Paramo

Paramo's are concidered neotropical ecosystems. The aramo's are located between altitudes of 3,100m, which is the upper forest line, and 5000m, which is the permanent snow line. This ecosystem consists of mostly glacier formed valleys and plains with a large variety of lakes, peat bogs, and wet grasslands, intermingled with shrubland and forest patches. There are about 5000 different plant species indigenous to the paramos ecosystem.

Location:

    The paramo exists at the summits of Costa Rica's southern Talamanca mountain range. Paramo can be found Cerro de la Muerte, Chirrípo, and the high mountain peaks in Parque Internacional La Amistad.

Map:

The paramo's are located around the mountains in brown, which is because they are usually in the mountain or higher altitudes.

Features:

    Dominated by grasses, rushes, herbs, and low shrubs of the families Gramineae, Asteraceae, Ericaceae,Cyperaceae, and Rosaceae.

Temperature & percipitation:

   The temperature usually ranges between They have a cold and wet climate, and the human activity in the paramos is fairly common. There are difficulties in getting groundwater, but the surface water from the paramo is used a lot for eating and drinking, farming, and hydropower generation. This is because they have such a use for all of their natural resources. 

Flora & Fauna species:

There are about 5000 different plant species indigenous to the paramos ecosystem. About 60% of the plants are endemic and they have adapted to living in specific "physio-chemical" and climate conditions. There are few species due to the rough climate. They have to be adapt to the low atmospheric pressure, intense ultra-violet radiation, and very dry area due to the wind. The flora and fauna of this area is hardy and tolerant. The plantlife is relatively dull or bland colors and their leaves have a waxy touch. Animals in the area consist mostly of tough rodents and lizards which thrive in the hot sun.

"Visitors to Costa Rica may see more of this ecosystem than they care to. Due to the vast deforestation of the area, the paramo of the highest peaks is creeping down the mountain, steadily transforming the wildlife of along its fringe. "