Phase 092 Science Report
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GVI Costa Rica Coastal Rainforest and Wildlife Research Expedition
Phase Report 081 11th January – 21st March 2008
Phase Report 092 April 03rd - June 12th 2009
Conservation for everyone, everyone for conservation
GVI Costa Rica Coastal Rainforest and Wildlife Research Expedition Report Submitted in whole to: Global Vision International The Canadian Organisation for Tropical Education and Rainforest Conservation (COTERC) Steven Furino, Waterloo University, Canada Submitted in part to: The Ministry of Environment, Energy and Telecommunications of Costa Rica (MINAET) Produced by David Jones Rebeca Chaverri Richard Bull Wing Tsui Stephanny Arroyo Arce Cody Glasbrenner Sarah Durose Jack Roper
Field Coordinator Country Director Expedition Staff Expedition Staff Expedition Staff Scholar Scholar Scholar
And Brian Lami
Volunteer
Phillip Chapman
Volunteer
Hannah Dudley
Volunteer
Felisa Macaspac
Volunteer
Megan Cronkite
Volunteer
Nicholas Walenda
Volunteer
Brandi Bechard
Volunteer
Louise Bloxham
Volunteer
Thea Sida-Murray
Volunteer
Holly Hansen
Volunteer
Tara O’Sullivan
Volunteer
Noelle Diaz
Volunteer
Jasmine McKenzie
Volunteer
Rachel Stevenson
Volunteer
Kelsey Boultbee
Volunteer
Lizzie McCready
Volunteer
Kate Tucker
Volunteer
Haley Neddermann
Intern
Elizabeth Lynch
Volunteer
Victoria Copeland
Volunteer
GVI Costa Rica Coastal Rainforest and Wildlife Research Expedition Address: Estación Biológica Caño Palma, Tortuguero, Costa Rica Tel: (+506) 2709 8052 Email: [email protected] Web page: http://www.gvi.co.uk http://gvicostarica.blogspot.com
Table of Contents 1 2
General introduction .................................................................................................. 6 Jaguar Predation of Marine Turtles Study................................................................. 7 2.1 Results .............................................................................................................. 7 2.2 Related links ...................................................................................................... 8 3 Jaguar Camera Trapping Study ................................................................................ 8 3.1 Results .............................................................................................................. 9 3.2 Related links .................................................................................................... 11 4 Marine Turtle Monitoring and Conservation Programme ........................................ 11 4.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 12 4.2 Related links .................................................................................................... 14 5 Canal Bird Monitoring Programme .......................................................................... 14 5.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 15 5.2 Related links .................................................................................................... 18 6 Incidental Species Study ......................................................................................... 18 6.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 18 7 Great Green Macaw Research and Conservation Project ...................................... 20 7.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 21 8 Meteorology and Environmental Study ................................................................... 23 8.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 23 9 Tourist Impact Study ............................................................................................... 24 9.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 25 10 English Language and Environmental Education Classes...................................... 28 10.1 Summary ......................................................................................................... 28 10.2 Related links .................................................................................................... 29 11 Activities and Final Summary .................................................................................. 29 List of Tables Table 2-1 Breakdown of main results for phase and season .......................................7 Table 3-1 General data ................................................................................................9 Table 3-2 Trapping site information .............................................................................9 Table 3-3 Presence / absence (1/0) of known species this phase.............................10 Table 4-1 Summary of Phase 092 results for Playa Norte and Nesting Season so far ...................................................................................................................................12 Table 5-1 General phase totals for all canals.............................................................15 Table 5-2 Unusual recordings for phase per canal ....................................................16 Table 5-3 Presence/absence of species for phase ....................................................16 Table 5-4 Presence/absence of species per canal for phase ....................................17 Table 6-1 Overview of incidental totals this phase.....................................................18
Table 6-2 Special Interest sightings for phase ...........................................................18 Table 6-3 Most commonly recorded species by class for phase ...............................19 Table 6-4 Target species records for phase ..............................................................20 Table 7-1 Classifications for Ara ambigua records ....................................................21 Table 7-2 Ara ambigua records for 2007 ...................................................................21 Table 7-3 Ara ambigua records for 2008 ...................................................................22 Table 7-4 Ara ambigua records up to May 2009........................................................22 Table 8-1 Weekly environmental averages for phase................................................23 Table 8-2 Monthly environmental averages for year..................................................24 Table 9-1 Boat use restriction on Caño Palma, Tortuguero, Costa Rica. ..................24 Table 9-2 General Canal boat impact data for phase ................................................25 Table 9-3 Total canal usage for phase by ACTo time restriction ...............................25 Table 9-4Activity by usage type .................................................................................26 List of Figures Figure 3-1 Baird’s Tapir..............................................................................................10 Figure 4-1 Nest Status as determined by morning census March – June 2009 ........14 Figure 6-1 Most commonly recorded species for phase (recorded ≥75% of days) ....19 Figure 6-2 Some incidental records for the phase: Strawberry Poison Dart Frog and Brazilian Long nosed Bat ...........................................................................................20 Figure 9-1 Canal usage by tourist boat vs. non-tourist boat ......................................26 Figure 9-2 Breakdown of canal usage by Lodge........................................................27 Figure 9-3 Total number of boat by time for phase ....................................................27
1 General introduction In July 2005, GVI established the Costa Rica expedition based at Estación BIológica Caño Palma (EBCP), Tortuguero. The biological station is located in the southern section of the Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge (BCWR) directly to the north of Tortuguero National Park (TNP). The area of operation for the expedition covers both TNP and the BCWR; both of which are included in the Tortuguero Conservation Area (ACTo). The area consists of a collection of waterways running through Caribbean lowland rainforest. The coastal habitats are generally similar in type throughout the area of operation with small variation in boarding habitats, width of the beach and quantity and type of debris found on the beach. The forest habitats vary more considerably with several distinct habitats being present. Altitudinal differences of a couple metres have a large effect on both habitat and species composition in the area. Lower areas, such as those found around the station, tend have large areas of flooded forest whereas the drier areas associated to the National Park tend to only be submerged during times of flooding. The EBCP was purchased in 1991, by the Canadian Organization for Tropical Education and Rainforest Conservation (COTERC). Prior to GVI’s arrival a number of studies had been undertaken, looking at various species and habitats but no longer term monitoring projects had been possible. GVI Costa Rica’s volunteer resource made long-term studies possible and needs were assessed and partnerships sourced. Currently, GVI Costa Rica is working closely with the Costa Rican Ministry for the Environment and Energy (MINAET), COTERC and the local community of San Francisco, as well as being a member of Alianza para Baulas del Caribe (ABC) and Red de las Tortugas marinas. This report is a quarterly review of the data collected in the second volunteer cycle of 2009 (Phase 092: April 3rd - June 12th 2009). In addition to those listed, GVI Costa Rica is also supplying resources and personnel to assist COTERC in a Large Mammal Monitoring Programme inside the BCWR. Further details of GVI Costa Rica research
programmes
and
http://gvicostarica.blogspot.com.
