Biodiversity conservation in Costa Rica: a correspondence analysis between identifi ed biodiversity hotspots (Araceae, Arecaceae, Bromeliaceae, and Scarabaeinae) and conservation priority life zones

Background 

Costa Rica, a biodiversity hotspot, houses an extensive variety of species despite its small size. The country represents about 0.03% of the Earth's surface but contains approximately 3.6% of the world’s biodiversity. Key ecosystems include tropical wet forests, premontane wet forests, and dry forests, which are home to diverse flora and fauna. The need for biodiversity conservation is urgent due to the accelerating loss of species, and Costa Rica has been at the forefront of conservation efforts, protecting 27% of its national territory. This study aimed to map areas of high species richness and endemism using four taxonomic groups—Araceae, Arecaceae, Bromeliaceae, and Scarabaeinae—and identify conservation priority zones across the country's Holdridge Life Zones. 

Goals and Methods 

The study used Geographic Information System (GIS) tools to analyze species richness and endemism across 12 Holdridge Life Zones in Costa Rica. Data were gathered from national and international biodiversity collections and refined to include only native species. A gap analysis identified areas of high conservation priority based on species richness and endemism. Six levels of conservation priorities were determined, considering the overlap between biodiversity hotspots and existing protected areas. Furthermore, the study explored potential for expanding protected areas and assessed threats from land use changes, such as agriculture and pasture, in priority zones. 

Conclusions and Takeaways 

The study identified key conservation areas, including the northeastern tropical wet forests, the Osa Peninsula, and the premontane wet forests along the Guanacaste and Central mountain ranges. Four zones of high species richness and three new areas of endemism were highlighted, with varying levels of overlap between taxa. Although Costa Rica has an extensive protected area network, some critical zones remain underrepresented or vulnerable to human activities. Recommendations emphasize the inclusion of diverse taxonomic groups for finer-grained biodiversity studies and the prioritization of endemism for conservation planning. Expanding and connecting protected zones is crucial to safeguarding Costa Rica's unique biodiversity amidst growing anthropogenic pressures.