Top 10 Animals of Costa Rica

Around 500,000 different species of animals call Costa Rica home. Due to its neotropical climate, it can support a wealth of different plants and animals and even has a bunch that are endemic to the region. So, come with us as we discover some of the coolest creatures of Costa Rica…

Top 10 Animals from Costa Rica

American Crocodile

When it comes to crocodiles in Costa Rica, nothing quite beats the American Crocodile. They live in brackish (or slightly salty) waters and are quite often encountered on the Tarcoles River by people on boat tours! They are some of the largest crocodiles of Costa Rica and the world, reaching lengths of more than 7 metres!

Resplendent Quetzal

These birds are considered some of the most amazing in Central America. They are known for their brilliant plumage and their long tail, which males can grow even more of during mating season. These birds were so sacred to the ancient Maya and Aztec civilisations that priests and royalty would wear their feathers during official events.

Cocos Finch

This finch is the only one of Darwin’s famous finches that was not native to the Galápagos Islands. They are not considered ‘true’ finches, as they actually belong to the tanager family of birds.

Rufous-Eyed Brook Frog

Rufous-Eyed Brook Frogs are endemic to Costa Rica, where they mainly live in wet forests and rainforests in mountainous regions within a certain band of elevation. Their tadpoles can be found in standing water pools. They face loss of habitat, which poses some threat to their population, although numbers are currently stable.

Grey-Crowned Central American Squirrel Monkey

These monkeys may have a very long name, but their habitat is comparatively small! They are endemic to the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. They get their name from the black cap of colouring on top of their head, and there is debate between different animal authorities on how similar this colour is to other monkeys in the species.

Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are very well acquainted with Costa Rica. Over 50 different species call it home. There are two endemic species – the coppery-headed emerald and the mangrove. They are vital pollinators for the local ecosystem, flitting from different tropical flowers to drink nectar.

Green Iguana

Green Iguanas are some of the largest lizards in the Americas, measuring up to 6.5 feet long! They are an essential part of seed distribution in the country, eating plants and spreading the seeds through their poop!

Sloths

These guys are the national animal of Costa Rica! Both the two-toed and three-toed varieties can be found lazing about across the country. They are surprisingly good swimmers, using their long arms to help them propel through water far faster than they can walk on land.

Tapirs

Tapirs are the country’s largest land mammal, roaming around its rainforests. They’re in the same family as horses and rhinoceroses. They use their short trunk to grab branches and pluck fruit. They are also great seed dispersers, thanks to their fruit and plant-heavy diet.

Sea Turtles

The beaches around Costa Roca are great nesting grounds for the country’s sea turtles. Many species inhabit the island, such as Leatherback, Green, and Olive Ridley turtles. Many spots on the island have become hotspots for watching turtles hatch and make their way to the ocean.

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