Lomas de Barbudal Reserve

This 6536 acre reserve is of an amazing entomological (scientific study of insects) importance to Costa Rica biodiversity. This small forest reserve, located almost next to Palo Verde National Park contains a plethora of species that are unique in Costa Rica, which can be found in great numbers and diversity; making it an ideal place for entomological studies. Lomas de Barbudal is said to have four natural habitats over its’ stony ignimbrite (volcanic rock formed by the welding together of tuff material from an explosive volcanic eruption) terrain, about 70% of the area contains deciduous forest, gallery forest, riparian forest, and savannah woodland. Many endangered trees grow in this quaint Costa Rica reserve, such as mahogany and rosewood. The reserve is also known for its spectacular Yellow Bark or Tabebuia ochracea when all the specimens of this tree bloom in the same day and paint the entire natural reserve with yellow flowers. Blooming of the Yellow Bark tree usually occurs during late dry season after several days of unseasonable rain. Most of the trees of this amazing natural reserve shed their leaves in the dry season, just like the tree from temperate regions do in autumn. This type of dry tropical forest used to be very common on the Pacific slopes of Central America, but now only a few patches of this type of forest remains.

The small natural reserve of Barbudal is home to approximately 250 bee species, which represents a 25% of the entire world species. Many of these bees pollinate trees and vines from this natural reserve and from adjacent forests. 60 species of nocturnal butterflies and many different rare species of insects are found at this Costa Rica reserve. Many of the trees and shrubs of Barbudal Reserve are magnificent producers of pollen, nectar, resins, and fruits that attract and feed many bird species, insects, and mammals; probably the main reason why this relatively tiny natural reserve has so many species of bees and other wildlife species. The reserve has about 200 bird species, among which the endangered curassow can be found. Other birds that can be found at Barbudal Reserve are the king vulture, scarlet macaw, and the jabiru stork. Mammals that can be spotted at this stunningly plethoric natural reserve are white tailed deer, peccaries, howler and white faced monkeys, armadillos, pacas, fishing bulldog bat, giant anteaters, and coatis. Water resources at Barbudal are abundant and help the fauna and flora flourish as much as it has, apart that it gives great aesthetical value with its beautiful waterfalls.