The small meandering rivers, the serene waterfalls and the chirping of a thousand varieties of birds add a unique charm to the natural surroundings of Costa Rica. These treasures of the country though were being wasted by human hands, till the citizens of Costa Rica decided to protect these natural wonders. A systematic program was undertaken and a large area of the country was declared to be protected. This protected area was then categorized into national parks and natural reserves. The La Amistad International Park, is one such national park, demarcated by the Costa Rican Government.
The La Amistad International Park lies on the mountain range
of Cordillers de Talamanca. It is situated on the border of
Costa Rica and Panama and extends in to Panama as well, hence
the name “International Park. The La Amistad International park
is shared between Costa Rica and Panama and is considered to
be an international peace park. The portion within Costa Rica
lies in the Carribean La Amistad and Pacific La Amistad conservation
areas. The park has been included in the list of World Heritage
Sites by the UNESCO. The greater portion of the park lies within
Costa Rica and is highly inaccessible. The La Amistad International
Park forms the largest wilderness area of Costa Rica having
an area of about 193,929 hectares.
The variation in the altitude and climate of the place gives
it an innumerable variety of biodiversity. The region around
the La Amistad International Park has about six transitional
zones and seven life habitats. Vegetation and fauna varies with
the altitude of the place. As one climbs up the mountains of
Cordillera de Talamanca, the vegetation changes from moist tropical
to prairie like. The highest point in the La Amistad National
park is the Cerro Kamuk peak.
The La Amistad International Park is famous for its wide variety
of mammalian fauna. You will find jaguars, peccaries, white-f
aced monkeys in abundance. Tapirs, anteaters, pacas, deers,
agoutis, sloths, armadillos and howler monkeys are also found
here. The main attractions of these forests include pumas, jaguarondi,
ocelots and tiger cats. Besides, there are over 300 species
of birds in these forests. Rich in its flora and fauna, the
La Amistad International Park is sure to be a treat to those
who are courageous enough to explore the mountains!
|
