No, collecting feathers in Costa Rica is prohibited without authorization, as native bird species are protected under the Ley de Conservación de la Vida Silvestre (Law No. 7317) and regulated by SINAC. Exceptions exist for scientific research with permits, but recreational or commercial collection is illegal.
Key Regulations for Collecting Feathers in Costa Rica
- Protected Species Ban: All native bird feathers are classified as especies protegidas under SINAC (Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación), requiring permits for any collection, including migratory species covered by the Ley de Vida Silvestre.
- Permit Requirements: A Permiso de Colecta Científica from SINAC is mandatory for research purposes, with strict quotas and documentation of specimen origin. Recreational or tourist collection is explicitly excluded.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: Recent amendments to Decreto Ejecutivo No. 42327-MINAE (2024) tightened enforcement, mandating digital tracking of permitted feathers and penalties up to ₡10 million ($18,000 USD) for violations, including confiscation of equipment.
Violations are prosecuted under Código Penal (Article 388), with potential imprisonment for repeat offenders. International travelers must declare any feathers in their possession upon entry, as customs enforces CITES regulations for protected species.