Though Costa Rica is home to more than 500,000 animal species, little more than 250 of them are mammals. These relatively low numbers are largely due to the over-hunting and habitat destruction that occurred over many years' time, wiping out entire species. Today, many of the remaining animals are protected by law, and certain populations have been successfully stabilized and have even increased in size.

It may come as a surprise that nearly half of Costa Rica's mammal species are bats – hikers and wildlife watchers often find these tiny mammals sleeping in tree trunks, roosting in hotel rafters or hunting at dusk. In addition to its bat populations, Costa Rica's favorite mammal watching includes its four monkey species, two sloth species, tapir, coatimundis, kinkajou, agouti and other iconic animals.

Travelers that visit varied ecosystems – mountains, coasts and lowlands – will have the best opportunity for spotting a wide range of mammals.  For example, the cool mountains are too cold for howler monkeys, and manatees are found almost exclusively in Tortuguero National Park. Take both day and night tours, since many of Costa Rica's mammals are nocturnal - most active at night.

Learn More About:

Bats

Capuchin (White-Faced) Monkey

Coatimundi

Dolphins

Howler Monkey

Spider Monkey

Squirrel Monkey

Two and Three-Toed Sloth

Whales