Mangroves Under Pressure: Pollution and Development Threaten Essential Ecosystems
Mangroves cover a relatively small portion of Costa Rica, but they play a fundamental role in biodiversity, coastal communities and the protection of coastal areas. However, these ecosystems face a combination of threats linked to pollution, coastal development, agriculture and the effects of climate change. Recent research on the state of Costa Rica’s mangroves has […]
Corcovado Faces Growing Pressure From Illegal Mining and Limited Park Ranger Resources
Corcovado National Park, located on the Osa Peninsula, is facing growing pressure from illegal gold mining and difficulties in maintaining sufficient surveillance in one of Costa Rica’s most important protected areas. The situation has drawn renewed attention in 2026 following reports of illegal mining operations, threats against park rangers and limited staffing to monitor such […]
A New Endemic Frog Emerges From the Streams of the Los Santos Region
A new frog species has been identified in the mountains of Los Santos, in Costa Rica’s central Pacific region. Isthmohyla nacientes, known as the “spring frog”, is a tiny tree frog whose discovery provides new insight into the biodiversity of an area where forests and coffee plantations coexist with numerous rivers and streams. The species […]
Thousands of Crabs Wash Up Dead on Guanacaste Beaches
An unusual phenomenon has drawn attention along the coast of Guanacaste in recent days, where thousands of dead crabs have been found on several beaches in Costa Rica’s northern Pacific region. Reports have come from areas including Conchal, Brasilito, Flamingo, Potrero, Ocotal, Guacamaya, Carrillo and Playa Negra. Images shared by local media show large numbers […]
A New Documentary Reveals the Extraordinary Journey of Humpback Whales to Golfo Dulce
Golfo Dulce, on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast, is at the heart of “Costa Rica: Cuna de Ballenas”, the first episode of a new season of El Planeta Azul, a nature documentary series produced by 7 Días de Teletica. Released on August 19, 2026, the documentary follows humpback whales and their remarkable migrations from different […]
Debate Over Keeping Macaws, Parrots and Parakeets as Pets Gains Momentum
The possibility of allowing private ownership of certain wild birds in Costa Rica has sparked renewed concern among conservation organizations. The Tropical Science Center (CCT) has asked the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) to maintain the general prohibition on keeping macaws, parrots, parakeets and other wild birds as pets. The position was presented in […]
August 24: Costa Rica Celebrates National Parks Day
Every August 24, Costa Rica celebrates National Parks Day, a date dedicated to recognizing the importance of protected natural areas and the need to preserve the country’s ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources. The celebration is an opportunity to remember that national parks are not simply tourist destinations. They are essential spaces for protecting forests, water […]
New Eruption at Rincón de la Vieja Recorded During Period of Ongoing Volcanic Activity
The Rincón de la Vieja volcano, located between the provinces of Guanacaste and Alajuela, recorded a new eruption on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, according to information from the Costa Rican Volcanological and Seismological Observatory (OVSICORI-UNA). The event occurred at approximately 10:50 a.m. and lasted about one minute. Due to the cloud cover over the volcano […]
El Niño Deepens the Contrast Between Drought and Heavy Rain Across the Country
The effects of El Niño are creating sharply different weather conditions across Costa Rica. While much of the Pacific is experiencing persistent rainfall deficits and above-average temperatures, the Caribbean is seeing significantly wetter conditions. Recent forecasts from Costa Rica’s National Meteorological Institute (IMN) indicate that this pattern is expected to continue, with particularly dry conditions […]
An Exceptional Agami Heron Colony Finds Refuge in Guatuso
A private estate in Guatuso has become an unusual refuge for one of the most elusive and striking birds found in Costa Rica’s wetlands: the Agami Heron (Agamia agami). According to a report published by The Tico Times on August 15, 2026, around 1,000 Agami Herons have established a breeding colony on the property near […]
