Logan M. is Most Looking Forward to Seeing a Kinkajou!

The animal that I am looking forward to seeing in Costa Rica is the Kinkajou. It is a mammal that lives in the rain forest and is a relative of the raccoon. It spends most of its life in the treetops and is mostly nocturnal. It has a long tail and a face that I think looks like a lemur's. They may appear cute, but some have been known to attack their owners holding on with their claws and tail!

Dr V.: I had the chance to see these on a night hike in Belize! Logan is right, they are only active in the dark.

Chris S. Is Most Excited about Seeing a Sloth!

I have always wanted to see a sloth because I hear they are incredibly lazy because they usually spend 18 hrs a day sleeping(Would be fun for a day!)and in Costa Rica, a 3 fingered sloth exists (type of sloth)! At maximum speed a sloth can travel 1 mile in 4 hours!!!!!!!! He can practically fly by you. I cannot wait to see these fun animals XD.

Haylee Smith Is Most Excited to See a Margay!

This cute little cat. I find it cool (and cute) because it supposedly can race up and down trees like squirrels.

I agree with Haylee - this cat is one you would like take home with you but in spite of it's size and cuteness it can be vicious. It is closely related to the Ocelot.

Which animals are you most looking forward to studying in Costa Rica?

In total, Costa Rica harbours 210 species of mammals, around 878 species of birds, 218 of reptiles, and over 35,000 species of insects. For your first assignment on the blog I'd like you to respond to my message by telling us a little about the indigenous animal that excites you most. There are several web sites that can give you a list of the special animals of Costa Rica.

My favorite is the Howler Monkey. I saw (and heard) these incredible primates last summer in Belize and they are amazing. I couldn't believe that such a loud noise was coming from such a small animal. Howler monkeys rarely travel on the ground, instead they per fer the canopy of trees for protection and transportation. One note of caution about these animals - stand too close to their tree and you get rained on - in a very bad way.

Source; Costa Rica Nature and Wildlife

I'm thinking about buying my own mask and snorkel - any tips?

I had good luck on-line with Snorkel City (www.snorkelcity.com). Until March 18 they have a deal where if you buy a mask you get a snorkel free.

In a mask I would look for a purge valve which eliminates the annoying problem of water in your mask. In a snorkel I would recommend a dry snorkel which has a valve on top that keeps the water out. The two biggest problems I have seen in beginning snorkelers is being afraid of inhaling water and having a mask that allows water in or continually fogs up.

Snorkeling!

If you have ever snorkeled, you know you are in for a big treat during our trip to Costa Rica. For those of you who are going to do this for the first time - no worries. Snorkleing is easy and fun once you get the breathing thing down. I practiced in my pool before my first trip to get comfortable with my equipment. Equipment (snorkel, mask, and fins) will be provided but I plan on bringing my own snorkel and mask. "No fog" drops also are handy. If you are not the strongest swimmer, flotation devices will be available and there is no shame in wearing one. I've worked with several teachers last summer on my trip to Belize who were first time snorkelers and they all did a great job. Feel free to post questions about this activity.

What are we going to do on the trip?

This trip will be like none other. You will learning biology in the rain forest, on the slopes of a volcano, and in the ocean. You will see first hand the plight of the sea turtles and the manatees. You will also be able to see lots of unique fish as you snorkle in the Carribean.

Get ready with your journals and cameras so you can remember this trip forever!