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 Women’s National Team Coach Steps Down Amid World Cup Push

The Costa Rican Soccer Federation dropped a major update this week: Spanish coach Beni Rubido is stepping down from his role with the women's...

Heavy Rains in Costa Rica Trigger Landslides and Floods

Costa Rica faces tough conditions lately from ongoing heavy rains that have sparked deadly landslides and major flooding over the last few days. In...

Juanes Lands in Costa Rica to Shoot Videos for New Tracks

Colombian singer Juanes has arrived in Costa Rica, turning our country's landscapes into backdrops for his latest music videos. The artist, known for hits...

Costa Rica’s Draw Against Honduras Boosts World Cup Hopes

Costa Rica held Honduras to a scoreless draw in their World Cup qualifier last night, picking up a point that keeps their qualification hopes...

Costa Rica Ranger Trapped After Falling off Cliff on Cocos Island

Rescue teams in Costa Rica continue their efforts to save a park ranger who fell down a 40-meter cliff on Isla del Coco. The...

Back North from Costa Rica: An Expat’s Culture Shock

I am presently away from Costa Rica. I am in a foreign country. I was born here, but it is now a different place...
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