all
protocols
can
be
found
at
2 Jaguar Predation of Marine Turtles Study GVI Costa Rica has been conducting this research by request of MINAET since July 2005. The aim of this project is to determine whether predation of marine turtles by jaguars (Panthera onca) in TNP is having an impact on the marine turtle populations. Data collection for this project involves documenting evidence of jaguar predation of marine sea turtles. On a weekly basis, a survey team walk 14.5 miles on the beach of TNP. Information is collected, such as, the number and location of predated turtles and the presence / absence of turtle and jaguar tracks per half mile on the beach. Other general information is also recorded, including weather and sand conditions on the beach. 2.1
Results
Nine surveys were conducted this phase, covering 130.5 miles; making 623.5 miles for the season (July 2008 – June 2009). The Phase data represented in the tables below covers the period from April 12th 2009-June 06th 2009. Table 2-1 Breakdown of main results for phase and season
Jag sightings: Number of full turtles tracks this phase: Number of full turtles tracks this season:
1 45 Cm, 434 Dc 16365 Cm, 1444 Dc
Number of newly recorded dead turtles this phase:
2
Number of dead turtles this year:
2
Number of dead turtles this season (Jul – Jun):
164
Area of highest turtle activity this phase
16.5 - 17.5
Area of highest jag activity this phase
10.0 - 15.5
Area of highest turtle predation this phase
7.0, 16.0
2.2
Related links
Sociedad Mesoamericana para la Biología y la Conservación: GVI Costa Rica attended this year's conference in El Salvador, where we presented results from the Jaguar Predation of Marine Turtles Study. GVI Costa Rica wins prize at Central American Conservation Congress: More information on the outcomes of the El Salvador conference. 29th
Symposium
on
Sea
Turtle
Biology
&
Conservation: Poster presented to the conference in February 2009, exploring the drivers behind the jaguar predation of marine turtles phenomenon. seaturtle.org - Image Library: GVI Costa Rica images of jaguar predated turtles - free access for educational purposes. http://jaguarnetwork.org/ : GVI Costa Rica was accepted to join the network early 2009 Wednesday, January 28, 2009: notes from the field GVI Costa Rica at the International Sea Turtle Symposium: update from the happenings at the Symposium
3 Jaguar Camera Trapping Study To complement the Predation study, GVI Costa Rica began using camera traps at the end of 2006. The aim is identify and estimate the abundance of jaguars along the beach of TNP. Surveys are conducted between one and three times a week by a small research team. Camera traps are set up in the forest that borders the beach, in locations where there is evidence of jaguar presence. The infrared and heat sensitive cameras are checked by a field team on a regular basis to ensure the cameras are working correctly and to retrieve any photographs that have been taken. These photographs are analysed by the team back at the research station.
3.1
Results
The phase data represented in the tables below covers the period from April 15th 2009-June 06th 2009. Table 3-1 General data
Number of cameras deployed in field
4 3
Number of trapping sites
Table 3-2 Trapping site information
Cam site one Position (MM) Date set Bait
Dates checked Number of trapping nights
New Results
Cam site two 5 15-Apr-09 Chicken Stock 22-Apr-09, 29-Apr-09, 11-May-09 29 Baird's tapir, Red brocket deer
Cam site three Position (MM) Date set Bait Dates checked Number of trapping nights
New Results
6 20-May-09 Chicken Stock 26-May-09, 02-Jun-09, 06-Jun-09 19 Central America Spider Monkey, White-nosed coati, White throated capuchin
Position (MM) Date set Bait
Dates checked Number of trapping nights
New Results
16.5 19-Apr-09 Chicken Stock 26-Apr-09, 03-May-09, 10-May09, 24-May-09 36
Red brocket deer
Table 3-3 Presence / absence (1/0) of known species this phase
Site One
Site Two
Site Three
Agouti (Dasyprocta punctata)
Species
0
0
0
Baird's tapir (Tapirus bairdii)
1
0
0
Central American spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi)
0
0
1
Central American woolly opossum (Caluromys derbianus)
0
0
0
Collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu)
0
0
0
Common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis)
0
0
0
Gray four-eyed opossum (Philander opossum)
0
0
0
Great curassow (Crax rubra)
0
0
0
Jaguar (Panthera onca)
0
0
0
Mantled howler monkey (Alouatta palliata)
0
0
0
Margay (Leopardus wiedii)
0
0
0
Nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)
0
0
0
Northern racoon (Procyon lotor)
0
0
0
Paca (Agouti paca)
0
0
0
Red brocket deer (Mazama americana)
1
1
0
Tayra (Eira barbara)
0
0
0
White-faced capuchin (Cebus capucinus)
0
0
1
White-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari)
0
0
0
White-nosed coati (Nasua narica)
0
0
1
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
0
0
0
Figure 3-1 Baird’s Tapir
3.2
Related links
Guess the species: notes from the field. The epic adventure of camera trapping jaguars by Karen Dykxhoorn: notes from the field http://www.facebook.com/posted.php?id=39758387678#/group.php?gid=397583876 78: View many of our camera trap images and much more. 29th
Symposium
on
Sea
Turtle
Biology
&
Conservation: Poster presented to the conference in February 2009, exploring the drivers behind the jaguar predation of marine turtles phenomenon. http://jaguarnetwork.org/ : GVI Costa Rica was accepted to join the network early 2009 GVI Costa Rica at the International Sea Turtle Symposium: update from the happenings at the Symposium
4 Marine Turtle Monitoring and Conservation Programme This programme has been managed by GVI Costa Rica since 2007 and is carried out in partnership with COTERC. The aim is to develop a more detailed understanding of and promote the conservation of the nesting marine turtles that utilise our local beach, Playa Norte. Playa Norte (north of the beach at Tortuguero) receives up to four species of endangered and critically endangered marine turtles: green (Chelonia mydas), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and the occasional loggerhead (Caretta caretta). The beach is monitored by teams to record the spatial and seasonal distribution of nests, the level of illegal poaching, hatchling emergence and hatchling success rates. Information on the re-emergence of turtles to the nesting beach and / or migration between beaches is also collected and recorded. Human Impact data are recorded to determine if this has any impact on the nesting patterns of the turtles. There are a number of different elements within this project, depending on the stage of the season. During the nesting season, the beach is monitored each night in order
to record details of the nesting turtles and nests (including the location of the nest and number of eggs) and to ‘tag’ the female nesting turtles. A morning census is conducted each day to determine the status of the recent nests and record any new tracks of nesting turtles. The beach is cleaned at the relevant locations and times to promote increased hatching success. Hatchling tracks are monitored and recorded and nest excavations are carried out (once the nest has hatched or is past the date it was due to hatch) to determine the success rate of the nest and record any relevant evidence on why eggs have not hatched. 4.1
Results
During phase 092, 66 morning surveys and 135 night surveys were completed. A total of 1731 miles were walked on morning surveys and night surveys together this season for a total of 928 hours of survey. This phase we have recorded the presence of leatherback, green and hawksbill turtles nesting on Playa Norte. The phase data represented in the tables below covers the period from April 03rd 2009-June 12th 2009. Table 4-1 Summary of Phase 092 results for Playa Norte and Nesting Season so far
Status of nests found this phase
92% Natural; 5% Unknown; 3% Poached
Status of nests found this season
93% Natural; 4% Unknown; 3% Poached
