tropical rainforest

The tropical rainforest in Tiskita is much like the tropical rainforest on the Osa Peninsula, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on earth. It is categorized as a "tropical wet rainforest", a hot, humid and wet tropical rainforest that occurs only on the south of Costa Rica's Pacific coast.

private biological reserve

Tiskita's private biological reserve is a protected area that makes up over 90% of Tiskita. The reserve has primary tropical rainforest (roughly 300 acres), secondary tropical rainforest and areas of reforestation. Many animal and plant species thrive in the reserve, including endangered species like the Central American Squirrel Monkey. Throughout the entire reserve is an extensive trail-system.

wildlife

Common animals in Tiskita are many species of birds, three types of monkeys, two species of sloth, agoutis, Coatis, iguanas, colorful insects and more. Other common animals may need to be pointed out by a guide because of their small size or camouflage, for example, frogs, snakes, Kinkajous, Pacas and bats. Wild cats, such as Jagarundis, are around, but they are extremely secretive.

The wildlife, funghi, plants, trees and their physical environment together form a lush tropical ecosystem.

tropical wet rainforest

The tropical wet rainforest of Costa Rica has an average annual rainfall of 4000 to 6000 millimeters. There is no clearly defined dry season, but the wettest months are followed by much drier periods.

Other characteristics are:

  • Four to five canopy layers
  • Tall trees (up to 60 meters)
  • An abundance of lianas and epiphytes
  • An undergrowth with a variety of palm species
  • Extremely abundant and diverse species

Tiskita is part of the biodiversity hotspot that surrounds the Osa Peninsula.

biodiversity

The Osa Peninsula and its surroundings comprise the largest remaining primary tropical rainforest on the Pacific coast of Central America. The 245 square kilometers of primary tropical wet rainforest and the Golfo Dulce account for the high biodiversity that makes the area a biodiversity hotspot. Therefore, Tiskita is an excellent destination to observe tropical wildlife.