Wild Cat You’ll Rarely See

by Vern Veer | January 30, 2026 | Wildlife | 0 Comments

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Costa Rica creature feature oncilla: Oncilla, often referred to as the little spotted cat, or in Costa Rica as the tigrillo. This Costa Rica cat is the smallest species of wildcat in this country. Living in the mountain forests at...

Costa Rica Whitewater Rafting Guide: Which River Should You Choose (and When)?

by Terry Carlile | January 30, 2026 | Travel & Adventure | 0 Comments

“During high water, the ‘Aye, mami!’ rapids become ‘Oh, crap!’ rapids,” my guide informed me — and honestly, that’s the most accurate river forecast you’ll ever get in Costa Rica. Whitewater rafting here is a beautiful contradiction. One minute you’re folded into the...

Protecting One Species at a Time

by Howler Staff | January 30, 2026 | Wildlife | 0 Comments

Protecting One Species at a Time. The theme of Earth Day 2019 is “Protect our Species.” With over 500,000 wildlife species in Costa Rica, it is vital to keep the biodiversity alive and thriving in this Central American isthmus. Thanks to the preservation efforts of...

What Brings People to Live In Costa Rica

by Howlers Staff | January 30, 2026 | Real Estate | 0 Comments

Costa Rica living – what draws people to this country? Let’s look at just a few of the many things that make people decide Costa Rica is where they want to call home. 1. Sand and sea Because the country is so small, you’re never too terribly far from one of its...

Chasing Costa Rica’s Green Flash: The One-Second Sunset Secret

by Terry Carlile | January 30, 2026 | Pura Vida | 0 Comments

[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text] What is the green flash? The green flash is a brief burst of green light that can appear on the very top edge of the sun for roughly one to three seconds as it meets the horizon. It’s most often spotted at sunset over...

Costa Rica Cacao and Dark Chocolate: A Local Story With Global Flavour (and Real Health Perks)

by John Quam | January 30, 2026 | Cover Stories, Pura Vida | 0 Comments

Cacao in Costa Rica isn’t just “the ingredient before chocolate” — it’s a living thread that runs through rainforest ecology, Indigenous heritage, smallholder livelihoods, and the modern obsession with seriously good dark chocolate. If you’ve ever snapped a square of...

Stand-Up Paddle Surfing: From Ancient Watercraft to Modern Wave-Riding

by Valarie K Taylor | January 30, 2026 | Travel & Adventure | 0 Comments

...historically, humans have regarded paddling small watercraft while standing up as an efficient and ergonomic way to fish and travel in the ocean... Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) looks modern, but the idea is ancient: humans have been standing to paddle small craft...

Diamante Eco Adventure Park: Ziplining, Wildlife and 10% Off With Code HOWLER

by John Quam | January 30, 2026 | Travel & Adventure | 0 Comments

Planning a trip to Guanacaste or staying near Liberia, Coco, Hermosa or the Riu hotels? Diamante Eco Adventure Park is the one place where you can tick off Costa Rica adrenaline, wildlife, beach time and proper food in a single day – and when you book directly or pay...

Torunes: Founded by Fatigue, Fueled by Coffee, Haunted by Excellence

by John Quam | January 30, 2026 | Arts Culture Entertainment, UP FRONT | 0 Comments

(and Now Buzzing with Bees, Beans, and Global Bragging Rights) Let’s rewind to 1897, when a man named Jacinto Avila Araya decided to climb a hill in Palmares so steep even the local goats looked up and said, “Hard pass.” After dragging himself up from the...

Explore the digital magazine in full screen:

February’s Howler Real Escapes is Costa Rica as it’s actually lived: a “quick drive” that turns into a roadside saga near Liberia—smoke, standstills, single-lane bridges, and the choice to honk…or help. We walk Rohrmoser’s layered story from coffee fields to 1960s planning to today’s high-rise rhythm, then head to Palmares for Torunes Farms—volcanic Arabica, stubborn founders, and Melipona bees turning blossoms into liquid gold. Cacao takes the spotlight too, linking sacred traditions and Caribbean resilience to modern fine-flavour chocolate and smarter bar choices.

Adventure runs through every page: SUP history and beginner-proof tips, ziplining and wildlife at Diamante Eco Adventure Park (code HOWLER saves 10%), and rafting picks from Río Pacuare to Río Tenorio by region, season, and nerve. Surfers get plain-English swell angle, the Galápagos energy effect, and Papagayo winds that can polish waves—or steal your towel. Practical life guides cover ATM mishaps, verdurería shopping, packing kids, fiesta-season style, epiphanies, decluttering, and self-respect that doesn’t feel cheesy. Business and real estate get clarity on RTBF filing changes, who powers the economy, beachfront rules, and financing paths. Food and wildlife round it out: micheladas, mamón chino ceviche, special-diet travel, the elusive oncilla, American crocodiles, and conservation inside private reserves. Plus: brass coffee fichas, telenovelas, Lake Arenal Condos, organic shrimp, and the green flash

Champion Partners

Click Here

Your Title Goes Here

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

Click Here