Transboundary Diagnosis Analysis - Tables
Types of Forest in the Project Area

Type of Forest

Main Characteristics

Species Represented

Location in the Basin
Dry Tropical Forest Rains are very seasonal

Rich and fertile soil

Wide diversity of species of trees

Few species of epiphytes and moss

Many deciduous species with synchronized periods of flowering and fruit production

 The Rubiaceae family is predominant in the underbrush.

Species of woody lianas and land bromeliads.

 Northeast border between CR and Nic.

Eastern and western region of Lake Nicaragua.
Topical Rain Forest Most extensive type of forest in the basin.

Semi-deciduous, evergreen, tall and multi-layered.		 Palms like Scheelea rostratra are common to this type of forest. On Lake Nicaragua and in the northern zone of CR, near Upala and the Caño Negro lagoons (CR)

Very Humid Tropical Forest

 Highest rainfall, up to 6000 mm annually.

Multi-layered evergreens with some deciduous species.

Trees with tall and smooth trunks are common.		 Ferns are common, particularly those of the Selaginella species.

Few epiphytic shrubs or strangling trees.

Type of forest in the basin that is richest in species.		 Tortuguero plains, Sarapiquí, Indio-Maíz Reserve.

Misty Forest

 High rainfall, much of which is passive (from clouds coming into contact with the vegetation). Short and medium height shrubs

Abundance of ferns, moss, and epiphytes, such as orchids.		 Found at the peaks of volcanoes in the volcanic mountain range of Guanacaste, particularly the Orosi, Cacao, Rincón de la Vieja, Miravalles, Tenorio, and Cacho Negro volcanoes.

Secondary Forest

 Variable size and floral composition. Occurs by natural or assisted reforestation in areas where the forest has suffered heavy intervention or elimination. Generally much less diversity than the original forest.

Pioneering species, such as the fruited shoemaker’s tree (Byrsonima crassifolia), trumpet wood (Cecropia spp) and many shrubs.		 In a number of spots, like patches of forest.

In the northern zone of CR in areas where most of the trees used for timber have been harvested.

Covers little area in the basin because landowners have little incentive to let the forest grow again.

Corridor Forest

 Species tolerant of high humidity. Ficus spp., balsa wood and other species seeking humid to very humid conditions, which can withstand periodic flooding. Found along the rivers throughout the basin. Sometimes contain very few trees.

Wetlands

 Areas subject to flooding with characteristic vegetation, located on the banks of water bodies. Many species of aquatic birds, both resident and migratory

Nesting spots for species of fish, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Generally highly fragile ecological areas.		 Mainly to the south and east of Lake Nicaragua, along the San Juan River and at the mouths of its main tributaries, and in the coastal zone of the Indio-Maíz Reserve, the Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge, and Tortuguero National Park, Los Guatuzos Wildlife Refuge and Caño Negro.

Mangrove Swamps

 Flooded forests bordering the sea.

Contain a high diversity of estuary and marine species. Form very complex ecosystems rich in species.		 Various mangrove species, such as red mangrove (Rhyzophora mangle), black mangrove (Avicennia germinans), and white mangrove and Conocarpus erecta.

Ferns, orchids, epiphytes, and bromeliads are common to mangroves.

The mangrove crab (Aratus pisonii) is a characteristic species, especially in places where red mangrove grows.		 Restricted to the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the basin, mainly the Atlantic (Indio-Maíz Reserve, Barra del Colorado, and Tortuguero).

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