Costa Rica Wildlife Guide
72 species across birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, and insects. Filter by category, region, or elevation.
Catalog expanding — Michael adds species after each tour.
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Showing 72 of 72 species
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Jaguar in Costa Rica
Panthera onca
Wild Cats · ~180 cm · all
CaribbeanOsa
The largest cat in the Americas and a flagship indicator species for intact rainforest. Heavy muscular body covered in rosettes with central spots. Mostly nocturnal and extremely elusive.
Fun Facts
- ▸Has the most powerful bite force of any big cat, capable of piercing reptile shells and skulls.
- ▸A single jaguar requires roughly 50 square kilometers of territory.
- ▸Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula and Corcovado are among the last reliable strongholds in Central America.
Best Months
Year-round (but very rarely seen)
Featured On
- · Custom Osa Peninsula Wildlife
