TROPICAL SCIENCE CENTER
and
MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST PRESERVE
Resplendent Quetzal Picture by Richard LaVal
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve is owned and administered
by the Tropical Science Center (TSC). The Center,
established in 1962, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization
with headquarters in San José, Costa Rica. The objective of
the Center is to conduct and support scientific research and
education, particularly in relation to the understanding and rational
management of tropical environments.
Established in 1972, the Monteverde Preserve covers over
10,500 hectares, more than 90% of which is virgin forest. It contains
an extremely high biological diversity, including over 2,500 plant
species (among them 420 different kinds of orchids), 100 species of
mammals, 400 bird species, 120 reptilian and amphibian species, and
thousands of insects.
General Entrance
Visitors can enter the Preserve on a natural history walk,
or on their own.
There are over 20 kilometers of trails, as well as three refuge areas
with basic living accommodations (water,gas stove, bunk beds).
Olingo Picture by Richard LaVal
Natural History Walk
The walk includes a nature tour hosted by expert guides,
lasts about three
hours. It also includes a slide show with pictures taken by
renowned
photographers and long-time Monteverde residents M. and P. Fogden.
Bird Watchers Tour
Various options for bird watchers are offered.
During the all day tour. More than 80 species can be
observed.
Night Tour
The night tour is conducted by a select group of
local guides trained in the nocturnal activity of the cloud
forest. Reservations for the night tour should be made a day
in advance (506) 645-5112.
Golden-eyed leaf Frog Richard LaVal
|
Long-tailed Manakin Richard LaVal
|
For more information contact:
Centro Cientifico Tropical
Tel: (506) 645-5122
Fax: (506) 645-5034
E-mail us
montever@sol.racsa.co.cr
Tropical Dendrology and Birding courses
lasting two weeks, are offered every year.
Visit our Website:
http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/9148
or
Contact: Dr. Humberto Jiménex Saa:
hjimenez@sol.racsa.co.cr
Fax: +(506) 253-4963 Phone: +(506) 253-3267 / 253-3308
Funds obtained through the above activities are the
principal source of income
for the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve. Not only are funds
used for
management and protection, they are also used to support an
environmental
education program that is being implemented in 15 local schools.
© 
1996
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