Reptiles of Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio National Park, located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, is one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the country, hosting a rich array of reptilian fauna. The park’s tropical rainforest, mangrove swamps, and coastal ecosystems provide varied microhabitats that support a high diversity of reptiles, playing essential ecological roles in the region’s food webs and energy cycles.

Reptiles in Manuel Antonio belong primarily to the orders Squamata (lizards and snakes), Testudines (turtles), and Crocodylia (crocodilians). To date, over 50 species of reptiles have been documented in the park and surrounding areas.

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Lizards and Iguanas (Order Squamata)

Among the most visible reptiles are members of the Iguanidae and Dactyloidae families. The Green iguana (Iguana iguana) and Black spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura similis) are commonly seen basking on rocks and tree branches. These herbivorous reptiles are important for seed dispersal and are often found in both forested and open environments.

Smaller lizards such as the Common house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus) and Anoles (Anolis spp.) are abundant, with high adaptability to human-altered environments. The Brown basilisk (Basiliscus vittatus), sometimes referred to as the “Jesus Christ lizard” due to its ability to run across water, is a striking and behaviorally unique species frequently encountered near streams and forest edges.

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Snakes (Suborder Serpentes)

Manuel Antonio is home to a variety of both non-venomous and venomous snakes, although most species are secretive and not easily observed. Common non-venomous species include the Striped vine snake (Oxybelis fulgidus) and the Boa constrictor (Boa imperator), the latter of which plays a vital role in controlling rodent populations.

Venomous species, while less frequently encountered, are of significant ecological and medical relevance. The Eyelash palm pit viper (Bothriechis schlegelii), known for its cryptic coloration and arboreal habits, is present in forested areas. Additionally, the Fer-de-lance (Bothrops asper), a terrestrial viper with potent hemotoxic venom, is an important apex predator in the region's lower forest strata.

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Turtles and Crocodilians (Orders Testudines and Crocodylia)

In the park’s coastal and mangrove zones, the Olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) and the Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) occasionally nest, particularly along less disturbed beaches. These species are of conservation concern due to habitat loss and poaching, and their presence within the park reflects its role as a refuge for marine fauna.

The American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) and the smaller Spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus) inhabit the park’s river mouths and estuarine systems. These top-level predators contribute to aquatic ecosystem balance and are important indicators of wetland health.

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Conservation and Research Considerations

Reptilian populations in Manuel Antonio are subject to a variety of environmental pressures, including habitat fragmentation, pollution, invasive species, and human-wildlife conflict. As ectothermic organisms, reptiles are particularly sensitive to microclimatic changes and are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Research efforts in the park have focused on species inventories, behavioral ecology, and the effects of tourism on reptile populations. Citizen science initiatives and environmental education play a growing role in raising awareness about reptile conservation in the region.