No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeTopicsEnvironment and WildlifeCosta Rica Wildlife: Caracara and Tapir Spotted in Corcovado

Costa Rica Wildlife: Caracara and Tapir Spotted in Corcovado

Caracara and Tapir Spotted in Corcovado Costa Rica
(Via Facebook)

Looking at this photo, we see a unique and harmonious interaction between two animals: a yellow-headed caracara and a Baird’s tapir. The caracara is perched atop the tapir, enjoying what appears to be a peaceful ride in a grassy area. The scene is a beautiful representation of symbiosis often observed in nature, where animals of different species interact for mutual benefit. In this case, the caracara is likely using the tapir as a vantage point to search for food or to keep an eye on its surroundings, while the tapir remains undisturbed.

This interaction took place near the La Sirena ranger station in Corcovado National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse areas. The park is home to many species, including the Baird’s tapir, the largest land mammal in Central and South America. Known for their pig-like appearance but genetically closer to horses and rhinos, tapirs are primarily solitary animals. They are herbivores and often found foraging for fruits and vegetation in forested areas.

The yellow-headed caracara, a bird of prey, is often found in both wild and human-influenced environments like agricultural areas. These birds are known to be opportunistic feeders, scavenging on carrion and picking off small insects and animals. One of their unique behaviors is perching on large animals like cattle and, as seen in this image, tapirs. This behavior allows the caracara to pick off ticks, insects, and other parasites from the tapir’s back while simultaneously getting an elevated view of the landscape to spot prey.

Caracaras are frequently observed in agricultural landscapes, where they often perch on cattle. This behavior provides a mutual benefit, as cattle help the birds by stirring up insects and other small animals while grazing, making them easy prey for the caracara. Similarly, the tapir in this image might benefit from the bird’s presence by having pests removed, highlighting an interspecies interaction that benefits both animals. This relationship showcases the balance and interconnectedness of ecosystems, particularly in biodiverse environments like Corcovado National Park.

Trending Now

Costa Rica Residency Backlog Hits 38,000 in October

Immigrants in Costa Rica continue to deal with long waits for their residence cards, known as DIMEX, as the immigration system struggles with backlogs....

Panama Canal to Build Two Ports by 2029, Boosting Capacity

The Panama Canal plans to build two ports for $2.6 billion by 2029 amid uncertainty over the future of Hong Kong–based concessionaire Hutchison Holdings,...

Costa Rica Welcomes Ed Sheeran Back for Loop Tour Show

British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran will wrap up the Latin American leg of his Loop Tour with a performance in Costa Rica on May 30,...

Costa Rica Expat Guide to Creative DIY Home Repairs

My family was recently cleaning up our backyard, tidying up the mass of branches that had been ditched on the property by the local...

El Salvador’s Safety Outpaces Costa Rica’s Crime in Tourism Race

El Salvador has turned heads this year with a sharp uptick in tourism, pulling in visitors eager for its mix of natural draws and...

U.S. Strikes Drug Boat in Pacific Near Colombia, Killing Two

The United States military carried out its first strike in the Pacific Ocean against a boat suspected of drug trafficking, killing two people near...
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica