Costa Rica is renowned globally for its incredible biodiversity, especially its primates, but gorillas do not inhabit its rainforests. Gorillas are not native to Central or South America, meaning travelers will not encounter them in the wild here. While the country does not host any great apes, it is home to four distinct species of New World monkeys, which are a major part of the country’s natural heritage.
Where Gorillas Actually Live
Gorillas are the largest primates and are exclusively found in the tropical and subtropical forests of Equatorial Africa. Their native range is split between two main species: the Eastern gorilla and the Western gorilla. Western gorillas, including the western lowland gorilla, live across countries like Cameroon, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo in West-Central Africa. Eastern gorillas, such as the mountain gorilla, have a more restricted range in the eastern part of the continent, specifically within the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda.
The absence of gorillas in the Americas stems from an evolutionary split that occurred millions of years ago. Gorillas belong to Old World primates, which evolved and diversified across Africa and Asia. The ancestors of New World monkeys separated from these relatives approximately 40 million years ago. They reached South America by crossing the Atlantic Ocean on floating rafts of vegetation, a phenomenon called oceanic dispersal. This geographic separation means that great apes never migrated to the American continents. New World monkeys, or platyrrhines, are characterized by broad noses with side-facing nostrils and, in some species, a prehensile tail. Costa Rica’s primates are part of this unique lineage.
The Primates Native to Costa Rica
Instead of gorillas, Costa Rica hosts four species of New World monkeys, each with unique characteristics and habitats. These primates vary significantly in size, diet, and preferred environment across the country.
Mantled Howler Monkey (Alouatta palliata)
The largest of these is the Mantled Howler Monkey (Alouatta palliata), known for its loud, guttural vocalizations. Males use these deep roars to mark territory and can travel for several kilometers through the dense forest canopy. Howlers are primarily herbivores, feeding on leaves and fruit, and are found across a wide range of forest types.
Panamanian White-faced Capuchin (Cebus imitator)
The Panamanian White-faced Capuchin (Cebus imitator) is perhaps the most recognizable species due to its black body and white fur covering its shoulders and face. These intelligent, medium-sized primates are omnivorous extractive foragers, using tools and problem-solving skills to access food. Capuchins are highly adaptable and can be spotted in various habitats, from dry forests to rainforests.
Geoffroy’s Spider Monkey (Ateles geoffroyi)
The Geoffroy’s Spider Monkey (Ateles geoffroyi) is a highly agile primate identified by its long, slender limbs and a strong prehensile tail. This tail functions as a fifth limb, allowing the monkey to swing and navigate the upper canopy. This species is rated as endangered and prefers the denser, undisturbed tropical rainforests.
Central American Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri oerstedii)
The Central American Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri oerstedii) is the smallest of the four species, weighing less than a kilogram. It has an orange-olive coat and a white mask around its dark eyes. This species has the most restricted habitat, found only along the Pacific coast in lowland forests, such as Manuel Antonio and Corcovado National Park. Squirrel monkeys live in large, highly social troops of up to 75 individuals, foraging for small fruits and insects.