Tropical Rain Shadow Forest Protection

Among the most threatened habitats in Costa Rica are the rich tropical forests that once blanketed the Pacific slope of the country. A very threatened habitat on the Pacific Slope is the Tropical Rain Shadow Forest. The Tropical Rain Shadow Forest in Monteverde is essential as post breeding habitat for several endangered bird species such as the Three-wattled Bellbird and Resplendent Quetzal. No formal study has yet been done to inform us of the actual number of Pacific slope attitudinal migrants that rely on this habitat type but we know that the number is quite high.

Photo courtesy of Brett Cole..

The Tropical Rain Shadow Forest has distinct species of flora and fauna from other nearby tropical forest habitats. The graph to the right shows that very few tree species in this type of forest are found in both Cloud and Rain Shadow forests. This emphasizes the importance of preserving Tropical Rain Shadow Forests where tree species of the Lauraceae family are found.

New species are being discovered in the Tropical Rain Shadow Forest! Over the past 10 years, twelve new tree species have been found here. Three of these species still do not have scientific names; two are shown below.

New Species of Lauraceae

New Species of Myrtaceae

HOWEVER, THE TROPICAL RAIN SHADOW FOREST IS IN DANGER OF DISAPPEARING, along with all the plants and animals that need it to survive! Below are three species which depend upon intact Tropical Rain Shadow Forest for their survival.

Photo courtesy of Michael & Patricia Fogden.

The Costa Rican Conservation Foundation is committed to protecting Tropical Rain Shadow Forest through land purchase and unique conservation agreements. We have successfully protected of a total of 54 hectares (135 acres) of habitat through direct land purchase and the creation of three conservation easements*. However, we have just begun while urban sprawl and development continue to threaten existing Pacific Slope habitat.