English
In the province of Alajuela, in the east of Ciudad Quesada, surrounded by water districts Zarco, Venice, Zapote, Laguna, Tapezco, Palmira, Sarchi Norte, Toro Amarillo and Rio Cuarto, among others.
Established: 26/6/75
14,453 hectares.
IMPORTANCE
This protected forest area has water resources of great importance to the north, both for human consumption, hydroelectric power generation and for industrial consumption. Platanar rivers are born here, Toro, Aguas Zarco, Tres Amigos and La Vieja, among others. Protect areas of primary forest in five areas of life important species of flora and fauna.
Within this national park is significant geomorphological features such as boilers (Rank Chocosuela) active volcanic centers (Volcano Platanar), inactive volcanic foci (Cerro Viejo, Cerro El Porvenir and Cerro Pelon). In addition, quaternary volcanic cones, alluvial cones and forms of alluvial sedimentation.
The soils are deep, with good organic matter content, derived from volcanic ash, but very susceptible to erosion.
FLORA AND FAUNA
The vegetation of the area is very varied and diverse. Approximately 60% of the park is covered by primary forest interspersed with patches of forest regeneration. These forests are presented in five life zones according to Holdridge classification: pre-transition to rainforest perhúmedo, montane rain forest in transition to very moist, very moist forest transition to pre-rain, rain forest and low montane rainforest premontane.
Among the highlights are oak, quizarrá. In the upper parts are covered with stunted vegetation a large number of epiphytic plants, micro-feature cold, windy and wet.
Within the Excel fauna species of birds like the quetzal, the pavón, the kettle black, the chachalaca, mammals such as mountain goat, two species of monkeys, armadillo, the tepescuinte, the tapir and several species of cats.
