Osa Peninsula

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The Osa Peninsula is located in the southwest corner of Costa Rica and is a geological formation which developed independently from the rest of Central America and became attached several million years ago. Its unique formation and naturally wet systems - which differ from the rest of the dry Pacific - have produced high levels of biodiversity.

The area hosts a rich array of fauna including jaguar, the Central American squirrel monkey, the Baird's tapir and three species of sea turtles (olive ridley, Pacific green, and leatherback). More than 375 bird species are found on the Osa Peninsula including the country's largest population of the threatened scarlet macaw. Osa is also home to the harpy eagle and the yellow-billed cotinga.

A fourth of Costa Rica's tree species, are found on the Osa Peninsula, including the newly discovered genus, Ruptiliocarpon (Lepidobotryaceae). The Osa Peninsula supports more than 4000-5000 vascular plant species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. The rain forest is made up of 700 tree species— the greatest tree species diversity in all of Central America.

It is estimated that outside of the National Parks, less than 10 percent of the lands on the Osa Peninsula are under secure title. This has resulted in lands being cleared for logging and agriculture at a higher rate than anywhere else in Costa Rica. Gold mining in the rivers and streams has also led to serious environmental threats including, water pollution and soil erosion.

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