Terraba Sierpe Mangroves, An Incredible Ecosystem
The Terraba Sierpe Mangroves were designated as a Forest Reserve in 1977 and registered as a Wetlands International RAMSAR site in 1995. They are located near the Osa Peninsula about 45 minutes south of Uvita, Bahia Ballena. The mangroves have an extension of about 30,000 ha. and they are completely state-owned and managed by the Ministry for the Environment and Energy.
The wetland reserved is considered an essential habitat for several species which include birds, fish, shellfish, mammals and reptiles. The wetlands shelter birds such as herons, egrets, cotingas, and pandion haliaetus. The mammals include agouti paca and lutra annectens; and reptiles such as caiman crocodilus, crocodylus acutus and tree boas. Several of these species need this ecosystem to survive and to complete their life cycle which includes reproduction, growth and feeding. Costa Rica car rental
The Terraba-Sierpe wetland has a woodland ecosystem with systematically flooded swamps and mangrove forest, palm swamp forest, sandy beaches and cliffs. It includes the mouths of the Terraba and Sierpe Rivers and adjacent lagoons of Sierpe and Porvenir.
The Terraba River is the main source of freshwater into the estuarine system and it drains a basin of approximately 5,000 square kilometers. Its main tributary is the General River along with its tributaries. Car rental Costa Rica San Jose
Many products are extracted by organized groups, families and individuals within the Terraba Sierpe Mangroves. The most important income comes from harvesting the “pianguas”. Additionally, small scale artisanal line fishing is permitted in the estuary of the Terraba Sierpe. Tour operators also use the wetland as a bird and nature tour attraction, to promote the beautiful landscape, flora and fauna. Very few people live in the Terraba Sierpe Mangroves and the main settlements are located in the surrounding communities of Sierpe, Palmar and Cortes.
The mangrove vegetation of Terraba Sierpe plays a key role in erosion protection, both from run-off and wind erosion and in keeping water quality. Rainwater and run-off are stored in the wetland. Terraba Sierpe and its area of influence are geologically formed by materials from the Cretaceous, Tertiary and Quaternary periods.
The site is continuously flooded by tides, transferring fine mud’s rich in organic material. The average total tidal fluctuation is about 2 meters. The climate is very hot and humid, and precipitation is abundant from May to November. The average annual rainfall is 3,638 mm.
The Terraba Sierpe National Wetlands protects the extensive river mouth delta systems, estuaries and wetlands between the Terraba River and the Sierpe River on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, north of Drake Bay. The Diquis Valley is known for its archaeological relics, stone spheres from pre-Columbian times.
Sierpe offers the mangrove reserve and also some of the best fishing opportunities in Costa Rica throughout the year. There are many local hook and bait shops in town which rent out equipment to tourists regularly. Besides fishing, Sierpe also has some wonderful diving expeditions as well.
Come to this region and admire its extraordinary ecosystem.