Number of nests recorded this phase
Dc: 52; Cm: 3; Ei: 6; Cc: 0
Number of nests recorded this season
Dc: 64; Cm: 4; Ei: 6; Cc: 0
Area of highest nesting this phase
Mile 1.25
Area of highest nesting this season
Mile 1.25
Number of relocations this phase
Dc: 23; Ei: 0
Number of relocations this season
Dc: 23; Ei: 0
Hour with the most encountered turtles this phase
23:00 - 23:59
Hour with the most encountered turtles this season
23:00 - 23:59
Number of REC this phase
Dc: 6; Cm: 1; Ei: 2; Cc: 0
Number of REM this phase
Dc: 33; Cm: 1; Ei: 2; Cc: 0
Number re-nesting turtles this phase
Dc: 12; Cm: 0; Ei: 0; Cc: 0
Area of highest HLF this phase
Number of hatched nests this season
Mile 1.25 & 2.75
Dc: 3; Cm: 0; Ei: 0; Cc: 0
Number of hatchlings this phase
Dc: 32; Cm: 0; Ei: 0; Cc: 0
Number of hatchlings this season
Dc: 32; Cm: 0; Ei: 0; Cc: 0
Status of excavated nests this phase
100% Natural; 0% Partially Poached; 0% Poached; 0% Predated; 0% Unknown
Status of excavated nests this season
100% Natural; 0% Partially Poached; 0% Poached; 0% Predated; 0% Unknown
Percentage success rate for normal nests this season
Percentage success rate for relocated nests this season
Dc: N/A% ; Cm: N/A% ; Ei: N/A% ; Cc: N/A%
Dc: 46%; Ei: 0%
Number of LIF records this season
0
Number of DEC records this season
0
Figure 4-1 Nest Status as determined by morning census March – June 2009
Full 2009 season reports for leatherbacks, greens and hawksbills will be available in 2010. 4.2 Red
Related links para
la
conservación
de
la
tortugas
marinas
de
Costa
Rica
www.redtortugasmarinascr.org Alianza para las baulas del Caribe (ABC) / Caribbean Leatherback Alliance www.latinamericanseaturtles.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=78& Itemid=143 Late leatherbacks by Lisa Spencer: notes from the field Slick recovery: notes from the field
5 Canal Bird Monitoring Programme The partnership with Steven Furino of Waterloo University, Canada has been established since GVI Costa Rica’s arrival in 2005, the current protocols have been in place since January 2007. The aim is to provide evidence to help develop an
understanding of how resident and migratory bird species use lowland wet forests and, in particular, the canals that are associated with these forests. We are responsible for collecting population data on resident and migratory birds on canals in the TNP and the BCWR. In order to do this we monitor and record the bird species found on three different canal at weekly intervals. Thirty target species of birds have been identified and standard research methods are employed, such as standard point counts and area search survey techniques, to ensure the data can be used alongside that collected in other locations by other research teams. Surveys are usually carried out first thing in the morning and involve a team of five or six canoeing through the relevant area, recording any sightings and sounds of the target species. 5.1
Results th
th
The phase data represented in the tables below covers the period from April 11 2009-June 10 2009. Table 5-1 General phase totals for all canals Canal
Number of surveys
Caño Palma
9
Caño Chiquero
9
Caño Harold
9 Number of species recorded
Phase Total
Caño Palma
16
AQTs
19
Caño Chiquero
14
Caño Harold
14
All canal
21 Number of individuals recorded
Phase Total
Caño Palma
127
AQTs
296
Caño Chiquero
85
Caño Harold
188
Total
668 Most commonly recorded species this phase
Caño Palma AQTs Caño Chiquero
Green Kingfisher Bare-throated Tiger-Heron Green Kingfisher
Caño Harold
Bare-throated Tiger-Heron
Overall
Bare-throated Tiger-Heron
Canal
Number of hours on survey
Caño Palma
28hr 57min
Caño Chiquero
24hr 21min
Caño Harold
32hr 51min
Total number of hours on survey
84hr 29min
Table 5-2 Unusual recordings for phase per canal Canal
Unusual sightings recorded
Caño Palma
Boat-billed Heron, Cattle Egret, Gray-necked wood-rail, Little Blue Heron, Rufescent Tiger-Heron
AQTs
American pygmy Kingfisher, Gray-necked wood-rail, Great Blue Heron, Purple Gallinule, Rufescent Tiger-Heron
Caño Chiquero
Gray-necked wood-rail, Snowy Egret
Caño Harold
Gray-necked wood-rail, Rufescent Tiger-Heron
Table 5-3 Presence/absence of species for phase
Key Uncommonly recorded Uncommonly recorded on indicated canal
Study Species
1/0
Agami heron (Agamia agami)
0
Amazon kingfisher (Chloroceryle amazona)
1
American pygmy kingfisher (Chloroceryle aenea)
1
Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga)
1
Bare-throated tiger-heron (Tigrisoma mexicanum)
1
Belted kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon)
0
Boat-billed heron (Cochlearius cochlearius)
1
Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis)
1
Great blue heron (Ardea herodias)
1
Great egret (Casmerodius albus)
1
Green heron (Butorides s. virescens)
1
Green ibis (Mesembrinibis cayennensis)
1
Green kingfisher (Chloroceryle americana)
1
Green-and-Rufus kingfisher (Chloroceryle inda)
1
Least bittern (Ixobrychus exilis)
1
Limpkin (Aramus guarauna)
0
Little blue heron (Egretta caerulea)
0
Neotropical cormorant (Phalacrocorax olivaceus)
1
Northern jacana (Jacana spinosa)
0
Purple gallinule (Porphyrula martinica)
1
Reddish egret (Egretta rufescens)
1
Ringed kingfisher (Ceryle torquata)
0
Rufescent tiger-heron (Tigrisoma lineatum)
1
Snowy egret (Egretta thula)
1
Sunbittern (Eurypyga helias)
1
Sungrebe (Heliornis fulica)
0
Tricoloured heron (Egretta tricolour)
1
White-throated crake (Laterallus albigularis)
0
Yellow-crowned night heron (Nyctanassa violacea)
0
Total Species
21
Table 5-4 Presence/absence of species per canal for phase
Palma
1/0
Chiquero
1/0
Harold
1/0
AQTs
1/0
Agami heron
0
Agami heron
0
Agami heron
0
Agami heron
0
Amazon kingfisher American pygmy kingfisher
1
Amazon kingfisher American pygmy kingfisher
1
Amazon kingfisher American pygmy kingfisher
1
Amazon kingfisher American pygmy kingfisher
1
Anhinga Bare-throated tiger-heron
1
Belted kingfisher
1
1 1
1
Anhinga Bare-throated tigerheron
0
Belted kingfisher
Boat-billed heron
1
Cattle egret Gray-necked wood-rail
1
1 1
1
Anhinga Bare-throated tiger-heron
0
Belted kingfisher
Boat-billed heron
1 0
1
Cattle egret Gray-necked wood-rail
1
Great blue heron
0
Great blue heron
0
Great egret
1
Great egret
0
Green heron
1
Green heron
1
Green ibis
1
Green ibis
Green kingfisher Green-and-rufus kingfisher
1 1
Green kingfisher Green-and-rufus kingfisher
Least bittern
0
Limpkin
0
Little blue heron Neotropical cormorant
1
1 1
1
Anhinga Bare-throated tiger-heron
0
Belted kingfisher
0
Boat-billed heron
1
Boat-billed heron
0
Cattle egret Gray-necked wood-rail
0
1
1
Cattle egret Gray-necked wood-rail
Great blue heron
0
Great blue heron
1
Great egret
0
Great egret
1
Green heron
1
Green heron
1
1
Green ibis
1
Green ibis
1
1
1 1
Green kingfisher Green-and-rufus kingfisher
1
1
Green kingfisher Green-and-rufus kingfisher
Least bittern
0
Least bittern
0
Least bittern
0
Limpkin
0
Limpkin
0
Limpkin
0
1
0
Little blue heron Neotropical cormorant
1
0
Little blue heron Neotropical cormorant
1
0
Little blue heron Neotropical cormorant
0
Northern jacana
0
Northern jacana
0
Northern jacana
0
Northern jacana
1
Purple gallinule
0
Purple gallinule
0
Purple gallinule
0
Purple gallinule
1
Reddish egret
0
Reddish egret
0
Reddish egret
0
Reddish egret
0
Ringed kingfisher Rufescent tigerheron
1
1
1
Ringed kingfisher Rufescent tigerheron
1
0
Ringed kingfisher Rufescent tigerheron
1
1
Ringed kingfisher Rufescent tigerheron
1
Snowy egret
0
Snowy egret
1
Snowy egret
0
Snowy egret
1
Sunbittern
0
Sunbittern
0
Sunbittern
0
Sunbittern
0
Sungrebe
0
Sungrebe
1
Sungrebe
1
Sungrebe
1
Tricoloured heron White-throated crake Yellow-crowned night heron
0
0
Tricoloured heron White-throated crake Yellow-crowned night heron
0
0
Tricoloured heron White-throated crake Yellow-crowned night heron
0
1
Tricoloured heron White-throated crake Yellow-crowned night heron
Total Species
16
Total Species
14
Total Species
14
0
0
0 0
Total Species
1
1
1
0 0 19
5.2
Related links
Rufescent’s Return: Notes from the field - seasonal update Bird survey in Caño Harold, Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica: notes from the field
