Animals’ activities, along with meteorological and ecological data, let scientists know what is going on with the environment and indicate early warning signs of serious climate change. We study several mammal species in our private reserve using camera traps, bat nets, and sand traps to capture animal tracks. Students and volunteers participate in the ongoing research, one-on-one with on-site biologists. Groups are divided among different activities, such as data collection, to be part of the ongoing research.

Environmental educational programs at Veragua Rainforest include:

– Study of several mammal species in our private reserve using camera traps, bat nets, and sand traps to capture animal tracks.

– Study of amphibians and reptiles on-site to show how the variables of temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, and moon luminosity are affecting species. These investigations tie in with ongoing research over the past six years.

– Habitat restoration on-site for two species in danger of extinction: Tiger Frogs and Lemur Leaf Frogs. This is an ongoing project for many years.

– Sounds of the Rainforest guided walks to learn and understand the different songs of birds and amphibians, which help in gauging the health of animal populations in the region.

– Bird watching to identify species in the region. Costa Rica has the greatest density of bird species in North and Central America, and a record number of 417 bird species have been identified in the Central Caribbean region. At Veragua we have identified 364 types of birds, which represent 20% of the 920 species of birds found in Costa Rica.

– Study of fruit-eating butterflies with traps located at different altitudes to see how environmental changes affect migration patterns and reproduction.

– Owl and Insect Night Hike: See a unique perspective of Veragua Rainforest Eco-Adventure at night! Experience the rich sounds and unusual visuals of the rainforest at dark as we venture out onto the trails with our expert biologist. With nearly every step, students will discover nocturnal frogs, colorful insects, snakes, and even nocturnal mammals such as the opossum or the kinkajou. Another fun activity for students is to identify the different characteristics of nocturnal insects and moths with the on-site entomologist.

– Peje School Community Work: Located 2 miles from the Veragua Rainforest Eco-Adventure entrance, the Peje School is our local elementary school. Volunteers will interact with the school children on such activities as: maintenance projects, English tutoring, tree planting and singing local songs with them.

– Butterfly Garden Volunteer Work: Volunteers will be split into small groups to work on activities such as:

Butterfly garden maintenance: leaves, eggs and wings collection
Pupa Box maintenance: includes species selection, cleaning the boxes after the butterflies are released
Pupa selection and setting
Butterfly garden feeding
Seed planting at Butterfly Garden

Terra Incognita

Discover Ethical Ecotours

Costa Rica | Veragua Rainforest | Educational Program Tour Package

Costa Rica | Veragua Rainforest | Educational Program Tour Package

Login