The Costa Rican Bird Route (CRBR) is a project being implemented by the Rainforest Biodiversity Group, Inc (RBG) with funding from the US Fish and Wildlife Service. This project is being implemented to promote the conservation of bird habitat and the biological diversity within the San Juan – La Selva Biological Corridor and improve bird tourism in this region. Bird tourism will bring economic opportunities for local landowners and communities via visiting eco-tourists and bird watchers who provide an economic incentive for habitat conservation.
Well known for its National Park System which protects nearly 25 % of the country, Costa Rica holds nearly 5% of the world’s biodiversity. It is known worldwide as an excellent place for observing birds as well as its fine treatment of tourists. However, the country also has one of the highest deforestation rates in the region. The natural and cultural aspects in addition to a biological need make Costa Rica a logical location for the development of Central America’s first birding trail: the Costa Rican Bird Route.
The Costa Rican Bird Route consists of 18 bird watching locations. A criterion was established to ensure the selected locations provide the best bird watching and eco-tourism opportunities in the Sarapiqui – San Carlos region of Costa Rica. This region supports the last remaining habitat of the endangered Great Green Macaw, the second largest parrot in the world. The Costa Rican Bird Route offers the most superb viewing opportunities on the planet of this rare species.
Eight of the 18 Costa Rican Bird Route sites are newly created reserves owned by local landowners. These new reserves are enrolled in the Costa Rican Private Reserve Network and protect a total of 2,629 acres (1064 hectares) of wildlife habitat just waiting to be explored. Overall, the Bird Route protects a total of 11,950 acres of wildlife habitat. To maintain environmentally sound tourism and conservation practices within the route, all Bird Route locations adhere to a set of sustainable tourism practices.
For those travelers who wish to plan their own trip to the Bird Route, the Costa Rican Bird Route Map and Guide is a must have and is available for purchase at our online store. For more information on how to visit the Costa Rican Bird Route, visit the Costa Rican Bird Route website or contact Rainforest Biodiversity Group for assistance.
* Look for the Costa Rican Bird Route in the Lonely Planet Guide to Costa Rica! *
