This photo shows the "shrub layer" of the rainforest floor. It extends to about twenty feet up. On this level of the rainforest dwell a wide mix of mammals, amphibians and reptiles.
From deadly venomous snakes to the entertaining raccoon, there is potentially something hiding behind every bush and giant fern. That explains why proper footgear is important when hiking through the rain forest. You want shoes or hiking boots that go up six inches or more from the ground, to help fend off unwanted snake bites.
Epiphytes, vines and assorted other plants also make the rain forest their home. The one seen in this picture is situated on the Caribbean coast, not far from Cahuita.
In the background are visible lianas (which means vines) and epiphytes (plants that grow on a tree or other plant but which are not symbiotic).
These are representative of the many species that make up one of the world's most biodiverse regions. Perhaps the most biodiverse part of Costa Rica is in the Osa Peninsula, which encompasses mountains, beaches and several types of rainforest.
Email us at
info@costaricauncovered.com or check out our one day tours to the rain forest