6 Incidental Species Study GVI Costa Rica has been recording incidental sightings of animals at EBCP since January 2007. The aim of the study is to maintain a formal, accurate record of the daily occurrences of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians sighted within the property boundaries of the station. By keeping a daily record of the occurrence of species, we can determine which species are seen most frequently and determine if there any changes in the frequency of sightings of certain species over time. 6.1
Results
The phase data represented in the tables below covers the period from April 03rd 2009-June 12th 2009. Table 6-1 Overview of incidental totals this phase
Number of species recorded this phase
165
Total number of records this phase
2480
Table 6-2 Special Interest sightings for phase
Species Kinkajou (Potos flavus)
Number of records 3
Fer-de-Lance (Bothrops asper)
2
Mexican Prehensile-Tailed Porcupine (Coendu mexicanus)
2
Central American Coral Snake (Micrurus alleni)
1
Coati (Nasua narica)
1
White-Lipped Peccary (Tayassu pecari)
1
Tayra (Eira Barbara)
1
Red Tailed Squirrel (Sciurus granatensis)
1
Scarlet Webbed Tree Frog (Hyla rutifela)
1
Table 6-3 Most commonly recorded species by class for phase
Birds
Mammals Days recorded (%)
Species
Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus) Montezuma Oropendola (Psarocolius montezuma) Claycolored Robin (Turdus grayi)
97
95
95
Olivebacked Euphonia (Euphonia gouldi)
95
Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus)
85
Amphibians Days recorded (%)
Species
Brazilian Longnosed Bat (Rhynchonycteris naso)
97
Mantled Howler Monkey (Alouatta palliata)
Species
Reptiles
Days recorded (%)
Strawberry Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates pumilio)
Species
Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)
91
97
58
45
Central American Spider Monkey (Ateles geoffroyi) White-throated Capuchin (Cebus capucinus)
17
39
Smoky Jungle Frog (Leptodactylus pentadactylus) Fitzinger's Rain Frog (Eleutherodactylus fitzingeri)
98
Central American Whiptail (Ameiva festiva)
56
Common Tink Frog (Herotilapia multispinisa)
98
Green basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons)
78 Marine Toad (Bufo marinus)
Mexican Mouse Opossum (Marmosa mexicana)
Days recorded (%)
76
45
Slender Anole (Norops limifrons) Four-lined Whiptail (Ameiva quadrilineata)
12
41
Figure 6-1 Most commonly recorded species for phase (recorded ≥75% of days)
Green Iguana
69
Mantled Howler Monkey
68
Green Basilisk
68
Great Kiskadee
68
Brazillian Long‐nosed Bat
68
Montezuma Oropendola
67
Olive‐backed Euphonia
66
Clay‐colored Robin
66
Strawberry Poison Dart Frog
64
Keel‐billed Toucan
59
Yellow headed Gecko
58 57
White‐collared Manakin Marine Toad
54
Central American Whiptail
54
Tink Frog
53 52
54
56
58
60
62
# Days Recorded
64
66
68
70
Table 6-4 Target species records for phase
Target species recorded this phase
Number of records
Strawberry Poison Dart Frog
60
Marine Toad
52
Great Tailed Grackle
24
Central American Spider Monkey
31
Green Iguana
65
Neotropical River Otter
4
Great Potoo
20
Black River Turtle
28
Figure 6-2 Some incidental records for the phase: Strawberry Poison Dart Frog and Brazilian Long nosed Bat
7 Great Green Macaw Research and Conservation Project The great green macaw is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List and protected under Appendix I of CITES. The estimated population for Costa Rica is approximately 35 reproductive pairs, leading to the idea that this population depends on the larger macaw population in the Indio-Maíz Biological Reserve in Nicaragua. The growing concerns about the status of the Great Green Macaw have lead to the creation of the Great Green Macaw Research and Conservation Project - started by conservation biologist Dr. George V. N. Powel. This project has been working in Costa Rica since 1994 to raise awareness and carry out research into this specie. It is currently being run by Centro Científico Tropical in association with several organisations, including GVI Costa Rica, the National University of Costa Rica (UNA) and the the Scientific Committee of the Costa Rican Ornithological Association (AOCR).
Between Jan 2007 and July 2008, GVI Costa Rica recorded 14 records of great green macaws (Ara ambigua) at the station property as part of the Incidental Special Study. During the Mesoamerican Conference for Biology and Conservation in El Salvador in November 2008 we were invited to assist in the collection of data for Centro Científico Tropical’s Great Green Macaw Research and Conservation Project for the San Juan – La Selva Biological Corridor, first beginning collecting data for the Tortuguero area under their requirements at the end of November 2008. 7.1
Results
In this first account we present all records of great green macaws recorded since 2007, including those recorded only to presence/absence at the station property. The subsequent reports will display all new records per phase. Table 7-1 Classifications for Ara ambigua records
Activity
Habitat
Conditions
1. Feeding
a. Primary or secondary forest
1. Rain
2. Resting 3. Nesting 4. Drinking water 5. Flying 6. Other (describe)
b. Open area, eg: field or garden c. Forest edge d. Plantation/reforestation area (what type) e. Other (describe)
2. Cloud/fog 3. Other (describe)
Table 7-2 Ara ambigua records for 2007
Date
Hour
Place
11/06/2007
Caño Palma Station Caño Palma Station Caño Palma Station Caño Palma Station Caño Palma Station Caño Palma Station Caño Palma Station Caño Palma Station
13/06/2007
Caño Palma
20/01/2007 14/01/2007 21/03/2007 05/04/2007 23/05/2007 05/06/2007 09/06/2007
#Macaws
Activity
Habitat
Tree Type
Conditions
Comments
From Incidental Species Study - Recorded only Presence From Incidental Species Study - Recorded only Presence From Incidental Species Study - Recorded only Presence From Incidental Species Study - Recorded only Presence From Incidental Species Study - Recorded only Presence From Incidental Species Study - Recorded only Presence From Incidental Species Study - Recorded only Presence From Incidental Species Study - Recorded only Presence From Incidental Species Study - Recorded only Presence
Station Caño Palma Station Caño Palma Station
24/06/2007 17/07/2007
From Incidental Species Study - Recorded only Presence From Incidental Species Study - Recorded only Presence
Table 7-3 Ara ambigua records for 2008
Date
Hour
28/01/2008 25/06/2008 22/07/2008
21/11/2008
07:30
25/11/2008
09/12/2008
06:00
19/12/2008
Place
Caño Palma Station Caño Palma Station Caño Palma Station Cano Chiquero: N103158.6 W833102.5 Caño Palma Station Caño Palma Station Caño Palma Station
#Macaws
Activity
Habitat
Tree Type
Conditions
Comments
From Incidental Species Study - Recorded only Presence From Incidental Species Study - Recorded only Presence From Incidental Species Study - Recorded only Presence
4
5
a
1
1
6
a
3
Flying to two pairs From Incidental Species Study - Recorded only Presence Overcast, macaws (more than one) were only heard for a period of 5 minutes from close distance From Incidental Species Study - Recorded only Presence
Table 7-4 Ara ambigua records up to May 2009
Date
Hour
05/01/2009
17/01/2009
08:00
21/01/2009
09:35
Place
Caño Palma Station Cano Chiquero: N103158.6 W833102.5 Tortuguero: Above National Park Rangers Station
13/02/2009
16:30
14/02/2009
08:30
Flying over Penitencia to El Cerro Flying over the start of AQT01
17:20
Caño Penetencia, near base of El Cerro
19/02/2009
#Macaws
Activity
Habitat
Tree Type
Conditions
Comments
From Incidental Species Study Recorded only Presence Overcast, group of two and a group of three flying overhead
5
5
a
3
2
5
c
1
2
5
c
3
Sunny
2
5
c
3
2
other
c
Sunny Clear/sunny displaying breeding behaviour, chasing, following, sallying and presenting gifts of food. Photo of individual taken
Gavilan
3
29/04/2009
30/04/2009
18/05/2009
From Incidental Species Study Recorded only Presence From Incidental Species Study Recorded only Presence
