Conservation

WORK IN PROGRESS

Work in progress

Rainforest Ecology at Selva Verde Lodge

COSTA RICAN RAINFOREST LODGE

Selva Verde rainforestJungles of Selva Verde

Selva Verde is located in the midst of the 500 acre Sarapiquí Rainforest Preservation Area in the lush lowlands of northeastern Costa Rica. It is a haven for nature enthusiasts, bird and wildlife watchers, scientists and students, as well as adventure seekers.

The rainforest surrounding Selva Verde provides habitat for over 398 bird species, 69 species of mammals, 49 amphibian species, 77 reptile species, more than 10,000 species of insects, approximately 1,500 species of orchids, 350 species of trees and countless plant species.

On a tour of Costa Rica’s rainforest it is possible to find between 50 and 100 different tree species in a few acres. You will also find a wide diversity of plants, birds and animals. There are approximately 1,500 species of orchids alone.

Nature trails, Selva Verde LodgeSelva Verde Lodge In the Midst of the Costa Rica Jungle

The buildings of Selva Verde Lodge are incorporated into the Costa Rican rainforest on platforms and elevated walkways that blend in with the natural environment. Our extensive network of covered walkways allows our guests to go on long walks throughout the rainforest observing wildlife, plants and birds while staying dry.

Large & old  Almond tree at Selva Verde LodgeProtection of Costa Rica’s Rainforest

Selva Verde Rainforest Reserves have been identified as critical pieces of the San Juan-La Selva Biological Corridor, part of the greater Mesoamerican Biological Corridor initiative, a proposal to connect protected habitat from southern Mexico and Belize to Panama.

This region of Costa Rica’s rainforest is important because it is the last remaining area where the Almond tree (Dipteryx panamensis) is dominant. It is the habitat for the endangered Great Green Macaw.

Black-cowled Oriole, Selva Verde LodgeCosta Rica’s Rainforest is for the Birds

Costa Rica has a greater variety of bird species than all of North America and Europe. Now the Sarapiquí region is home to the Costa Rican Bird Route and Selva Verde is one of the established sites on the route.

The route consists of twelve birding sites, teaming up established and newly created biological reserves, to offer a variety of bird watching opportunities and programs in the San Juan – La Selva Biological Corridor of northeastern Costa Rica’s rainforest.

The first of its kind in Central America, the Bird Route not only gives visitors access to primary rainforest, but also gives land owners access to tourism income and an alternative income to other activities that are not as environmentally sustainable.

Venado caves Tour from Selva Verde LodgeTours of Costa Rican Rainforest

Costa Rica has protected more than 2.7 million acres of microclimates with 75 national parks and reserves. Many of these beautiful parks, gardens, waterfalls, volcanoes, caves, birding and wildlife habitats are located close to Selva Verde’s Costa Rica jungle lodge.

Sites such as the Braulio Carrillo National Park, the Arenal and Poas Volcanoes, and the Heliconia Island Botanical Gardens are just a few of the local attractions that are available as day trips that can be arranged by the lodge. Let Selva Verde Lodge be your Costa Rica rainforest tour headquarters.

Rainforest Plants Tour

COSTA RICA ECO TOURISM WITH SELVA VERDE

Nature trails, Selva Verde LodgeSelva Verde’s Costa Rican Rainforest Plants Tour

Our Rainforest Reserves contain more than 500 acres of primary tropical rainforest and provides habitat protection for plant and wildlife species, such as the Almond Tree and the Great Green Macaw.

Costa Rica is home to 330 species of trees and countless plant species (estimates range from 9,000-10,000 types of vascular plants). Tropical forests are much more diverse than the temperate forests further north. In lowland tropical rainforests, such as surround Selva Verde’s Costa Rica jungle lodge, it is possible to find between 50 and 100 different tree species within a few acres. On a plant tour of the Costa Rican rainforest, you will also find a wide diversity of plants, such as bromeliads, epiphytes and vines. There are approximately 1,500 species of orchids alone.

600+ years old tree, Selva Verde LodgeSelva Verde Lodge’s Costa Rica Jungle Giant

Our Costa Rica jungle lodge property is home to an award-winning almond tree. Already a mature tree when the Spanish came to the Americas in the late 1400s, the tree is approximately 600 years old.

