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Planning a trip to Costa Rica? If spotting wildlife is on your list, you’re in the right place. This small country is home to an incredible range of animals, many of which you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
But here’s something you might not know: some of Costa Rica’s most iconic species are endangered. From colorful birds like the great green macaw to powerful predators like the jaguar, these animals are rare. Not just because their numbers are shrinking but because seeing one in the wild is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
That’s why knowing where and how to look makes a difference. In this blog, you’ll discover 14 endangered species in Costa Rica, along with tips on where to see them safely and respectfully.
Why Costa Rica Is Home to Unique and Endangered Animals
Costa Rica may be small, but it holds about 6% of the world’s biodiversity, which is an incredible amount for a country that covers less than 0.03% of the Earth’s surface.
What makes it so special? The country’s tropical climate and varied landscapes help, but its real strength is in how much land is protected. More than 25% of Costa Rica is made up of national parks, wildlife refuges, and reserves (GVI). These areas give rare and endangered species a better chance at survival.
Eco-tourism also plays a big role. When you choose sustainable tours and nature-based experiences, you support local communities and help protect the land. That’s one reason Costa Rica remains a safe place for animals that are disappearing in other parts of the world.
14 Costa Rican Endangered Species You Might Encounter
Costa Rica is full of wildlife, but many of the animals that make this country so special are at risk. More than 200 animals are on the endangered species list, and some are now considered critically endangered.
The reasons vary. Deforestation, habitat loss, illegal pet trade, and hunting play a role in threatening the survival of these species. But thanks to the country’s protected areas, some still have a chance to survive. And in a few cases, you might even spot one in the wild.
Here are 14 endangered animals you could encounter on your trip:
Baird’s Tapir
With its short trunk and rounded body, the Baird’s tapir looks like a mix between a pig and a small elephant. It’s one of the most unusual animals in Costa Rica but also one of the hardest to see.
Tapirs are shy, mostly nocturnal, and spend their time in dense forests looking for fruit and leaves. Because they’re so quiet and reclusive, seeing one in the wild is rare, even for locals.
Sadly, this species is on Costa Rica’s endangered species list. The destruction of its natural habitat, poaching, and a naturally slow birth rate have all impacted its population.
If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse, head to remote areas like Corcovado National Park, where protected land gives them the space they need to survive.
Great Green Macaw
Few birds stand out like the great green macaw. Its bright green feathers and red forehead make it easy to recognize but not so easy to find.
In Costa Rica, numbers have dropped sharply in recent years. According to the Macaw Recovery Network’s 2022–2023 census, 567 individuals were recorded in 2022 across 25 sites. By 2023, that number fell to 266, even with more organizations joining the effort.
One of the biggest threats is deforestation, especially the loss of mountain almond trees. These trees are essential to the macaw’s survival—they provide food and nesting sites. The problem? The trees themselves are also endangered due to illegal logging and commercial demand.
Fortunately, conservation efforts are helping. Some macaws have adapted to feed on other trees like the sea almond, and protected areas such as Mistico Park and Tortuguero National Park continue to offer safe habitats. Still, the species’ future depends on protecting what remains of its forest home.
Central American Squirrel Monkey
Small, fast, and full of energy, the Central American squirrel monkey is one of the most entertaining animals you might spot along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. These monkeys live in large, noisy groups (sometimes as many as 70 individuals) and spend their days jumping through the trees in search of insects and fruit.
They’re easy to recognize thanks to their orange backs, white faces, and constantly twitching tails. Most sightings happen around Manuel Antonio National Park, where they live in wet secondary forests near the coast.
This species was once considered endangered, but after years of focused conservation efforts in Costa Rica, its status was changed to vulnerable in 2008 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, threats like habitat destruction and the illegal pet trade are still concerning, especially in unprotected areas.
Jaguar
These big cats are mostly active at night and tend to stalk their prey in thick forests or near rivers. They’ve even been seen swimming or fishing, which makes them pretty unique among wild cats. Their diet includes everything from deer and peccaries to turtles and iguanas.
Jaguars used to roam across the entire country, but now their numbers are shrinking. Deforestation and illegal poaching are two of the biggest threats, especially since they’ve long been hunted for their spotted coats.
Today, they live in remote areas like Corcovado, Santa Rosa, Golfo Dulce, and parts of the Carara National Park and La Fortuna.
Spotting one in the wild is rare but not impossible. For a better chance, you can visit places like La Paz Waterfall Gardens or the Las Pumas Rescue Center, where rescued jaguars are cared for in protected environments.
Read “Are There Jaguars in La Fortuna, Costa Rica? Complete Guide!”
Green Sea Turtle
These calm, slow-moving turtles show up along Costa Rica’s coasts during nesting season, when they come ashore to lay their eggs, often on the same beach where they were born. You’ll recognize them by their smooth, olive-green shells and wide flippers that help them glide through the water effortlessly.
They spend most of their lives at sea, but during nesting months, places like Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast and Ostional Wildlife Refuge on the Pacific side are your best chance to see one.
Green sea turtles are on the endangered species list, mainly because of poaching, illegal egg collection, and accidental capture in fishing nets. Coastal development has also disrupted some of their nesting areas.
