| Sloths are very common all over Costa Rica. This sloth is green due to algae that grow on its fur and help to camouflage the animal from predators. |  |
Costa Rican Fauna
| Sloths are very common all over Costa Rica. This sloth is green due to algae that grow on its fur and help to camouflage the animal from predators. | |
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Iguanas abound in Central America. They are usually seen sunning themselves on rock. |
| Avian diversity is higher in Costa Rica than almost any other place in the Americas. Avid birders may see more than 100 new species in a week. |  |
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Although insects abound in Costa Rica, they are seldom at a pesky level due to a wide variety of predators. This roadside stop had a pet tarantula that tourists are allowed to handle. |
| Don't try this at home!
Dani Martínez, an IAU guide, handles a golden eyelash pit viper, one of Costa Rica's venomous snakes. (Photo by Chris Mulligan) |
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The coatimundi is a racoon
relative found from Arizona to Argentina. These playful
critters are easily tamed and always ready to accept food from anyone with
an outstretched hand. (Photo by Palmer Lamb) |
| Capuchin and howler monkeys are
found in the forests around the volcanoes and along the Caribbean
shoreline. This capuchin guards over the campsite at Cahuita National
Park. (Photo by Sarah Brinker) |
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PHOTOS
Volcanoes The Caribbean Coast Río Pacuare Rafting Costa Rican Fauna