La Selva

One would assume that an area designated to save reptiles would work towards maintaining, and even strengthening, the reptile population. Unfortunately, this is not the case in the Costa Rican rain forest, La Selva. This area was designated to protect reptile and amphibian populations because of the 'rich biodiversity' of the land. The purpose of having this land was, and is, to slow down and prevent these populations from becoming extinct.
From data that has been collected conservationists have determined that the populations are in danger because they have been falling on an average of 75 percent, since 1970. Scientists now believe that the change in climate is a factor in the decreasing population. This climate change has led to a decrease in the amount of "leaf litter found on the rain forest floors." This leaf litter is used by the animals for shelter and food. Without the right amount of food and shelter, it is understandable that these populations are declining.