Caño Palma Station
09:45
Caño Palma Station Tortuguero: close to Park Rangers Station
2
2
c
2
8 Meteorology and Environmental Study COTERC have been recording weather information at the Biological Station to varying degrees since 1991. Since January 2007, GVI Costa Rica has been assisting COTERC in the collection and compilation of a set data into the climatological and environmental conditions experienced at EBCP each day. 8.1
Results
Table 8-1 Weekly environmental averages for phase
Week one
4.3
Max Temp (6PM) 34
80.4
Average Canal Depth (cm) 73.7
two
23.1
39
18
82.6
80.9
three
189.9
39
18
84.4
83.6
four
136.9
34
20
84.7
103.5
five
29.8
34
20
85
80.4
six
129.2
34
20
85.6
108.3
seven
15.9
34
19
85.1
101.4
eight
18.3
35
20
83.7
82.6
nine
130.2
35
18
84.9
91.3
ten
92.8
34
19
84.4
90.2
Comments
Rainfall (mm)
Min Temp (6AM) 16
Average Humidity (%)
Table 8-2 Monthly environmental averages for year
Month
Rainfall (mm)
Jan
160.2
Max Temp (6PM) 32
Min Temp (6AM) 16
Average Humidity (%) 88.1
Average Canal Depth (cm) 101.8
Feb
198.4
32
17
88.5
116.3
March
93.4
30
19
86.3
102.9
Apr
88.6
32
20
83
85.5
May
50.9
32
21
84.8
93
Jun July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Comments
9 Tourist Impact Study GVI Costa Rica has been assisting MINAET by documenting and monitoring the impact of tourism on our local canal since January 2006. On a weekly basis the canal traffic along Caño Palma is monitored between 06:00 and 18:00. As possible, all days of the week are surveyed throughout the phase. Two personnel conduct surveys, each taking a six-hour shift, between either 06:00 and 12:00 or 12:00 and 18:00. The number and type of boats are recorded and additional evidence is now being gathered on the reason for the tourism to give a more detailed analysis of the usage of the canal. Further information such as the number of tourists and the type of engine is gathered, in line with information recorded for visitors to TNP canals. The restrictions of use for Caño Palma are outlined below: Table 9-1 Boat use restriction on Caño Palma, Tortuguero, Costa Rica.
ACTo Time restriction
Number of boats allowed
06:00 – 08:00
10
08:00 – 10:00
10
10:00 – 12:00
10
12:00 – 14:00
10
14:00 – 16:00
10
16:00 - 18:00
10
9.1
Results
The phase data represented in the tables below covers the period from April 13th 2009-June 07th 2009. Table 9-2 General Canal boat impact data for phase
Number of surveys this phase
9
Average number of boats per day for the phase
46
Average number of passengers per tour boat for phase
13
Average number of passengers per lodge transfer for phase
10
Average number of passengers per work associated boat for phase
2
Average number of passengers per private boat for phase
3
Average number of people per survey day Most commonly recorded tourist boat for phase Most commonly recorded non tourist / private boat for phase Most commonly recorded lodge for phase
284 Esmeralda Kinkajou Turtle Beach Lodge
Table 9-3 Total canal usage for phase by ACTo time restriction
Total Number of boats 06:00 – 08:00
69
Total Number of boats 08:00 – 10:00
79
Total Number of boats 10:00-12:00
54
Total Number of boats 12:00-14:00
65
Total Number of boats 14:00-16:00
76
Total Number of boats 16:00-18:00
74
Total number of boats
417
Table 9-4Activity by usage type
Total number of tourist boats
252
Total number of non-tourist boats
166
Total number of passengers in tourist boats
2058
Total number of passengers in non-tourist boats
499
Percentage of boats using 4s engines
73%
Figure 9-1 Canal usage by tourist boat vs. non-tourist boat
Percentage of Tourist v Non Tourist for Phase 16
40% N Y 60%
Figure 9-2 Breakdown of canal usage by Lodge
Lodge Usage for Phase 16 Vista Al Mar Turtle Beach Lodge Taxi Samoa Lodge Private Pachira Lodge Mawamba Lodge Manatus Laguna Lodge Evergreen Copetraca Clic Clic CCC Caño Palma Banañero 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Figure 9-3 Total number of boat by time for phase
Usage Times for Phase 16 80
Number of Boats
70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
0
:5 ‐07 0 5:3
9 0
:5 ‐09 0 8:0
9 1
:5 ‐11 0 0:0
9 1
:5 ‐13 0 2:0
9
Time Category
1
:5 ‐15 0 4:0
9 1
:0 ‐18 0 6:0
0
110
10 English Language and Environmental Education Classes Local capacity building: GVI Costa Rica are involved with the local school in San Francisco village, teaching basic English to children and adults within the local community of San Francisco. An exchange also takes place with colleagues from a local tourist lodge (seasonal), providing an opportunity for all to practice their language skills in an informal setting and learn more about the different cultures of Costa Rica. Environmental education: GVI Costa Rica, in partnership with COTERC, are teaching environmental education to school children on a weekly basis. These classes cover various topics and aim to build an awareness of the environment in which the children live. We also organise regular community events for the residents of San Francisco. These events cover an environmental theme, for example composting, but are also designed to be fun and to continue to promote a good relationship between local residents and GVI Costa Rica. 10.1 Summary Classes continued as usual in San Francisco, with higher level English lessons being taught to the local children. Thursdays were designed to target 4th-6th graders, with Monday and Tuesdays remaining for the younger kids. As with previous phases, volunteers came in every Monday to help with teaching. Furthermore, every Thursday and Friday mornings were given to the private teaching of two young boys after being approached by a couple of mothers of San Francisco. Adult classes continued to be twice weekly, and brought out between three to five students each time. Work in the garden continued with each child painting their name on a sign and choosing their own mini-plot to maintain. There has been plenty of work done on the garden, including weeding, trimming grass, and caring after the decorative plants. Unfortunately, several times the garden was discovered disheveled after somebody came in during the night and chopped plants left and right. Despite those disappointments, the kids continued to bring enthusiasm to the garden project.
The topic of marine turtles was chosen for the first community event of this phase. Volunteers came into town and performed a short play, which was followed by art and games on the football field. The second community event was held at the station with the theme of frogs. Twenty-eight kids came to base to do a scavenger hunt, make origami, and learn about why we need to protect the frogs of Costa Rica. The group was divided in half, so that we had smaller numbers at one time on base. Two mothers from San Francisco came along as well, because they were interested in seeing the station and also wanted to watch their children. The event was a great success, with kids being very respectful and interested in the station’s projects. 10.2 Related links Jardin del Paraíso: Notes from the field – unveiling the new Community Garden Plays, paintings, games and gardens: Notes from the field – Community Event
11 Activities and Final Summary The middle of April welcomed a coming together of the CCC and GVI Costa Rica for an afternoon of football and a Caribbean BBQ. This event not only continued to build relationships between the two biological stations, but was also a well-suited and appropriate occasion to say fare well to our Portuguese staff Diogo and Sara. Both have made an amazing impact on the quality of research and outreach for GVI Costa Rica over the past year, and will continue on an advisory capacity after their departure.
By the end of the phase the team had not only said goodbye to Diogo and Sara, but Cody Glasbrenner, the scholar for two phases after being a volunteer returned back to the USA to pursue a new career. In addition, Jack Roper, went back to the UK to start a Degree in Animal Conservation, Chester University, we thank them all for all their hard work and dedication.