Conservation efforts have helped their numbers slowly improve in certain regions. And if you’re lucky enough to witness one nesting, remember to keep your distance, stay quiet, and follow the lead of certified guides or park staff.
Resplendent Quetzal
If there’s one bird people dream of seeing in Costa Rica, it’s the resplendent quetzal. With shimmering green feathers, a deep red chest, and long flowing tail plumes, it’s as stunning as its name suggests.
Quetzals live in cloud forests, where they move through the trees in search of wild avocados and other fruits. They’re shy and quick, so spotting one takes patience and a bit of luck.
Your best chance is during the breeding season, from March to June, when the males show off their long tail feathers. Look for them in places like Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Los Quetzales National Park, or other protected highland areas.
While they’re not critically endangered, quetzals are considered near threatened because of deforestation and habitat loss. They depend on specific types of forest, so when those habitats disappear, so do the birds.
If seeing one is high on your list, go with a guide who knows the area. For more tips on where to see quetzal in Costa Rica and when to go, check out our blog!
Bare-necked umbrellabird
The bare-necked umbrellabird is one of the most unusual birds you’ll hear about in Costa Rica. It has black feathers, a bright red throat pouch, and a crest that looks like it belongs on a rockstar.
These birds live in the dense, humid forests along the Caribbean slope, but they’re hard to find. They tend to be quiet and stick to the treetops, which makes sightings rare. On top of that, their numbers are shrinking due to logging, land clearing, and the illegal wildlife trade.
What makes them so important is the role they play in the forest. As fruit eaters, umbrellabirds help spread seeds and keep the ecosystem thriving. When their numbers drop, it’s often a sign the forest isn’t doing well either.
If you want to learn more about this species and how you can help protect it, read our guide on where to see the bare-necked umbrellabird in Costa Rica!
Hawksbill sea turtle
This is one of the most beautiful and most endangered marine animals in Costa Rica. Its amber-patterned shell is what makes it so recognizable and, sadly, what’s put it in danger. For years, hawksbills have been hunted for their shells, and they’re used to make tortoiseshell jewelry and souvenirs despite international bans.
Aside from illegal trade, they often get caught by accident fishing gear, especially near longline boats, many of them without proper regulation.
If you hope to see one, your best shot is during nesting season, between September and October, in places like Cahuita National Park. They’re also known to forage in Golfo Dulce.
Conservation programs are working hard to protect hawksbills alongside other sea turtles. But without continued action, there’s a real risk they could disappear within our lifetime.
Scalloped hammerhead shark
They might look intimidating, but scalloped hammerhead sharks are more misunderstood than dangerous. No fatal hammerhead attacks on humans have ever been recorded, yet these sharks are in serious trouble.
In Costa Rica, they were listed as critically endangered in 2014. It’s estimated that up to 90% of the population has drastically reduced (AIDA), mostly due to the illegal shark fin trade and longline fishing.
Despite their sharp appearance, these sharks are graceful swimmers and often travel in large schools. One of the best places to see them is around Isla del Coco, a world-famous shark diving site. You can also spot them in Golfo Dulce.
Protecting them means protecting the ocean’s balance. These sharks help keep marine ecosystems healthy, but only if we stop the demand driving them toward extinction.
Jaguarundi
Out of all the wild cats in Costa Rica, the jaguarundi might be the strangest-looking. It’s small and sleek with a long body (more like a weasel than a typical feline), but it’s actually related to the puma.
Jaguarundis are shy, territorial, and rarely seen. They’re also unique because, unlike other wild cats, they’re more active during the day. Unfortunately, their numbers are low due to deforestation and expanding human development.
Your best chance of spotting one is in Palo Verde National Park. If you see one, keep your distance. These cats may be small, but they’re wild animals and prefer to be left alone.
Geoffroy’s Spider-Monkey
Once common across Costa Rica, Geoffroy’s spider monkey is now endangered and much harder to find. Long limbs, expressive faces, and impressive agility make them one of the most captivating primates to watch, but their population has dropped by over 50% in the last 45 years, according to the IUCN Red List.
Hunting, deforestation, and the illegal pet trade have all contributed to their decline. These monkeys live high in the forest canopy and move quickly in groups, using their long tails for balance as they swing between branches.
You’ll have the best chance of spotting them in Santa Rosa or Corcovado National Park, two critical habitats where healthy forests still support active spider monkey troops.
Harpy Eagle
The harpy eagle is one of the most powerful birds of prey in the world and one of the rarest in Costa Rica. With massive talons, striking black and white plumage, and a feathered crown that fans out when they’re alert, harpy eagles look like something out of a fantasy novel.
They once soared across much of Central America, but today, their numbers are extremely low in Costa Rica. Years of deforestation and human encroachment have left them with fewer places to nest and hunt, especially in lowland rainforests where they depend on tall trees and large prey like monkeys and sloths.
Your chances of seeing a harpy eagle in the wild are small but not impossible. There have been rare sightings in remote areas of the Osa Peninsula and La Amistad International Park, both of which are vital strongholds for wildlife conservation in Costa Rica.
