La Selva has been a pioneer site in Education, Research,
Conservation and Eco-tourism in Cost Rica since 1953 and one
of the first private protected areas in the country.
La Selva is located in the Caribbean foothills of Costa Rica and
comprises 1,614 hectares (3,988 acres) of old growth and disturbed
tropical wet forest. Species diversity is spectacular, including
more than 1,850 species of plants, 350 species of trees, 448 species
of birds, and approximated 500 species of ants.
With its laboratories, on-line Geographic
Information System (GIS), Meteorological data, Herbarium,
Digital Flora Data Base, extensive trails, and large forest reserve
bordering the Braulio Carrillo National Park , La Selva is one
of the world's most important sites for tropical ecosystem research.
Each year, more than 250 scientists from some 25 countries and
thousands of international students come to La Selva to study
tropical ecology. Major research projects focus on forest dynamics,
biodiversity, nutrient cycling, carbon sequestering, and native
species reforestation. Research at La Selva has led to the publication
of more than 2,655 scientific article, theses, and books.
OTS also aims to ensure that natural history visitors have a high-quality
experience and learn about La Selva and OTS mission. OTS also works
to guarantee that local people benefit from the ecotourism in Costa
Rica.
La Selva Highlights
La Selva biological Station is situated at
the confluence of the Sarapiquí and Puerto Viejo rivers.
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Varied habitats: easily accessible old –growth forest, regenerating
agricultural lands and an arboretum.
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Home to more than the half
of the 886 species of birds in Costa Rica.
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Home to five of
the six species of felines in the country.
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Home to more
than 70 species of bats.
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Home to 1850 species of vascular
plant flora.
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More than 350 researchers from 25 countries
visit La Selva every year to study the tropics.
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Research
conducted at La Selva had lead to more than 2.655 articles.
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Knowledgeable
bilingual naturalists' lead daily nature walks to explore
life in the tropical rain forest on 57 km (35 miles) of well-maintained
trails, some of which are accessible to the physically
challenged.
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