Throughout the phase, we continued to support the Weaving for Nature project from Widecast, raising almost $120. The project utilises waste plastic bags to make beautiful, long-lasting designs of bags, purses and more. Find out more here: http://latinamericanseaturtles.org/blog/?p=14 www.gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2008/09/weaving-for-nature.html And finally, don’t forget to check out www.careersabroad.co.uk where you will find out about job opportunities with us (and partners) first, because none of this is possible without our dedicated staff and volunteers. Thank you all,
global vision international Costa Rica.
conservation for everyone, everyone for conservation
Phase Report 081 11th January – 21st March 2008
Phase Report 092 April 03rd - June 12th 2009
Conservation for everyone, everyone for conservation
GVI Costa Rica Coastal Rainforest and Wildlife Research Expedition Report Submitted in whole to: Global Vision International The Canadian Organisation for Tropical Education and Rainforest Conservation (COTERC) Steven Furino, Waterloo University, Canada Submitted in part to: The Ministry of Environment, Energy and Telecommunications of Costa Rica (MINAET) Produced by David Jones Rebeca Chaverri Richard Bull Wing Tsui Stephanny Arroyo Arce Cody Glasbrenner Sarah Durose Jack Roper
Field Coordinator Country Director Expedition Staff Expedition Staff Expedition Staff Scholar Scholar Scholar
And Brian Lami
Volunteer
Phillip Chapman
Volunteer
Hannah Dudley
Volunteer
Felisa Macaspac
Volunteer
Megan Cronkite
Volunteer
Nicholas Walenda
Volunteer
Brandi Bechard
Volunteer
Louise Bloxham
Volunteer
Thea Sida-Murray
Volunteer
Holly Hansen
Volunteer
Tara O’Sullivan
Volunteer
Noelle Diaz
Volunteer
Jasmine McKenzie
Volunteer
Rachel Stevenson
Volunteer
Kelsey Boultbee
Volunteer
Lizzie McCready
Volunteer
Kate Tucker
Volunteer
Haley Neddermann
Intern
Elizabeth Lynch
Volunteer
Victoria Copeland
Volunteer
GVI Costa Rica Coastal Rainforest and Wildlife Research Expedition Address: Estación Biológica Caño Palma, Tortuguero, Costa Rica Tel: (+506) 2709 8052 Email: [email protected] Web page: http://www.gvi.co.uk http://gvicostarica.blogspot.com
Table of Contents 1 2
General introduction .................................................................................................. 6 Jaguar Predation of Marine Turtles Study................................................................. 7 2.1 Results .............................................................................................................. 7 2.2 Related links ...................................................................................................... 8 3 Jaguar Camera Trapping Study ................................................................................ 8 3.1 Results .............................................................................................................. 9 3.2 Related links .................................................................................................... 11 4 Marine Turtle Monitoring and Conservation Programme ........................................ 11 4.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 12 4.2 Related links .................................................................................................... 14 5 Canal Bird Monitoring Programme .......................................................................... 14 5.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 15 5.2 Related links .................................................................................................... 18 6 Incidental Species Study ......................................................................................... 18 6.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 18 7 Great Green Macaw Research and Conservation Project ...................................... 20 7.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 21 8 Meteorology and Environmental Study ................................................................... 23 8.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 23 9 Tourist Impact Study ............................................................................................... 24 9.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 25 10 English Language and Environmental Education Classes...................................... 28 10.1 Summary ......................................................................................................... 28 10.2 Related links .................................................................................................... 29 11 Activities and Final Summary .................................................................................. 29 List of Tables Table 2-1 Breakdown of main results for phase and season .......................................7 Table 3-1 General data ................................................................................................9 Table 3-2 Trapping site information .............................................................................9 Table 3-3 Presence / absence (1/0) of known species this phase.............................10 Table 4-1 Summary of Phase 092 results for Playa Norte and Nesting Season so far ...................................................................................................................................12 Table 5-1 General phase totals for all canals.............................................................15 Table 5-2 Unusual recordings for phase per canal ....................................................16 Table 5-3 Presence/absence of species for phase ....................................................16 Table 5-4 Presence/absence of species per canal for phase ....................................17 Table 6-1 Overview of incidental totals this phase.....................................................18
Table 6-2 Special Interest sightings for phase ...........................................................18 Table 6-3 Most commonly recorded species by class for phase ...............................19 Table 6-4 Target species records for phase ..............................................................20 Table 7-1 Classifications for Ara ambigua records ....................................................21 Table 7-2 Ara ambigua records for 2007 ...................................................................21 Table 7-3 Ara ambigua records for 2008 ...................................................................22 Table 7-4 Ara ambigua records up to May 2009........................................................22 Table 8-1 Weekly environmental averages for phase................................................23 Table 8-2 Monthly environmental averages for year..................................................24 Table 9-1 Boat use restriction on Caño Palma, Tortuguero, Costa Rica. ..................24 Table 9-2 General Canal boat impact data for phase ................................................25 Table 9-3 Total canal usage for phase by ACTo time restriction ...............................25 Table 9-4Activity by usage type .................................................................................26 List of Figures Figure 3-1 Baird’s Tapir..............................................................................................10 Figure 4-1 Nest Status as determined by morning census March – June 2009 ........14 Figure 6-1 Most commonly recorded species for phase (recorded ≥75% of days) ....19 Figure 6-2 Some incidental records for the phase: Strawberry Poison Dart Frog and Brazilian Long nosed Bat ...........................................................................................20 Figure 9-1 Canal usage by tourist boat vs. non-tourist boat ......................................26 Figure 9-2 Breakdown of canal usage by Lodge........................................................27 Figure 9-3 Total number of boat by time for phase ....................................................27
1 General introduction In July 2005, GVI established the Costa Rica expedition based at Estación BIológica Caño Palma (EBCP), Tortuguero. The biological station is located in the southern section of the Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge (BCWR) directly to the north of Tortuguero National Park (TNP). The area of operation for the expedition covers both TNP and the BCWR; both of which are included in the Tortuguero Conservation Area (ACTo). The area consists of a collection of waterways running through Caribbean lowland rainforest. The coastal habitats are generally similar in type throughout the area of operation with small variation in boarding habitats, width of the beach and quantity and type of debris found on the beach. The forest habitats vary more considerably with several distinct habitats being present. Altitudinal differences of a couple metres have a large effect on both habitat and species composition in the area. Lower areas, such as those found around the station, tend have large areas of flooded forest whereas the drier areas associated to the National Park tend to only be submerged during times of flooding. The EBCP was purchased in 1991, by the Canadian Organization for Tropical Education and Rainforest Conservation (COTERC). Prior to GVI’s arrival a number of studies had been undertaken, looking at various species and habitats but no longer term monitoring projects had been possible. GVI Costa Rica’s volunteer resource made long-term studies possible and needs were assessed and partnerships sourced. Currently, GVI Costa Rica is working closely with the Costa Rican Ministry for the Environment and Energy (MINAET), COTERC and the local community of San Francisco, as well as being a member of Alianza para Baulas del Caribe (ABC) and Red de las Tortugas marinas. This report is a quarterly review of the data collected in the second volunteer cycle of 2009 (Phase 092: April 3rd - June 12th 2009). In addition to those listed, GVI Costa Rica is also supplying resources and personnel to assist COTERC in a Large Mammal Monitoring Programme inside the BCWR. Further details of GVI Costa Rica research
programmes
and
http://gvicostarica.blogspot.com.
