By Greg Mayer
The following photos were sent to me by a colleague, and were taken during a trip to Costa Rica during December, 2011- January, 2012. We’ll start with the crocodiles of Rio Grande de Tarcoles, which are an attraction for both Costa Rican and foreign tourists, who gather at the highway bridge to see the many large crocodiles gathered there. I was told on one of my visits there that there used to be some sort of slaughterhouse or rendering plant, and that the offal was dumped in the river, which initially attracted the crocodiles. People now feed them, although I think this is officially discouraged.
She also saw crocodiles on a trip to Tortuguero.
Also at Tortuguero was this heron, a widespread species which is also found in the southeastern US, breeding at least as far north as New York.
A visit to the area of Fortuna revealed a couple of species of mammals. This is a normally colored Mantled Howler Monkey,
while this one is “blonde”; I’ve never seen a howler of this color myself.
There were also bats.
And last but not least, because they are practically honorary cats, a squirrel from Volcan Poas.
Hili dialog?
Very cool pictures, especially (in my opinion) the bats. Though I am a fan of crocodiles, too.
Love those pictures – the bats particularly!
But I am curious about the inner ears of bats & other creatures like small birds that hang upside down. Why do they not get dizzy!? Why does the blood not rush to the head? Do they have extra valves to stop the blood doing that?
Very good! Thank you.
Great post, Greg. Thanks!
Those reptiles are impressive. Nothing like seeing a massive reptile in person. I’ve only seen alligators in person once- Florida. Lovely ancient beasts.