Vacationing in Costa Rica; where do I go to see frogs?

NWMusician · #1 (**permalink**) 01-22-2008, 02:23 AM

I know there are threads on here that tell people where to go, but I couldn't really find the information I am specifically looking for. I am going to be going during my break next year (May '09), and want to know where to see the frogs at. I am going to be going to Monteverde for sure (not sure you can see frogs there), and want to take the bus to my destinations. Any suggestions on where to go and where to see the frogs?

MonarchzMan · #2 (**permalink**) 01-22-2008, 02:31 AM

The Caribbean slope is where to go to see darts, at least (you can see them elsewhere, but it seems as though the cool ones are on the Caribbean side). I believe La Selve Biological Station gives tours during the day, and I can pretty well guarantee seeing blue jeans pumilio. The forest is really cool too. Just down the coast (I think it's about an hour by bus) is Cahuita, which is a nice little town. We stayed at the Atlantida hotel, which had auratus right on the grounds. We also saw H. ebraccata and A. callidryas there too. Oh, and B. marinus.

Those were the two spots that I can guarantee with 95% certainty that you'll see darts. Perhaps some other people will weigh in on other places to check out.

sbreland · #3 (**permalink**) 01-22-2008, 04:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonarchzMan

The Caribbean slope is where to go to see darts, at least (you can see them elsewhere, but it seems as though the cool ones are on the Caribbean side).

Funny, I was going to say just the opposite. Granuliferus are pretty much found exclusively along the pacific coast and just inland from there. Blue jeans and auratus are all over, but the blue jeans tha are more blue and not speckled are more central and western Costa rica but there are plenty of them on the Eastern side as well. Bribri and Siquirres (black jeans) are on the Eastern coast and I'm sure you'll find auratus as well, but much harder to find.
Since you mentioned Monteverde, you'll be near Siquirres and blackjeans as well as some Bribri. You shouldn't have a terribly hard time finding blue jeans, but it may take a bit of a ride to do it...

Manuran · #4 (**permalink**) 01-22-2008, 08:20 AM

I guess Siquirres is not too far from Monteverde, but Bribri is not that near.
I guess it depends on how long your trip is. Cruising down the caribbean side is fun though. As monarch and sbreland have stated, there are beautiful frogs on both sides, so I guess it depends on what you would like to see more. If you had 10-12 days, you could comfortably take in both sides. How exciting, I hope it all works out.

iljjlm · #5 (**permalink**) 01-22-2008, 01:20 PM

When we go there we have always taken the buses. Siquirres is about a 2 to 2 1/2 hour drive from Cahuita. There is also no direct bus from Monteverde to Siquerres/Cahuita. You have to back to San Jose and then go to a different bus terminal to get to the caribbean coast. Basically you are looking at a 7 to 8 hour bus ride from Monteverde to Cahuita.
From my understanding D. granuliferous, Colostethus nubicola, Colostethus flotator, and P vittatus are all found on the southwest Pacific region. D auratus on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. D pumilo and P lugubris on caribbean side.
I am no expert on CR, but have been there 4 times. If you have any more questions you can PM me and will be glad to answer them.
-Dave

xm41907 · #6 (**permalink**) 01-22-2008, 08:43 PM

I spent two weeks at La Selva Biological Station and probably saw at least 10 blue jean pumilio's each day. I did see a few auratus as well. If you get a chance to go to La Selva, definitely go. As a tourist you will only be able to see a limited amount of it, but the place is wonderful. I was there in 1999, so I'm sure it's changed alot, but being that it's a research station, The forest is tampered with very little. If it wasn't for my trip there, I would definitely be on a much different path today than where I am. Enjoy Cost Rica, I'm jealous of ya!

James

Abbathx · #7 (**permalink**) 01-22-2008, 09:01 PM

make sure to take plenty of photos

EDs Fly Meat · #8 (**permalink**) 01-24-2008, 08:35 AM

You have to see Brian Kubicki at the Costa Rican Amphibian Research Center in Siquires. http://www.cramphibian.com
It is a MUST DO.

Corpus Callosum · #9 (**permalink**) 01-24-2008, 02:14 PM

James how long did you spend in the forest / on the trails each day at La Selva that you only saw (at least) 10 blue jeans a day? I spent about 3-4 hours in the forest each day at another station and saw close to 100 blue jeans a day.

xm41907 · #10 (**permalink**) 01-24-2008, 08:31 PM

Michael,

I probably did see way more than that each day. My focus wasn't on the ground though. I was collecting caterpillars so I mainly kept my eyesight on the plants. How long was I on the trails? usually I was off the trails trapsing around the forest. I would say I was on the job about 6-8 hours a day, with trips back to the station for yummy gallo pinto with Lizano sauce! What station were you at and why??

James