all
protocols
can
be
found
at
2 Jaguar Predation of Marine Turtles Study GVI Costa Rica has been conducting this research by request of MINAET since July 2005. The aim of this project is to determine whether predation of marine turtles by jaguars (Panthera onca) in TNP is having an impact on the marine turtle populations. Data collection for this project involves documenting evidence of jaguar predation of marine sea turtles. On a weekly basis, a survey team walk 14.5 miles on the beach of TNP. Information is collected, such as, the number and location of predated turtles and the presence / absence of turtle and jaguar tracks per half mile on the beach. Other general information is also recorded, including weather and sand conditions on the beach. 2.1
Results
Nine surveys were conducted this phase, covering 130.5 miles; making 623.5 miles for the season (July 2008 – June 2009). The Phase data represented in the tables below covers the period from April 12th 2009-June 06th 2009. Table 2-1 Breakdown of main results for phase and season
Jag sightings: Number of full turtles tracks this phase: Number of full turtles tracks this season:
1 45 Cm, 434 Dc 16365 Cm, 1444 Dc
Number of newly recorded dead turtles this phase:
2
Number of dead turtles this year:
2
Number of dead turtles this season (Jul – Jun):
164
Area of highest turtle activity this phase
16.5 - 17.5
Area of highest jag activity this phase
10.0 - 15.5
Area of highest turtle predation this phase
7.0, 16.0
2.2
Related links
Sociedad Mesoamericana para la Biología y la Conservación: GVI Costa Rica attended this year's conference in El Salvador, where we presented results from the Jaguar Predation of Marine Turtles Study. GVI Costa Rica wins prize at Central American Conservation Congress: More information on the outcomes of the El Salvador conference. 29th
Symposium
on
Sea
Turtle
Biology
&
Conservation: Poster presented to the conference in February 2009, exploring the drivers behind the jaguar predation of marine turtles phenomenon. seaturtle.org - Image Library: GVI Costa Rica images of jaguar predated turtles - free access for educational purposes. http://jaguarnetwork.org/ : GVI Costa Rica was accepted to join the network early 2009 Wednesday, January 28, 2009: notes from the field GVI Costa Rica at the International Sea Turtle Symposium: update from the happenings at the Symposium
3 Jaguar Camera Trapping Study To complement the Predation study, GVI Costa Rica began using camera traps at the end of 2006. The aim is identify and estimate the abundance of jaguars along the beach of TNP. Surveys are conducted between one and three times a week by a small research team. Camera traps are set up in the forest that borders the beach, in locations where there is evidence of jaguar presence. The infrared and heat sensitive cameras are checked by a field team on a regular basis to ensure the cameras are working correctly and to retrieve any photographs that have been taken. These photographs are analysed by the team back at the research station.
3.1
Results
The phase data represented in the tables below covers the period from April 15th 2009-June 06th 2009. Table 3-1 General data
Number of cameras deployed in field
4 3
Number of trapping sites
Table 3-2 Trapping site information
Cam site one Position (MM) Date set Bait
Dates checked Number of trapping nights
New Results
Cam site two 5 15-Apr-09 Chicken Stock 22-Apr-09, 29-Apr-09, 11-May-09 29 Baird's tapir, Red brocket deer
Cam site three Position (MM) Date set Bait Dates checked Number of trapping nights
New Results
6 20-May-09 Chicken Stock 26-May-09, 02-Jun-09, 06-Jun-09 19 Central America Spider Monkey, White-nosed coati, White throated capuchin
Position (MM) Date set Bait
Dates checked Number of trapping nights
New Results
16.5 19-Apr-09 Chicken Stock 26-Apr-09, 03-May-09, 10-May09, 24-May-09 36
Red brocket deer
Table 3-3 Presence / absence (1/0) of known species this phase
Site One
Site Two
Site Three
Agouti (Dasyprocta punctata)
Species
0
0
0
Baird's tapir (Tapirus bairdii)
1
0
0
Central American spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi)
0
0
1
Central American woolly opossum (Caluromys derbianus)
0
0
0
Collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu)
0
0
0
Common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis)
0
0
0
Gray four-eyed opossum (Philander opossum)
0
0
0
Great curassow (Crax rubra)
0
0
0
Jaguar (Panthera onca)
0
0
0
Mantled howler monkey (Alouatta palliata)
0
0
0
Margay (Leopardus wiedii)
0
0
0
Nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)
0
0
0
Northern racoon (Procyon lotor)
0
0
0
Paca (Agouti paca)
0
0
0
Red brocket deer (Mazama americana)
1
1
0
Tayra (Eira barbara)
0
0
0
White-faced capuchin (Cebus capucinus)
0
0
1
White-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari)
0
0
0
White-nosed coati (Nasua narica)
0
0
1
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
0
0
0
Figure 3-1 Baird’s Tapir
3.2
Related links
Guess the species: notes from the field. The epic adventure of camera trapping jaguars by Karen Dykxhoorn: notes from the field http://www.facebook.com/posted.php?id=39758387678#/group.php?gid=397583876 78: View many of our camera trap images and much more. 29th
Symposium
on
Sea
Turtle
Biology
&
Conservation: Poster presented to the conference in February 2009, exploring the drivers behind the jaguar predation of marine turtles phenomenon. http://jaguarnetwork.org/ : GVI Costa Rica was accepted to join the network early 2009 GVI Costa Rica at the International Sea Turtle Symposium: update from the happenings at the Symposium
4 Marine Turtle Monitoring and Conservation Programme This programme has been managed by GVI Costa Rica since 2007 and is carried out in partnership with COTERC. The aim is to develop a more detailed understanding of and promote the conservation of the nesting marine turtles that utilise our local beach, Playa Norte. Playa Norte (north of the beach at Tortuguero) receives up to four species of endangered and critically endangered marine turtles: green (Chelonia mydas), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and the occasional loggerhead (Caretta caretta). The beach is monitored by teams to record the spatial and seasonal distribution of nests, the level of illegal poaching, hatchling emergence and hatchling success rates. Information on the re-emergence of turtles to the nesting beach and / or migration between beaches is also collected and recorded. Human Impact data are recorded to determine if this has any impact on the nesting patterns of the turtles. There are a number of different elements within this project, depending on the stage of the season. During the nesting season, the beach is monitored each night in order
to record details of the nesting turtles and nests (including the location of the nest and number of eggs) and to ‘tag’ the female nesting turtles. A morning census is conducted each day to determine the status of the recent nests and record any new tracks of nesting turtles. The beach is cleaned at the relevant locations and times to promote increased hatching success. Hatchling tracks are monitored and recorded and nest excavations are carried out (once the nest has hatched or is past the date it was due to hatch) to determine the success rate of the nest and record any relevant evidence on why eggs have not hatched. 4.1
Results
During phase 092, 66 morning surveys and 135 night surveys were completed. A total of 1731 miles were walked on morning surveys and night surveys together this season for a total of 928 hours of survey. This phase we have recorded the presence of leatherback, green and hawksbill turtles nesting on Playa Norte. The phase data represented in the tables below covers the period from April 03rd 2009-June 12th 2009. Table 4-1 Summary of Phase 092 results for Playa Norte and Nesting Season so far
Status of nests found this phase
92% Natural; 5% Unknown; 3% Poached
Status of nests found this season
