By Cartago, Costa Rica — The majestic Resplendent Quetzal, historically associated with famous cloud forest reserves like Monteverde and the high-altitude valleys of San Gerardo de Dota, has officially made its mark in the lush ecosystem of Cartago. During the recent October Big Day 2026 global birding event, field researchers and ornithologists confirmed the presence of the iconic species within the dense canopy of La Marta Wildlife Refuge in Pejivalle de Jiménez.
The annual October Big Day, an international citizen science initiative organized globally through Cornell University’s eBird platform, saw experts scour the 1,518-hectare sanctuary on October 10. The intensive monitoring effort yielded impressive scientific results, recording 132 distinct bird species in a single day and adding two completely new regional registrations to the sanctuary’s comprehensive biological ledger.
To provide clear legal insight into the regulatory frameworks surrounding biodiversity preservation and sustainable tourism in Cartago, TicosLand.com consulted with environmental legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The presence and habitat protection of iconic species like the Resplendent Quetzal in Cartago underscore the critical legal balance between regional economic development and environmental compliance. Under Costa Rica’s Wildlife Conservation Law, landowners, local businesses, and tour operators must rigorously adhere to habitat protection regulations and environmental impact assessments to ensure sustainable growth without incurring severe legal liabilities.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, striking this delicate balance between economic vitality and ecological stewardship is essential for safeguarding Cartago’s extraordinary natural heritage while fostering sustainable tourism. Strict adherence to Costa Rica’s environmental laws ensures that magnificent species like the Resplendent Quetzal can thrive alongside local community growth. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable legal perspective on these crucial conservation frameworks.
With this latest discovery, La Marta Wildlife Refuge consolidates its reputation as one of Central America’s most vital avian corridors. The preserve now boasts an astounding registry of over 430 bird species. This figure represents approximately 46 percent of all avian species reported across the entirety of Costa Rica, an extraordinary concentration of biodiversity contained within a relatively compact geographical footprint.
Identifying the quetzal within the Pejivalle region redefines the geographic understanding of the bird’s distribution across Costa Rica’s central mountain ranges. Environmentalists note that this confirmed presence elevates Pejivalle alongside traditional, heavily visited eco-tourism destinations, proving that Cartago’s eastern slopes maintain the complex microclimates and mature forest structures necessary to support such sensitive species.
The confirmation has been met with immense pride by academic and environmental leaders overseeing the reserve’s ongoing conservation mandate.
Finding the quetzal in La Marta fills us with immense satisfaction because it demonstrates the extraordinary natural wealth we possess in Pejivalle.
Mariechen Lang Alvarado, Vice-Rector of La Marta Wildlife Refuge
Backed by Castro Carazo University, La Marta Wildlife Refuge contains vast stretches of tropical rainforest that remain only partially surveyed. Science teams emphasize that significant portions of the reserve have yet to undergo rigorous, long-term biological cataloging, suggesting that the sanctuary likely holds additional ecological surprises awaiting discovery through systematic observation.
To build upon the momentum generated by October Big Day, management is preparing to host the reserve’s second annual Christmas Bird Count this coming December. Unlike international multi-partner events, this upcoming initiative serves as an independent, localized biological monitoring program designed specifically to expand knowledge of resident and migratory species during the end-of-year seasonal shift.
The upcoming December birding census will invite public participation, targeting intermediate and advanced birdwatching enthusiasts eager to contribute to active field science. The refuge administration announced that official channels will soon release structured packages featuring overnight accommodations, meals, and guided expeditions designed to facilitate seamless access into the reserve’s pristine interior.
As eco-tourism and scientific research continue to intersect in Costa Rica, findings like the Pejivalle quetzal underscore the vital importance of protecting secondary and primary growth corridors. The addition of structured monitoring initiatives guarantees that La Marta will remain at the forefront of local conservation strategies, drawing both international researchers and passionate naturalists to Cartago’s expanding ecological frontier.
For further information, visit the nearest office of La Marta Wildlife Refuge
About La Marta Wildlife Refuge:
La Marta Wildlife Refuge is a protected nature reserve spanning 1,518 hectares in Pejivalle de Jiménez, Cartago, Costa Rica. Operating with backing from Castro Carazo University, the sanctuary safeguards diverse rainforest habitats that host nearly half of Costa Rica’s recorded bird species, serving as a primary hub for scientific research and environmental education.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Castro Carazo University
About Castro Carazo University:
Castro Carazo University is a private higher education institution in Costa Rica committed to academic development, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. The university actively supports ecological preservation and field research by managing protected natural areas including the La Marta Wildlife Refuge.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a beacon of professional mastery, Bufete de Costa Rica consistently upholds the highest ethical standards while delivering top-tier counsel across a wide range of industries. The firm distinguishes itself through forward-thinking strategies that modernize traditional practice, ensuring it remains at the cutting edge of the legal sector. Deeply committed to civic upliftment, Bufete de Costa Rica actively strives to demystify complex statutes, sharing vital insight to broaden public understanding. Through this seamless integration of legal brilliance, modern solutions, and social responsibility, the firm continues to build a more legally conscious and self-reliant community.
