Costa Rica’s landscapes—from Pacific shores and offshore islets to cloud forests and lowland rainforests—support a surprising number of plants and animals found nowhere else. That mixture of habitats makes the country a useful place to explore how geography shapes wildlife and where conservation matters most.
There are 5 Endemic Species of Costa Rica, ranging from the Cocos cuckoo to Townsend’s anole. For each species the entry below is organized with Scientific name, Taxon, Range / habitat to show classification and where it lives — details you’ll find below.
How do scientists decide a species is endemic to Costa Rica?
A species is considered endemic when it naturally occurs only within Costa Rica’s political or ecological boundaries; researchers use field surveys, museum records, literature reviews and genetic studies to confirm a species hasn’t been reliably recorded elsewhere before labeling it endemic.
How likely am I to see species like the Cocos cuckoo or Townsend’s anole in the wild?
It varies: island-restricted endemics (for example the Cocos cuckoo) usually require boat access or special permits, while mainland or reserve-bound species (such as Townsend’s anole) may be spotted on trails and in protected areas—local guides and park reports are the best sources for current sightings.
Endemic Species of Costa Rica
| Name | Scientific name | Taxon | Range / habitat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden toad | Incilius periglenes | amphibian | Monteverde cloud forest, high-elevation pools |
| Cocos finch | Pinaroloxias inornata | bird | Isla del Coco: dry forest and coastal scrub |
| Cocos cuckoo | Coccyzus ferrugineus | bird | Isla del Coco: forest edges and shrubland |
| Cocos mockingbird | Mimus melanotis | bird | Isla del Coco: coastal woodlands and shoreline |
| Townsend’s anole | Anolis townsendi | reptile | Isla del Coco: arboreal habitats and shrubbery |
Images and Descriptions
Golden toad
Iconic bright-orange toad once limited to a small Monteverde cloud-forest site; males were vivid orange. Last seen 1989 and now considered extinct, a cautionary symbol of chytrid fungus and climate-driven habitat change in Costa Rica.
Cocos finch
A stout, variable-billed finch unique to Isla del Coco; often compared to Darwin’s finches. Bold and approachable around campsites, it illustrates island-driven evolution and is vulnerable to invasive species and habitat change.
Cocos cuckoo
A long-tailed, slender cuckoo found only on Isla del Coco. Rare and secretive, it forages in low trees and shrubs; conservation concerns center on invasive predators and habitat disturbances on the island.
Cocos mockingbird
Territorial and vocally adept, the Cocos mockingbird is a conspicuous island endemic that mimics other birds’ calls. Common near the island’s camps and cliffs, it faces risks from introduced mammals and limited range.
Townsend’s anole
A small, arboreal anole found only on Isla del Coco, often seen on trunks and branches. Notable for its island-restricted evolution; conservation concerns include invasive rats and habitat impacts from human visitors.
