The Talamanca mountain range constitutes the largest continuous forest in Costa Rica and is important for biodiversity and climate change mitigation. Until now, these highlands have experienced little land use change. The Talamancas represent one of the most suitable habitats for the Baird’s Tapir, six species of wild cats, Resplendent Quetzals, and endemic and critically endangered species of amphibians.

Nevertheless, over the past several years, the expansion of coffee and avocado plantations, as well as cattle ranching have caused the fragmentation of key connectivity routes.

The Costa Rica Wildlife Foundation (CRWF) has been working with local farmers and cattle ranchers to restore the most strategic areas for habitat connectivity and the conservation of endangered species. CRWF already has the commitment from private landowners and farmers to restore over 250 acres of pastures; we will work with them to begin this process by restoring 125 acres of old cattle pastures and properties with confirmed presence of tapirs, quetzals, and oncillas. These pastures also have significant potential for ecotourism, meaning that the restoration process and ecotourism opportunities post-restoration.

Key Species: Baird’s Tapir (Tapirus bairdii, EN), Oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus, VU), Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno, NT), Talamanca Salamander (Bolitoglossa sooyorum, EN), Mountain Stream Frog (Isthmohyla rivularis, CR), Tico Tree Frog (Isthmohyla tica, CR), Picado's Bromeliad Tree Frog (Isthmohyla picadoi, NT), Dark-footed Tree Frog (Isthmohyla pictipes, EN), Legler's Tree Frog (Duellmanohyla legleri, EN)

The project start date and project description are provided from the point of view of Re:wild's support to the partner. Restoration work is focused in a more restricted area within the depicted polygon.