Costa Rica
Fauna and Flora
Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. It is home to around 500,000 different species - approximately 4% of the world´s total. Hundreds of them are endemic. The country was fifth in the world and first in the Americas in terms of the 2012 Environmental Performance Index, and has led the Happy Planet Index, which ranks countries in terms of sustainability rather than GDP, twice. Costa Rica is also considered a pioneer country in ecotourism.
National Parks
A large amount of Costa Rica's biodiversity can be found in national parks. These parks cover 25% of the country's surface – which is the highest value in the world (compared to an average of 13% for developing countries, and 8% for developed countries). Another of the country's achievements has been reducing its deforestation rates from among the worst in the world to almost zero in 2005, although recently this seems to have become a problem again.
Corcovado National Park is recognized worldwide for its biodiversity, including the four species of Costa Rican monkeys. The Central American squirrel monkey is a proof of the conservation work being done in the country - it was considered endangered for many years, but its status became "only" vulnerable in 2008. However, illegal animal trade, deforestation and hunting are still a matter of concern.
Hunting
It seems that in a very short time Costa Rica will become the first country in Latin America to ban hunting which affects many of the country's most 'desirable' animals - jaguars, pumas and turtles. The environmental activist Diego Marín summed up: "We not only hope to save the animals but we hope to save the economy of the country as well, because if we destroy the wildlife, tourists will not come anymore." Around 300,000 tourists visit the country's national parks every year.
Very soon, the country could declare the possession of wild animals as pets illegal.
Recommended rescue centers:
Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center