Because they sit at the top of the food chain, harpy eagles are a key indicator of a healthy forest. Protecting them means protecting countless other species that share their habitat.
Giant Anteater
The giant anteater might not be the first animal that comes to mind when you think of Costa Rica, but it’s one of the most fascinating (and rarest) mammals in the country. With its long snout, bushy tail, and slow, deliberate walk, it looks like it wandered in from another world.
Once more widespread, the giant anteater has become increasingly rare in the country. Its numbers have dropped due to the loss of grassland and forest, road traffic, and human development. It’s now considered endangered in the region and is mostly found in remote, protected areas.
They feed almost exclusively on ants and termites, using their long, sticky tongue and powerful claws to break into nests. They’re solitary, mostly quiet, and surprisingly good swimmers.
If you’re expecting to spot one, your best chance is in places like Santa Rosa National Park, where there’s more open space and less human activity.
Ocelot
The ocelot might be smaller than a jaguar, but it’s just as eye-catching. This wild cat blends in perfectly with the forest floor because of its matte gray fur covered in dark spots and bands. It’s rarely seen during the day since ocelots are nocturnal and usually rest in the branches high above the ground.
They’re excellent hunters, moving quietly through the undergrowth in search of birds, reptiles, frogs, and small mammals. They’ve even been known to catch fish and occasionally go after domestic animals like chickens or pigs when wild prey is scarce.
Ocelots are found throughout much of the Americas, but in Costa Rica, they stick to large forested areas. Some of the best places to spot one (if you’re lucky) include Palo Verde, Guanacaste National Park, Corcovado, and Tenorio.
Their biggest threats? Deforestation and illegal hunting, mostly for their fur.
Where to Spot Endangered Wildlife in Costa Rica?
You can spot endangered species in the country’s national parks, reserves, and conservation areas.
One of the best options is Mistico Park, where protected rainforest and elevated trails give you a real chance to see wildlife without disturbing their natural habitat.
Other great spots include Corcovado, Santa Rosa, Tortuguero, Monteverde, and Golfo Dulce, each home to different species depending on the landscape and time of year. Along the coast, nesting beaches like Ostional and Cahuita help protect several species of sea turtles.
No matter where you go, the key is to choose parks that support conservation, habitat protection, and sustainable tourism.
Why Mistico Park Is a Great Place to Learn About and See Wildlife
Mistico Park is a scenic rainforest trail and a place where visitors can see wildlife up close while learning about the importance of conservation and protecting natural resources.
What makes it special is that its forest is part of a larger biological corridor, helping connect wildlife habitats across the region. This allows animals to move freely, find food, and stay safe, which is especially important for species threatened by deforestation and human activity.
Mistico also supports environmental education. Whether you’re on a hanging bridges guided tour or a self-guided walk, you’ll find helpful signs and information about local ecosystems, native species, and the efforts in place to keep the forest healthy.
What Can You Do to Help Protect Endangered Species While Traveling to Costa Rica?
Seeing wildlife in Costa Rica can be one of the most exciting parts of your trip, but it comes with responsibility.
Here are a few simple ways you can help protect endangered species while you travel:
Visit National Parks and Privately Protected Reserves
Choose places that actively support conservation, like wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and protected reserves. These areas give endangered animals the space and safety they need, and your entrance fee helps fund their protection.
Don’t Feed, Touch, or Harass Wildlife
Even if animals seem friendly, interacting with them can cause stress, change their behavior, or make them sick. Keep a respectful distance, especially when spotting exotic wildlife in the wild.
Respect Trails and Waste Rules
Staying on marked trails helps protect sensitive plants and animal homes. Make sure to take all your trash with you, including things like fruit peels or tissues, since they can still harm the environment.
Protect Wildlife While Exploring Mistico Park’s Rainforest Trails
Imagine walking across a hanging bridge, surrounded by dense greenery, and hearing the deep call of a bare-necked umbrellabird echoing through the trees. At Mistico Park, moments like these are real and part of something that matters.
Every visit helps protect endangered species in Costa Rica and gives you a chance to connect with the rainforest in a meaningful way. By choosing places that care about conservation, you’re helping keep these forests and the animals that live here safe.
If you want your trip to have a positive impact, contact Mistico Park today. Book your visit or guided tour and be part of protecting Costa Rica’s wildlife!
FAQs
What’s the best time to see wildlife in Costa Rica?
The best time to see wildlife in Costa Rica is during the dry season (December to April), when animals are easier to spot, and trails are more accessible. Some species, like nesting turtles and migratory birds, are also active during parts of the green season, so it depends on what you’re hoping to see.
Are crocodiles endangered in Costa Rica?
Crocodiles in Costa Rica are not considered endangered, but they are protected by law. The most common species is the American crocodile, which is found in rivers, estuaries, and coastal areas, especially in places like the Tarcoles River.
Are sloths endangered in Costa Rica?
No, sloths are not officially classified as endangered. However, deforestation, road traffic, and urban expansion continue to impact their habitats, so ongoing conservation efforts are essential. Find out how Mistico Park is protecting sloths in La Fortuna.
