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Behind the Scenes with Tulemar’s Oscar Herrera

Costa Rica’s biodiversity is a product of its diverse climate and topography. The country’s varied landscapes, from dense rainforests to coastal mangroves support over 900 bird species and a wide array of wildlife. This rich variety is made possible by the country’s tropical climate, the range of elevations, and the years of conservation efforts.

Female 3 Toed Sloth
King Vulture
Fiery Billed Aracari

Meet Oscar Herrera

Oscar Herrera, one of the incredible guides at Tulemar Resort, is a biologist, nature photographer, and certified guide by the Costa Rican Tourism Board. With extensive knowledge of the rich variety of flora and fauna found, Oscar provides valuable insights into the perse natural world in Costa Rica.

Smallest and Largest Bird in Costa Rica

  • Smallest: Costa Rica is home to at least 50 species of hummingbirds, and the scintillant hummingbird is the smallest, measuring just 2.5 inches in length.
  • Largest: The Jabiru stork, with its impressive wingspan of up to 10 feet, is the largest bird in Costa Rica. Found in wetlands and along rivers, it’s distinguished by its striking black and white plumage and distinctive red throat pouch.

Endangered Animals

Costa Rica is home to several endangered species, many of which face threats from habitat loss and environmental changes. The country’s ongoing conservation initiatives aim to protect these species and their ecosystems.

  • Titi Monkey: Also known as the squirrel monkey, the titi monkey is critically endangered due to deforestation. Native to Costa Rica and Panama, this small, agile monkey may be spotted at Tulemar, where conservation efforts are dedicated to preserving its natural habitat.
Squirrel Monkey

Rare Sightings in Costa Rica

While jaguars are among Costa Rica’s rarest animals due to their elusive nature, Oscar has encountered other rare species:

  • Jaguarundi: Costa Rica has 6 different types of wild cats, all of which are rarely seen. During the National Park tour in the rainy season, Oscar and his guests saw one of the wild cats, a jaguarundi.
  • Silky Anteater: On the Mangrove Tour, Oscar encountered the silky anteater, the smallest anteater species. Its tiny size and shy behaviour make this sighting particularly special.
  • Red-Eyed Tree Frog: Oscar’s favourite photograph features a red-eyed tree frog with heterochromia—a rare condition where one eye is red, and the other silver. This unique genetic trait is mostly seen in mammals but is exceptionally rare in amphibians.
Jaguarundi
Silky Anteater
Red-Eyed Tree Frog

Experience Wildlife with Oscar

For those keen to explore Costa Rica’s wildlife, Oscar leads several tours at Tulemar Resort, including the Mangrove Tour, Manuel Antonio National Park Tour, Night Jungle Tour, and Birdwatching Tour. Oscar’s favourite time to guide is the rainy season, from May to November. “This period is ideal for spotting a variety of creatures, including amphibians, reptiles, snakes, and birds. With fewer visitors around, we can fully immerse ourselves in each location and enjoy a more personal experience,” he shares.

From August 27th to October 31st, 2024, Tulemar Resort presents a unique opportunity to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the season, along with the best prices of the year. Book with our Green Special directly on our website today.

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