Alexander Skutch
Alexander Skutch watched the impact of the changing landscape
on wildlife in Costa Rica - especially birds. Skutch is a pioneer
of birding in the Central American country. He has written more
than 40 books - many the best guides on birds of Costa Rica
He still makes his home in a small 76 hectare bird sanctuary
he created - Los Cusingos - near San Isidro de El general, south
of San Jose, the Costa Rica's capital.
At one time, Skutch had identified more than 300 bird species
at Los Cusingos. Now it is an isolated piece of forest in an valley
ravaged by the effects of deforestation through large scale sugar
cane and coffee production.
In 1993, Dr. Skutch approached the Tropical
Science Center (TSC) over concerns about the fate of his forest,
especially after he died. He did not want to see his life's work
have the same fate as the surrounding territory.
Alexander Skutch turned his land over to the TSC with the agreement
he could continue to live on the property. Now in his 90's, Skutch
continues to live there, without electricity nor a telephone.
Visits to Los Cusingos is only by appointment but Dr. Skutch
is an amiable host for many travelers who happen to show up on
his doorstep ready to meet one of the icons of Costa Rican birding.
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