Monteverde is acclaimed as one of the most outstanding wildlife refuges in the New World Tropics, spanning across the Continental Divide at 1440 mtrs (4662 ft). The Santa Elena and Monteverde Cloud Forest area offers food and shelter to more than 100 species of mammals including 5 species of wildcats, over 350 species of birds including 30 kinds of hummingbirds, thousands of insect species and over 2,500 species of plants
There are 6 different ecological zones in this preserve.
costa rica vacation cloud forest It is called a cloud forest rather than a rain forest because of it's altitude: The clouds pass through the forest tree tops (canopy). The canopy is extremely rich with birds like the Three-wattled Bellbird and the Resplendent Quetzal. This particular bird is usually seen in March-April during their nesting season. The Preserve extends down both the Caribbean and Pacific slopes. The consequential combination of climatic and geographic factors creates temperature and humidity gradients which transform considerably over fairly short distances. Also the significant rainfall and broken terrain combine to make breathtaking crystal clear water cascades.
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posted by costa rica vacation : 2:08 PM
