A cloud forest is a special type of rain forest. As the name suggests much of the year the forest is immersed in clouds. Almost year round the relative humidity is 100%.
This source of water encourages the growth of epiphytes, climbers and parasites. Almost every branch is home to diverse species of orchids, bromeliads, lichens and others. This special habitat is a result of high elevation, temperature (Higher temperature than surrounding lowlands), and global conditions. Costa Rica has very diverse local weather and the Monteverde area is no expectation. There are in fact 5 life zones in the area; tropical premontian, tropical premontian wet, tropical lower mountain wet forest, tropical lower mountain rain forest and tropical premountain rain forest.
Photographs by Monteverde Naturalist Guide Roberto Wesson
This phenomenon of high air born moisture is in part a result of the trade winds which blow in from the Atlantic for 5 months of the year. These winds which form in the equatorial zone are created by thermal conditions in different parts of the globe and the spinning of the earth. These general wind patterns of the earth have been known to sailors for centuries.
There are other cloud forests in different parts of the world, such as Washington State, but Monteverde is special in its biodiversity. The area is home to more than 450 orchids, 100 species of mammals (that includes bats), 400 species of birds, 120 species of amphibians, and thousands of plants.
The reserves are home to Ocelots and Tapir and a small number of Jaguars. Some of the more spectacular birds include the Long Tailed Manikin, Resplendent Quetzal, Bell Birds and Bare-necked umbrella birds. There are also many amazing trees and plants. For example the strangler figs, that start as a parasite among the branches, lowers vines to the ground and over the years cut off the host trees sunlight. In some cases the host tree dies and decomposes leaving a hollow strangler fig tree.
This map was created by David King for use in the GRUAS proposal to the Costa Rica Ministry of Environment using the CAMRIS GIS software.
This fragile habitat has a number of endemic species that are endangered. Many of the dangers that face the reserves are global problems. Global warming, solar radiation and the ozone layer can have a devastating effect on the flora and fauna of these regions. The Golden Toad is an example of a now extinct species as a result of changes in the worlds climate. Many species of birds in Costa Rica are seen leaving what was thought of as to be their territory in search of foods in higher or lower elevations as the case may be. If temperatures continue to rise some day the cloud forest itself could die. The mountains are only so high and there is a point where the factor of elevation cannot keep the needed cooler climate of the cloud forest.
One of the concepts of land protection in the Tilaran / Monteverde area is to create a tract of protected forests traversing a number of elevations providing a corridor to animals and birds. The two private parks as well as many other protected areas such as the Children's Eternal Rain Forest are a part of this corridor.
There are many good books about Costa Rican biology and natural history. An excellent resource is the Costa Rican Natural History, edited by Daniel H. Janzen and published by The University of Chicago Press. There is also a new book specifically about the Natural History of Monteverde.
We would strongly recommend that all those who visit Monteverde take a hike at one of the two reserves mentioned below. A guide is a plus as you will learn a lot but this is an awesome experience with our without a naturalist guide. All the trails are in fair condition and well marked. Maps are provided.
This reserve, founded in 1972 by George and Harriet Powell, is the better known of the two cloud forest reserves. In 1975 the initial 328 hectares of the reserve were increased with the addition of the Quaker communities 554 hectare water shed preserve. The reserve now covers around 10,500 hectares. Elevation ranges from 600 meters above sea level to 1800 meters on isolated peaks. This reserve, under the administration of the Tropical Science Center, is known world wide for its biodiversity and is visited each year by many tourists and scientists.
In the tourism high season this reserve can be somewhat crowded, although there are supposedly rules as to the number of people that are allowed access at one time. Trails are in excellent condition with railings on the steps and in some cases slices of tree trunks creating a lily pond like path to keep people from walking through mud.
Outside the "Triangle" of the trails open to the public there are 3 rustic shelters where visitors can spend the night. The shelters provide bunks beds. Other facilities include a gas stove, hydroelectric generator to illuminate some light bulbs, and a wood burning stove usually with dry fire wood. Contact the reserve in advance to make reservations.
Desafio offers a package that includes entrance, naturalist guide and transportation for $45 per person. Contact us for details.
Buses go between town and the Monteverde Reserve about every 2 hours starting at 6:00 am.
This lesser known reserve is essentially the same forest as Monteverde. The Santa Elena Reserve is situated a little more towards the Atlantic and has large areas at high elevations. Both reserves share some common borders. The Reserva Santa Elena is run by the Santa Elena High School.
Especially in high season this reserve can be a nice option since there are less bus loads of people arriving. Admission is cheaper and the trails are a little more 'rustic' than in Monteverde.
Both are beautiful but many people familiar with the area prefer Santa Elena. There is almost something enchanted about it.
Also the entrance to the trails is located on the same road as 3 of Monteverde's Canopy Tours enabling people to easily do both activities in the same day.
Desafio offers a package including entrance, naturalist guide and transportation for $45 per person. Contact us for details.
There is a "public" collective bus in the morning that leaves from Santa Elena. Returns around noon. There are also many taxis available.
Our Site via RSS
This map was created by David King for use in the GRUAS proposal to the Costa Rica Ministry of Environment using the CAMRIS GIS software.
