Alberto Manuel Brenes Biological Reserve, Nature reserve in Zapotal, Costa Rica.
The Alberto Manuel Brenes Biological Reserve covers extensive forest on the slopes of the Tilarángebirges, reaching elevations of 1,520 meters. A research station on the grounds provides laboratory facilities and can accommodate about 40 people at a time.
The area was established as San Ramón Forest Reserve in 1975 and received its current name in 1993 to honor botanist Alberto Manuel Brenes. This renaming recognized the scientist's important contributions to plant research.
The University of Costa Rica operates the research station and supports scientific work and environmental education on site. Visitors can observe how researchers document tropical biodiversity during their daily work.
Access is easiest during the dry season, as forest trails can become muddy during the rainy months. The station offers basic lodging, so expect simple conditions and bring warm clothing for cool mountain temperatures.
The reserve holds over 50 plant species found nowhere else, along with around 75 bat species including the white bat. These rare species make the forest one of the most valuable habitats for studying tropical biodiversity.
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