Just as the name suggests, cloud forests are drenched in low-hanging clouds that take the form of fog and hover around the upper canopy of the forest. The sun has a difficult time cutting through these thick layers of clouds, making it hard for mist to evaporate. This provides plants with a bounty of moisture, promoting the rich biodiversity of the area. The Monteverde Cloud Forest was established in 1972 and initially covered only 810 acres of land. Now, it protects over 35,089 acres of land and encompasses at least eight different life zones. In this vast forest live over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, and 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles. The Monteverde Cloud Forest is one of the remaining habitats that harbor all six species of the cat family — jaguars, ocelots, pumas, oncillas, margays, and jaguarundis — as well as the endangered three-wattled bellbird and resplendent quetzal. Over 8 miles of trails are available for visitors to explore, including ziplines, hanging bridges, and day and night tours, which produce an essential attraction for animal-lovers explorers.