Creation Date: 01-Jun-1978
Extension: 5242 ha

History

Carara National Park was created to promote research and scientific studies and as a forest reserve for environmental education. Fifteen archeological sites have been found in Carara, corresponding to two stages of the early Costa Rican inhabitants, Phase Pavas (300 BC-300 AC) and Cartago (800 - 1500 AC)

Flora

750 species of plants have been identified in Carara. The enormous Espabel (anacardium sp) is the most representative from this habitat.

Some of the other common giant tree species in Carara are: Ceiba, (ceiba sp) Guanacaste (enterolobium sp), Higuerón (ficus sp), Gallinazo (pentaclethra sp) and Guayabón (terminalia sp)

Fauna

Despite the isolation of the park, several species of animals live in Carara. Among the most interesting ones are: Peccary, Giant anteater, Kinkajou, Agouti, Coati, Raccoon, Ocelot, White faced monkey, Two-toed sloth, Tayra, White tailed deer and the Four-eyed opossum.

A very colorful and significant bird is the Scarlet macaw, one of the most endangered species of birds because of the loss of its habitat and the illegal hunting for its beautiful feathers. Other species of birds are: Violaceous trogon, Great curassow, Hummingbirds, Toucans and Toucanets, Laughing falcon and the Boat billed heron. Some of these species are also endangered. Water birds, Egrets and Herons, are frequently seen along the riversides and sand banks.

Costa Rica's largest reptile, the American Crocodile, is the king of the slow moving, muddy waters of Tarcoles River, one of the largest in the country and the most important waterway in the central pacific region.


Habitats and Ecosystems

Carara National Park is located in the middle of the pacific coast region, between the dry forest to the north and the rain forest down south. This mixed habitat allows for one of the richest combinations of animal and plant species anywhere. There are several different ecosystems: The water habitat and the seasonal floods of Tárcoles River, Gallery forest, Second growth forest and the dense unaltered Primary forest.