 Isla del
Coco National Park (World Heritage status)
Location: The Isla del Coco National Park is located some
532 kms far from Costa Rica. The journey to this island is often
described as a beautiful event. As you sail over crystal clear
waters and look down on the ocean floor it suggests the presence of
all the beauty of sea with coral reefs and multi-colored fishes.
This island is one of the chief islands of the Eastern Tropical
Pacific comprising the islands of Clipperton, Malpelo Galapagos and
Cocos. Isla del Coco National Park has been accorded a world
heritage site status due to the uniqueness of its location and its
endemic species.
Heritage and history: The Isla del Coco National Park is
steeped in history which the cartographers and mariners discovered
as early as the16th century. It finds its mention in a map stemming
from the year 1541 which was passed on. History has left its marks
also in the form of engravings of various ships on the rocks of
this place. The fresh waters of the place, fishes and coconuts made
it an immensely popular stopover destination. There are many
stories related to this land being a buried treasure. Treasure sure
it was and it still is. The Island is home to some 60 endemic
species and a repertoire of beautiful flora and fauna.
Topography of Isla del Coco National Park: The place has a
circumference of about 23 kms. The islands around the area are made
up of columnar basalt, the Isla del Coco National Park is a part of
the volcanic chain submerged under water. The entire place is
fashioned unevenly with a lot of steep sloping cliffs. The highest
point of the place is Cerro Iglesias, situated almost 600 meters
above the sea level. The coral reefs of the island form a splendid
destination for divers. You can also go for snorkelling here. There
are some ninety-seven molluscs and fifty-seven crustaceans.
Animal species: There are many species of animals like
pigs, cots, goats, rats, and whitetail deer. About 60 species of
animals that are endemic. There are about 97 species of birds found
here. The three endemic bird species are: the Cocos Island cuckoo,
Cocs IIsland flycatcher and Cocos Island finch .The cliffs of the
area serve as an important haven for birds like Boobies, Seagulls
and Noddies which mate here.
 Floral
species: the Isla del Coco National Park is covered with
evergreen forests. There have been some 175 species of vascular
plants. The most commonly found trees include guarumo copey the
iron wood tree palm and the Euterpe precatoria
Climate: The climate of the area is favorable for
flourishing of tropical forests and many endemic species also.
|
