This type of habitat is characterized by wet, cool conditions but to a lesser degree than cloud forest. Epiphytes are abundant, particularly bromeliads and orchids, and the trees tend to be somewhat bigger than those found in cloud forest. Dendrobatid diversity is substantial at these altitudes - almost 1/2 of the species of Dendrobates occur over 1000 m, many of which are restricted to these high elevation forests. Bromeliads tend to be large and suitable for dendrobatid reproduction, and the presence of Heliconia and Xanthosoma provide additional reproduction sites. Terrestrial Epipedobates can be found breeding in slack waters alongside brooks - standing water in steep, mountainous forests is a rare commodity. Daytime temperatures usually range from 22-24 C, with about a 5 degree drop at night.
