June 5 marks the World Environment Day; a special date that recognizes the value of natural resources. This day has becomes a global call to preserve natural environment around the world.
Costa Rica is one of the most amazing places in the world, with 5% of the Earth’s biodiversity. Acting as a migrational land bridge between Central America and South America, Costa Rica is truly one of the world’s riches natural environments.
A study by the National Commission for Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO) of Mexico, the rate of animal density per 1,000 square kilometers in Costa Rica is 256.2, that is, by far the highest Central America, followed by El Salvador with a rate of 201.
In addition, a status report on the Conservation of Biodiversity in the Region of the National Institute of Biodiversity (INBio) states that Costa Rica has 135 species of freshwater fish, 226 reptiles, 239 mammals, 857 birds and 183 different types of amphibians.
Approximately 50% Costa Rica is covered with tropical jungles, divided into 116 protected areas or bio-reserves.
Unfortunately it’s not all positive news for the number of species that live in Costa Rica. The total number of plant and animals threatened or endangered is1,828.
There is already concern the golden toad (Bufo periglenes) is now extinct. In Central America there are 10 different toad and frog species not seen for over ten years but have not yet been declared extinct.
Their main threats are habitat loss, over exploitation of resources, gaps in conservation and climate change.
Deputy Minister of Environment Ana Lorena Guevara called for more responsibility for both government and individuals saying “We want to make a call to citizens to continue preserving the environment”.