The 4,700 ha. Carara Biological
Reserve occupies a unique position at the transition
zone between tropical moist forest and tropical wet
forest in the Pacific lowlands. Though most of the
vegetation in the reserve remains evergreen and is
characteristic of the wet forest life zone, there
are a number of species that lose their leaves during
the dry season, showing their affinity to the drier
climate found north of the reserve.
However, Carara's main
attraction for most visitors is its wildlife, and
star billing goes to the Scarlet Macaw. These large,
raucous members of the parrot family add a bright
splash of primary colors to the overall green of the
rain forest, although at times it is amazing how difficult
they can be to see in a leafy tree. It is estimated
that about 150 of these blatant birds feed and nest
in the reserve. When not brooding eggs or young, they
roost in mangroves several kilometers away.
In addition to this and
other colorful tropical species, the forest is home
to many somber-hued bird species that often travel
together in mixed flocks that are a true delight (and
challenge!) to birdwatchers. Of the many kinds of
birds that can be found in such flocks, a few of the
more common ones are the Black-hooded Antshrike, Dot-winged
Antwren, Long-billed Gnatwren, Chestnut-backed Antbird,
and Lesser Greenlet.
Although the reserve
is too small to provide sufficient territory to the
larger cats, it does maintain populations of Margay,
Ocelot, and Jaguarundi. Collared Peccaries, Central
American Agoutis, Banded Anteaters, and White-nosed
Coatis may be spotted as they go about their daily
routines.
Reptiles and amphibians
are well-represented in Carara, though most species
are either cryptic or nocturnal and therefore not
readily seen. Of the frogs, one species that is fairly
common and active during the day is the Harlequin
Poison-dart Frog, a handsome creature that is charcoal
black with fluorescent green markings. On sunny mornings,
whiptail lizards are frequently encountered along
the forest trails basking in flecks of light that
reach down through the canopy to the ground.
A truly memorable spectacle
is standing by the Tarcoles River bridge before sunset
and watching the Scarlet Macaws fly out to roost (literally
flying into the sunset). Shortly after dawn, the birds
make the return flight back to the reserve. While
at the bridge, scan the river banks for American Crocodiles.
These grotesque-looking reptiles are very abundant
along this stretch of the river and the biggest ones
can measure nearly 4 meters.
Getting there: From
San José, take the PanAmerican Highway west
to the Atenas exit, and follow the old highway through
the mountains to the town of Orotina where you rejoin
a more modern highway. Take the Jacó turnoff
and follow this coastal highway south until you come
to the bridge over the Tarcoles River. The reserve
begins at the river, but the administration building
is another three kilometers farther down the highway.
By car, it is less than
two hours from San José to the reserve headquarters.
Public buses going to Jacó or Quepos/Manuel
Antonio will let you off at the reserve.
Climate: Hot and
humid, even during most of the dry season which lasts
from January through April. The forest transpires
sufficient moisture to cause sporadic showers to fall
occasionally in the dry months helping the vegetation
to stay evergreen. At the height of the rainy season
(August to October), portions of the reserve near
the river and other smaller streams often become inundated
from the heavy rains.
History: The existence
of this marvelous example of tropical wet forest in
the midst of an area that has otherwise been seriously
altered by the effects of deforestation is owed to
the fact that before being included in the national
park system, Carara was part of a huge cattle ranch
known as "El Coyolar." The ranch was so extensive
that there apparently was never a need to cut the
forest in this hilly "back 40."
When the ranch was taken
over by the Costa Rican Land Reform Agency in the
mid-1970's and parceled off in small farms, fortunately
someone with foresight realized the ecological value
of the forested sector and the area was declared a
biological reserve to be administered by the young
park service.
Ten years after its creation,
Carara was still relatively unknown and seldom visited
even though a paved highway passed right in front
of it. However, as tourism has grown tremendously
in the country, Carara is now one of the five most
visited sites in the entire national park system.
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