Cocos Island

Jennifer Alonso
Katherine Castillo
Gabriela Madrigal
Keyklin Retana Porras

 Cocos Islandis anisland designated as

aNational Park off the shore ofCosta Rica
that does not allow inhabitants other than
Costa Rican Park Rangers. It constitutes
the 11thof the 13 districts ofPuntarenas
Cantonof the province of Puntarenas. It is
located in thePacific Ocean.

Climate
The climate of the island is mostly determined by
the latitudinal movement of theIntertropical
Convergence Zonewhich creates cloudiness and
precipitation that is constant throughout the year.
This makes the climate in the island humid and
tropical with an average annual temperature of
26.6C (79.9F) and an average annual rainfall
of over 7,000mm (276in).

Flora
The island has 235 known species
offlowering plants, of which 70, or nearly
30%, are endemic.The island has three
main plant communities. The general
vegetation of Cocos Island has greatly
changed since the island was first named
and described by Europeans.

Conservation
The National System of Conservation Areas
(SINAC) has programs to ensure compliance
with the laws of conservation of natural
resources, maintaining a proper balance of
the ecosystems of the island within marine
and terrestrial boundaries. It is implementing
the Program of Research and Monitoring It
aims to lay the groundwork for the
development of scientific research in the area
and encourage it according to the priorities of
the park.

Fauna
The island has over 400 known species of
insects, of which 65 (16%) are endemic.
Over 50 species of other arthropods have been
described. Two species oflizardare found on
the island, ananoleand agecko; both are
endemic. No amphibianshave been reported.
The island has five landmammal species, pigs,
deer, goats, cats and rats.