A LIME GREEN ARMY OF RED-EYED FROGS
Few places celebrate colour quite like Costa Rica, where a rainbow cascade of insects, birds and reptiles accounts for 6 per cent of our planet’s biodiversity. Whether cruising along the Pacific and Caribbean coastlines or hiking through rainforests, every scene is painted in an artist’s palette of vibrant hues. Scarlet macaws streak the canopy in a bright red blaze, toucans poke through foliage with banana-yellow bills, and whales splash the horizon in a fanfare of magnificent blue flukes.
But even the tiniest creatures can create an impression, including several different species of frogs. Most striking of all is the poison dart frog, whose alarming attire warns potential predators to keep clear. Toxic to touch, some are the size of a fingernail, although they easily stand out on the forest floor. One black and yellow striped variety even resembles a chemical hazard sign.
More approachable are the country’s iconic red-eyed tree frogs, whose lime green bodies are decorated with teal legs and orange toes. Changing colour according to their mood, they can also turn dark green or auburn. But even colour isn’t a strong enough survival mechanism for some situations. Many amphibian species are disappearing as a result of pollution and climate change, leading to the development of several awareness-raising frog friendly tours. Shining like jewels, some frogs can only be seen in the dark while others are active during the day. Families Worldwide (01962 302062; familiesworldwide.co. uk) can tailor-make a 12-day Complete Costa Rica tour from £1,999 per adult and £899 per child, excluding international flights.