Blue Whale in Costa Rica
October 30th, 2012
Isla del Coco on the Cocos Island was declared a national park in 1978 and its status was reinforced in 1982. In 1984 the conservation area was grown to incorporate marine ecosystems up to 15km away from the island (99,700 hectares). This was then extended in 2002 to 22.2 km from the coastal area. This beauty of the island is not only reflected in its marine species but also in its varied environments and wildlife found on dry land. The high average temperature (23.6 ºC) and tropical rainfall combines to create a humid climate and about 200 of the most gorgeous waterfalls that gush directly into the ocean.
Other than the much chronicled treasures, the Cocos island of Costa Rica offers a unique flora and fauna that has attracted innumerable global scientists and naturalists. Bang in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean is Costa Rica’s Cocos Island. It is one of the preserved areas with the greatest bio diversity in terms of wildlife and one of the best spots for for enjoying a rewarding Costa Rica Scuba diving expedition. It acts as bountiful study center for scientists and nature aficionados. It has 510 species of sea mollusks, 362 species of insects, 235 species of plants, 200 species of fish, 97 species of birds, 57 species of crustaceans, 3 species of spiders and 2 species of reptiles. In this large diversity, there are more than 130 species of endemic flora and fauna. It is a perfect region for scuba diving aficionados, snorkelers, avid bird watchers and wildlife observers.
Researchers in the region have reported that there are approximately 90 different types of aerials living on the island. Sea birds that migrate from various regions occupy the large rocks encircling the island and form large nesting colonies, which are worth viewing for avid bird watchers. The sea birds that inhabit the area are Brown Booby, Red footed Booby, Great Frigatebird, White Tern, and Brown Noddy. Cocos Island is home to a large number of land based native birds. Some of these brids are the Cocos Cuckoo, Cocos Flycatcher and the Cocos Finch. Hawksbill, green and olive ridley turtles inhabit the adjoining waters and use the beaches periodically.
Cocos Island is the only Pacific Island to receive adequate rainfall to upkeep a tropical rainforest. The dense forest also houses an island that hosts some plant and animal species in a closed bio system. Plant life here encompasses about 250 species of plants, 75 species of fern, 55 species of moss, 85 species of fungi, 106 species of liverwort, and about 99 species of lichen. A majority of the species are neotropical and about 11% are endemic.
The land animal life of Cocos is less varied than that of the mainland of Central America. About a hundred bird species have been recorded; 13 of which are resident, seven are land aerials, and the yellow warbler is native to Cocos Island and the Galapagos. The region is also home to five reptile species, including two indigenous ones. There aren’t any amphibians inhabiting the island currently. About 362 insect species have been chronicled here, with 18% of them being native to the region. There are only about a handful of terrestrial mammals present on Cocos Island including pigs, white-tailed deer, goats, cats, and rats.
One way that some species can access secluded islands is by being introduced to the place by humans. Humans have been responsible for getting pigs, cats, goats, and white-tailed deer to the island, in addition to plants such as coffee and guava. These non-native species have caused grave damage to the prevailing flora and fauna system, especially the pigs and cats.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Cocos_Island_National_Park
Animals Guide of Costa Rica - Costaricajourneys.com Animals Guide
Sea Life of Montezuma - Montezumabeach.com ocean animals articles