Resplendent Quetzal
70% of youAbout the size of a bottle of water, with a tail longer than your arm!
Photo: LG Nyqvist (CC BY-SA 4.0)
4 featured species · 3 habitat zones
Animals of Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a small country in Central America that's home to an amazing variety of animals! Over half a million different species live in its rich rainforests, high mountains, and beautiful coasts. With so many national parks and protected areas, it’s a paradise for anyone who loves wildlife.
Featured Species
Habitat Zones
Rainforest
Rainforests in Costa Rica are lush, green, and teeming with life. They are full of tall trees and receive lots of rain, creating a rich habitat for many creatures.
Jaguar, Sloth, Red-eyed Tree Frog, Toucan
Cloud Forest
Cloud forests are misty and cool with clouds often surrounding the trees. These forests are special because they help collect water in the air, which supports diverse plant and animal life.
Resplendent Quetzal, Howler Monkey, Glass Frog, Emerald Toucanet
Coastal Areas
Costa Rica's coastal areas are warm and sandy, with beautiful beaches lined by the ocean. They are perfect spots to find unique sea creatures and birds.
Sea Turtle, Scarlet Macaw, Dolphin, Brown Pelican
How Big Are They?
Each animal shown next to a 10-year-old (🧒) at true scale.
Howler Monkey
70% of youAs big as a small dog, but very strong!
Sloth
50% of youAbout as tall as a five-year-old when it's stretched out!
Glass Frog
3% of youSmaller than a tennis ball!
Where to Spot Them
Resplendent Quetzal
Look in: Monteverde and other highland areas
Watch for: Quetzals are solitary, except during the breeding season.
Howler Monkey
Look in: Throughout Costa Rica
Watch for: Howler monkeys live in social groups and use their calls to communicate.
Sloth
Look in: Rainforests across Costa Rica
Watch for: Sloths sleep for about 15-20 hours a day.
Glass Frog
Look in: Cloud forests around Monteverde
Watch for: Glass Frogs are nocturnal and can be seen on leaves at night.
Cultural Connection
Costa Rica has a strong commitment to protecting its wildlife, which is evident in its many national parks and conservation efforts.
Vocabulary
Did you know that Costa Rica has more different animal species than the entire continent of Europe? That's incredible for such a small country!