Black-mandibled toucan in the rainforest canopy of La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica

© Greg Basco/Minden Picture

A bird's eye view on World Environment Day. A bird’s-eye view on World Environment Day

For World Environment Day, we’re in north-east Costa Rica, a nature lover’s paradise. The UN established World Environment Day in 1974 to encourage awareness and action. It all begins with research, and this misty forest canopy is part of La Selva Biological Station, an internationally renowned centre for tropical forest research.

The scientists chose a prime location to conduct their studies. Covering nearly 4,000 acres, this is one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the world. Researchers and students here can study at least 2,000 species of plants, 125 species of mammals, 87 species of reptiles and tens of thousands of insects, arachnids and other arthropods. And don’t forget the 470 species of birds. Can you spot the black-mandibled toucan in our image?