After lunch we headed into Tirimbina Biological Reserve. It covers about 350 hectares, which is roughly 865 acres. We loaded up with sunscreen and bug spray before heading in. The sun was hot, but the minute we stepped under the canopy the temperature dropped and everything felt quieter.
Tirimbina is a nonprofit focused on conserving this rainforest and supporting scientific research. The biodiversity here is incredible. More than 3,300 species of plants and animals have been documented in the reserve.
We spotted an iguana stretched across a tree, completely unbothered by us. They spend most of the day up high because it keeps them warm and out of reach. They hardly move unless they have to. Earlier from the bus windows we saw several iguanas so this is becoming easier for us to spot!
Farther in, Victor spotted a poison dart frog. They are so small I have no idea how he found it, even with its bright red coloring. It wasn’t even on the pathway but off to the side.
Victor picked it up, which got everyone’s attention. He explained that the frog is toxic, not venomous. Venomous animals inject toxins. Toxic animals are only dangerous if you eat them or get their chemicals into a cut. Holding one carefully with dry hands is fine.
Even though he tried to hop away a few times Victor was able to get him to stay on the leaf long enough for everyone to get their photos. He was so small, hard to believe they can be fatal so quickly!
Soo beautiful
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