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Exploring Costa Rica's Cloud Forest: Biodiversity and Climate

Discover the enchanting cloud forests of Costa Rica, home to an incredible 20% of the world's plant diversity and over 3,021 known species. With elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 meters and temperatures between 16-21°C, these forests are critical ecosystems, comprising 1% of global woodlands. Key life zones include premontane rainforests and low montane wet forests, where unique epiphytes such as mosses, orchids, and bromeliads thrive. Learn about their vital roles, the impact of global warming, and the unique relationships between species in this fascinating environment.

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Exploring Costa Rica's Cloud Forest: Biodiversity and Climate

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  1. Cloud Forest ~ bosquenuboso Eliza Kate Hallan

  2. Basics • What is it? • 20% of plant diversity • 3,021 known species • 1,500-2,500 meters • Temp. 16-21°C • Take up 1% of basic woodlands • 40% is composed of epiphytes

  3. Photographer: Christian Heeb (National Geographic)

  4. 4 Life Zones 1. Premontane rainforest (700-1000m) Caribbean Slope, most altered life zone, no extravagant life 2. Low montane rainforest (1550-1850m) Located on both slopes, greatest amount of land, high epiphyte count 3. Low montane wet forest (1450-1600m) lower level in the cloud forest, Quetzal and Black Guan, large Lauraceae population 3. Premontane wet forest (800-1450m) dryer than the upper regions, two layered, lacks epiphytes

  5. Epiphytes • 29% of the life, almost 900 species • Non-dependent on soil • Adaptations to live; sunlight • Non- parasitic • Finding nutrients • Competition = Adaptation • Examples: mosses, orchids, ferns, and bromeliads • Aerophyte – “air plant” • Aquatic species

  6. Rhett Butler Bromeliads http://travel.mongabay.com/costa_rica /images/costa_rica_la_selva_0039.html Bruno Locatelli Mosses http://www.panoramio.com/photo/89129623

  7. Climate • The climate is strongly influenced by the northeast trade winds • Moisture buildup causes the mass formation of clouds • Tropical Rainy climate • Annual rainfall: 120 inches • Most rainfall occurs from August to November • Global Warming and the Gold Toad (1988) • Other amphibians and fungus

  8. Caribbean and Pacific Slopes Caribbean • Exposed to moist winds • The ascending motion of the wind up the mountain causes abundant rainfall • Tension on vegetation and cloud formation • Fog and rain during the dry season Pacific • Lower elevations • Dry winds • Less humidity • Less vegetation cover

  9. Strangler figs • Germinate downward from the canopy • “Strangles” the host tree • Eventually captures nutrients from the forest floor • Becomes hallow because it eliminates the host tree • Shelter for small mammals • Grow up to 50 meters • Home to more than 200 species

  10. Continued… • Not disturbed during forest clearing due to its tangled structure • Relationship with Gall wasps • May be the only the tree producing fruit at one time Tyler Wilson: Veritas

  11. References Kaiser, J. (2013). Costa Rica: The complete guide. Chicago: Destination Press. Hamilton, D. (2014). Life zones. Retrieved from http://friendsoftherainforest.org/life- zones/ Wilson, T. (2013). Alternative health approach. Study Abroad VERITAS Costa Rica, Retrieved from http://studyabroadveritascostarica.com/tag/ficus-tree-in-costa-rica/ http://www.reservamonteverde.com/climate.html http://www.monteverdeinfo.com/facts.htm • Rainfall graph http://www.mongabay.com/04strangler_fig.htm • Strangler info

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