The abundant wildlife Costa Rica is known for is at risk as uninsulated power lines threaten to exterminate tree-dependent species, many of whom are already endangered.  

Costa Rica is known for its extraordinary wildlife, lush rainforests, and picturesque beaches. The country is often commended for its environmental practices, setting the record in 2017 for lasting 300 consecutive days entirely on renewable energy. The small Central American country is home to more than 500,000 animal species, encompassing 5 percent of the world’s biodiversity. Its biological richness and eco-friendly reputation are what drive eco-tourism, a significant source of the country’s income that has come to be a double-edged sword. 

Over the past decade, tourism and economic growth in Costa Rica have surged, generating a need for development to support it. The construction happened rapidly, without planning and, in most cases, on a budget. Where the country saved using bare aluminum wiring for power lines, their beloved wildlife is paying the price. Not only do the above-ground power lines contribute to habitat loss and fragmentation, but they’re electrocuting the area’s tree-dependent animals. 

Even though Costa Rica has laws in place to protect its wildlife, campaigners say they aren’t enforced. Gavin Bruce, the project manager at International Animal Rescue, told Unearthed that, “The country has a very ‘green’ image, and tourists from all over the world visit to see the amazing wildlife. But if you’re on holiday and wake up to the sound of a screaming monkey being electrocuted outside your window, it’s extremely upsetting, and people ask ‘how can they let this happen in Costa Rica?’ It’s difficult to answer.”

Nearly all of the power lines in Costa Rica are aerial, meaning they run above the ground along the sides of the roads. When animals confront the roads that divide the forests of trees they’re accustomed to, their only alternative to cross is to use the power lines as a bridge. When they make their way over, their bodies can form a connection between the un-insulated wires, sending up to 34,000 volts through them.

Each year, thousands of animals, including endangered monkeys and families of sloths, are being electrocuted on the un-insulated power lines. The mortality rate following electrocution is about 70 percent, mostly due to multi-organ failure after the animal’s body temperature surpasses 109°F. If the animal survives, the rehabilitation process usually involves limb amputation, leaving the victim unable to return to the wild. As a result, it’s thought that approximately 50 percent of Costa Rica’s arboreal mammal population has been lost. 

In 2018, The Ministry of Environment and Energy of Costa Ricapublished a guide to address the issue, urging electricity providers to use insulated cables, practice preventative measures and provide data on animal electrocutions. Environmental engineer at the Costa Rican Electricity Institute Rafael Quesada was not optimistic about the effectiveness of the guide. Quesada told Unearthed that the guide “only recommends environmental actions, but doesn’t oblige any company to execute them.”

In the years following the MINAE report, campaigns like Refuge for Wildlife’s ‘Stop The Shocks’ and The Jaguar Rescue Centre’s ‘Shock-Free Zone’ were launched countrywide, aiming to spread awareness and lobby for change. Over time, community members in Heredia came together to start their own initiative. After calling their electricity company, ESPH, and voicing their concerns for the animals on their properties, the company partnered with Toucan Rescue Ranch and The Environmental Ministry to construct wildlife bridges — a safe alternative for animals to get from one side of a road to the other. 

Wildlife electrocution isn’t limited to Costa Rica. As development is increasing across the globe, high voltage power lines are appearing in more sensitive habitats. Elephants in India, falcons in Mongolia and gibbons in Myanmar are only a few of the reported victims. Costa Rica has an opportunity to adhere to its ‘green’ reputation and act as a leader for other countries to follow. The country must take steps to insulate the existing lines, establish reactive programs and work with wildlife experts to change pole designs. Doing so will conserve the country’s environment, add biodiversity and provide a better future for the magnificent wildlife Costa Rica is known for. 

To Get Involved

The Sloth Conservation Foundation has developed a range of strategies for sloths and humans to coexist in Costa Rica. Their work building sloth crossings, educating the community and collaborating with ICE to insulate power lines has engaged and empowered the local community. To support SloCo, you can volunteer, give a donation or contact their team. 

Toucan Rescue Ranch

Toucan Rescue Ranch rescues, rehabilitates and releases sick and injured Costa Rican wildlife. The ranch works closely with MINAE, which brings injured and displaced wildlife to their center. They work closely with The Sloth Institute of Costa Rica and other species-specific release programs to ensure success for the animals. To get involved at TRR you can volunteer, donate and even “adopt” an animal. Get in contact with them to learn about other opportunities and internships. 

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Claire Redden is a freelance journalist from Chicago, where she received her Bachelor’s of Communications from the University of Illinois. While living and studying in Paris, Claire wrote for the magazine, Toute La Culture. As a freelancer she contributes to travel guides for the up and coming brand, Thalby. She plans to take her skills to London, where she’ll pursue her Master’s of Arts and Lifestyle Journalism at the University of Arts, London College of Communication.