Cerúlea Nature Reserve

Our main goal for creating this reserve is to protect critical habitats, its biodiversity and ecological processes as well as promote scientific inquiry and education. Expanding the reserve by acquiring surrounding properties is another one of our priorities, as habitat loss remains an imminent threat to the surrounding areas.

The Cerúlea Nature Reserve is nestled on the north-central flank of the Talamanca Mountain Range, which is one the most biologically diverse and unique areas in Costa Rica, yet one of the least explored. It protects premontane and tropical wet forests that represent vital life zones for an outstanding number of species.

The reserve is strategically located in the northern face of one of the five Great Forests of Mesoamerica, seeking to broaden and restore the forested connection between the Central Volcanic Range and the Talamanca Mountain Range as part of what is known as the Jaguar Biological Corridor and the Corredor Azul project.

Its proximity to the majestic Pacuare river, the Barbilla National Park and the Nairi-Awari Indigenous Territory makes it an important site for an outstanding number of species including: Large mammals like Baird's Tapir (EN) and Jaguar (NT), resident birds such as the Ornate Hawk-eagle (NT), Great Green Macaw (CR) and Great Curassow (VU), an extremely rich amphibian diversity with species like Lemur Leaf Frog (CR).

The data we have collected so far, strongly supports the importance of this region of Costa Rica as a unique fall migration stopover site for Cerulean Warblers and many other Neotropical migrants en route to South America, including Canada Warbler and Olive-sided Flycatcher.

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