COSTA RICA

RAIN FOREST IN BRAULIO CARILLO N.P.

75 % of their plant species in Costa Rica rain forests is still to be studied. They have a richer animal and plant life than any other type of forest. It covers 7% of earth surface and encompasses a million species of fauna and flora. Another million is supposed yet to be discovered. Scientists call them "a library of the earliest evolution" or " the biggest genetic reserve on the Earth". They occur in regions where more than 1.800 mm of rainfall annually. There are 90 species of trees per each hectare of rain forests. Life in rainforests is stratified in vertical layers. The upper canopy contains animals which are mainly herbivorous. They rarely descend on earth. The lower layer is filled with small trees, lianas and epiphities. The ground surface layer is littered with branches, twigs and foliage. Most animals here live on insects and fruit, others are carnivorous. In rain forests occur also so called giant trees which stuck out above the forest canopy.

FLORA OF COSTA RICA