This enormous tree stands 54 meters (177 feet) high and 14 meters (46 feet) in circumference and in 2007 was recognized as a natural and national treasure of Costa Rica. It won the 2007 Exceptional Tree award from the INBIO, the National Institute for Biodiversity in Costa Rica.

Almendro trees, or Dipteryx panamensis, are considered guardians of the tropical rainforest and a symbol for the region. They are also a critical part of the endangered Great Green Macaw’s habitat. Our award winning tree should live for another 100 to 200 years.

Corridors - Pathways for Wildlife

Mesoamerican Biological Corridor

Thirty years ago, rainforest stretched from Costa Rica’s Central Valley to the Atlantic coast.  Today this area is a patchwork of small fincas, agricultural plantations, and a handful of rainforest reserves.  Selva Verde is one of those reserves – protecting an important remnant of the forests that once blanketed the area. 

Great green Macau, Selva Verde LodgeIn order to maintain optimal levels of biodiversity within the reserve, Selva Verde is working with local conservation organizations such as the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center and the Centro Cientifico Tropical to create forested pathways between Selva Verde and other preserves in the area.  These pathways, known as biological corridors, will allow rainforest wildlife to migrate more freely and ensure a brighter future for the area’s biodiversity.

Selva Verde’s Rainforest Reserve has been identified as a critical piece of a much larger corridor initiative known as the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor (MBC).   The MBC is an international initiative that links critical habitats from southern Mexico to Panama in an effort to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable development throughout this ecologically fragile region. 

Great green MacauSelva Verde sits in the middle of the San Juan-La Selva section of the MBC and provides habitat for one of the corridor’s most endangered species – the Great Green Macaw.  Less than 200 of these birds can be found in Costa Rica.  The macaw’s very existence is tied to the Almendro tree – the bird’s preferred nesting and food source.  The wood of the Almendro is also a very desirable building material and has been extensively logged throughout Sarapiquí Valley.  Selva Verde’s reserve protects one of the largest Almendro trees in the region and macaws are frequently seen in and around the preserve. 

Selva Verde is committed to working with local and regional conservation organizations to save Great Green Macaws and the Almendro trees - within our preserve and beyond our boundaries.    Protecting the Great Green Macaw’s habitat also protects habitat needed by many other rainforest birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and plants – ensuring a future for rainforest biodiversity and for Selva Verde. 

For more information and maps of the San Juan-La Selva Biological Corridor VISIT THIS WEBSITE. 

Birding at Selva Verde

THE BIRDS OF COSTA RICA

Keel-billed Toucans, Great Green Macaws, Wood Thrushes, Grey-necked Wood Rails, Sunbitterns and Violet Crowned Woodnymphs are just a few of the birds that inhabit the Selva Verde Rainforest Reserve. For decades, Selva Verde has been a birding hotspot – captivating beginner and expert alike.

Crimson-collared TanagerBirding for Beginners: Join one of our morning or afternoon bird walks and let our naturalist guides introduce you to the amazing world of tropical birds. Experienced birders are more than welcome too!

Birding Checklist: This site-specific bird list will assist both avid “tickers” and beginning birders.

Birding beyond our Borders

Take your birding to a new level and jump on the Costa Rica Bird Route – an innovative tourism project designed to promote habitat conservation throughout the Sarapiquí.

The Costa Rica Bird Route (CRBR) features twelve birding hotspots – including six established biological reserves and six newly created private reserves. Opened in April 2008, it is the first of its kind in Central America. It is organized and managed by the Rainforest Biodiversity Group, with funding from the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Neotropical Migratory Bird Act.

Red-legged HoneycreeperSelva Verde is one of the CRBR's portal sites and serves as a base camp with comfortable accommodations, dining facilities, and excellent on-site birding opportunities. From Selva Verde, Bird Route visitors can easily access the newly created remote sites, owned by local community members. Day visits to these remote sites provide visitors with the opportunity to explore brand new, off-the-beaten-path wildlife areas. Local landowners receive economic benefits from your visit which encourages them to preserve natural habitats on their property and throughout the region.

Selva Verde is proud to be a participant in the Costa Rica Bird Route and encourages birders of all levels to jump on board! For more information on the Costa Rica Bird Route, VISIT THEIR WEBSITE.

 Green-Honeycreeper

Field Notes: Selva Verde's Birding Blog

Check our BLOG for some great insight into the many different species found at Selva Verde.