93% Natural; 4% Unknown; 3% Poached
Number of nests recorded this phase
Dc: 52; Cm: 3; Ei: 6; Cc: 0
Number of nests recorded this season
Dc: 64; Cm: 4; Ei: 6; Cc: 0
Area of highest nesting this phase
Mile 1.25
Area of highest nesting this season
Mile 1.25
Number of relocations this phase
Dc: 23; Ei: 0
Number of relocations this season
Dc: 23; Ei: 0
Hour with the most encountered turtles this phase
23:00 - 23:59
Hour with the most encountered turtles this season
23:00 - 23:59
Number of REC this phase
Dc: 6; Cm: 1; Ei: 2; Cc: 0
Number of REM this phase
Dc: 33; Cm: 1; Ei: 2; Cc: 0
Number re-nesting turtles this phase
Dc: 12; Cm: 0; Ei: 0; Cc: 0
Area of highest HLF this phase
Number of hatched nests this season
Mile 1.25 & 2.75
Dc: 3; Cm: 0; Ei: 0; Cc: 0
Number of hatchlings this phase
Dc: 32; Cm: 0; Ei: 0; Cc: 0
Number of hatchlings this season
Dc: 32; Cm: 0; Ei: 0; Cc: 0
Status of excavated nests this phase
100% Natural; 0% Partially Poached; 0% Poached; 0% Predated; 0% Unknown
Status of excavated nests this season
100% Natural; 0% Partially Poached; 0% Poached; 0% Predated; 0% Unknown
Percentage success rate for normal nests this season
Percentage success rate for relocated nests this season
Dc: N/A% ; Cm: N/A% ; Ei: N/A% ; Cc: N/A%
Dc: 46%; Ei: 0%
Number of LIF records this season
0
Number of DEC records this season
0
Figure 4-1 Nest Status as determined by morning census March – June 2009
Full 2009 season reports for leatherbacks, greens and hawksbills will be available in 2010. 4.2 Red
Related links para
la
conservación
de
la
tortugas
marinas
de
Costa
Rica
www.redtortugasmarinascr.org Alianza para las baulas del Caribe (ABC) / Caribbean Leatherback Alliance www.latinamericanseaturtles.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=78& Itemid=143 Late leatherbacks by Lisa Spencer: notes from the field Slick recovery: notes from the field
5 Canal Bird Monitoring Programme The partnership with Steven Furino of Waterloo University, Canada has been established since GVI Costa Rica’s arrival in 2005, the current protocols have been in place since January 2007. The aim is to provide evidence to help develop an
understanding of how resident and migratory bird species use lowland wet forests and, in particular, the canals that are associated with these forests. We are responsible for collecting population data on resident and migratory birds on canals in the TNP and the BCWR. In order to do this we monitor and record the bird species found on three different canal at weekly intervals. Thirty target species of birds have been identified and standard research methods are employed, such as standard point counts and area search survey techniques, to ensure the data can be used alongside that collected in other locations by other research teams. Surveys are usually carried out first thing in the morning and involve a team of five or six canoeing through the relevant area, recording any sightings and sounds of the target species. 5.1
Results th
th
The phase data represented in the tables below covers the period from April 11 2009-June 10 2009. Table 5-1 General phase totals for all canals Canal
Number of surveys
Caño Palma
9
Caño Chiquero
9
Caño Harold
9 Number of species recorded
Phase Total
Caño Palma
16
AQTs
19
Caño Chiquero
14
Caño Harold
14
All canal
21 Number of individuals recorded
Phase Total
Caño Palma
127
AQTs
296
Caño Chiquero
85
Caño Harold
188
Total
668 Most commonly recorded species this phase
Caño Palma AQTs Caño Chiquero
Green Kingfisher Bare-throated Tiger-Heron Green Kingfisher
Caño Harold
Bare-throated Tiger-Heron
Overall
Bare-throated Tiger-Heron
Canal
Number of hours on survey
Caño Palma
28hr 57min
Caño Chiquero
24hr 21min
Caño Harold
32hr 51min
Total number of hours on survey
84hr 29min
Table 5-2 Unusual recordings for phase per canal Canal
Unusual sightings recorded
Caño Palma
Boat-billed Heron, Cattle Egret, Gray-necked wood-rail, Little Blue Heron, Rufescent Tiger-Heron
AQTs
American pygmy Kingfisher, Gray-necked wood-rail, Great Blue Heron, Purple Gallinule, Rufescent Tiger-Heron
Caño Chiquero
Gray-necked wood-rail, Snowy Egret
Caño Harold
Gray-necked wood-rail, Rufescent Tiger-Heron
Table 5-3 Presence/absence of species for phase
Key Uncommonly recorded Uncommonly recorded on indicated canal
Study Species
1/0
Agami heron (Agamia agami)
0
Amazon kingfisher (Chloroceryle amazona)
1
American pygmy kingfisher (Chloroceryle aenea)
1
Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga)
1
Bare-throated tiger-heron (Tigrisoma mexicanum)
1
Belted kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon)
0
Boat-billed heron (Cochlearius cochlearius)
1
Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis)
1
Great blue heron (Ardea herodias)
1
Great egret (Casmerodius albus)
1
Green heron (Butorides s. virescens)
1
Green ibis (Mesembrinibis cayennensis)
1
Green kingfisher (Chloroceryle americana)
1
Green-and-Rufus kingfisher (Chloroceryle inda)
1
Least bittern (Ixobrychus exilis)
1
Limpkin (Aramus guarauna)
0
Little blue heron (Egretta caerulea)
0
Neotropical cormorant (Phalacrocorax olivaceus)
1
Northern jacana (Jacana spinosa)
0
Purple gallinule (Porphyrula martinica)
1
Reddish egret (Egretta rufescens)
1
Ringed kingfisher (Ceryle torquata)
0
Rufescent tiger-heron (Tigrisoma lineatum)
1
Snowy egret (Egretta thula)
1
Sunbittern (Eurypyga helias)
1
Sungrebe (Heliornis fulica)
0
Tricoloured heron (Egretta tricolour)
1
White-throated crake (Laterallus albigularis)
0
Yellow-crowned night heron (Nyctanassa violacea)
0
Total Species
21
Table 5-4 Presence/absence of species per canal for phase
Palma
1/0
Chiquero
1/0
Harold
1/0
AQTs
1/0
Agami heron
0
Agami heron
0
Agami heron
0
Agami heron
0
Amazon kingfisher American pygmy kingfisher
1
Amazon kingfisher American pygmy kingfisher
1
Amazon kingfisher American pygmy kingfisher
1
Amazon kingfisher American pygmy kingfisher
1
Anhinga Bare-throated tiger-heron
1
Belted kingfisher
1
1 1
1
Anhinga Bare-throated tigerheron
0
Belted kingfisher
Boat-billed heron
1
Cattle egret Gray-necked wood-rail
1
1 1
1
Anhinga Bare-throated tiger-heron
0
Belted kingfisher
Boat-billed heron
1 0
1
Cattle egret Gray-necked wood-rail
1
Great blue heron
0
Great blue heron
0
Great egret
1
Great egret
0
Green heron
1
Green heron
1
Green ibis
1
Green ibis
Green kingfisher Green-and-rufus kingfisher
1 1
Green kingfisher Green-and-rufus kingfisher
Least bittern
0
Limpkin
0
Little blue heron Neotropical cormorant
1
1 1
1
Anhinga Bare-throated tiger-heron
0
Belted kingfisher
0
Boat-billed heron
1
Boat-billed heron
0
Cattle egret Gray-necked wood-rail
0
1
1
Cattle egret Gray-necked wood-rail
Great blue heron
0
Great blue heron
1
Great egret
0
Great egret
1
Green heron
1
Green heron
1
1
Green ibis
1
Green ibis
1
1
1 1
Green kingfisher Green-and-rufus kingfisher
1
1
Green kingfisher Green-and-rufus kingfisher
Least bittern
0
Least bittern
0
Least bittern
0
Limpkin
0
Limpkin
0
Limpkin
0
1
0
Little blue heron Neotropical cormorant
1
0
Little blue heron Neotropical cormorant
1
0
Little blue heron Neotropical cormorant
0
Northern jacana
0
Northern jacana
0
Northern jacana
0
Northern jacana
1
Purple gallinule
0
Purple gallinule
0
Purple gallinule
0
Purple gallinule
1
Reddish egret
0
Reddish egret
0
Reddish egret
0
Reddish egret
0
Ringed kingfisher Rufescent tigerheron
1
1
1
Ringed kingfisher Rufescent tigerheron
1
0
Ringed kingfisher Rufescent tigerheron
1
1
Ringed kingfisher Rufescent tigerheron
1
Snowy egret
0
Snowy egret
1
Snowy egret
0
Snowy egret
1
Sunbittern
0
Sunbittern
0
Sunbittern
0
Sunbittern
0
Sungrebe
0
Sungrebe
1
Sungrebe
1
Sungrebe
1
Tricoloured heron White-throated crake Yellow-crowned night heron
0
0
Tricoloured heron White-throated crake Yellow-crowned night heron
0
0
Tricoloured heron White-throated crake Yellow-crowned night heron
0
1
Tricoloured heron White-throated crake Yellow-crowned night heron
Total Species
16
Total Species
14
Total Species
14
0
0
0 0
Total Species
1
1
1
0 0 19
5.2
Related links
Rufescent’s Return: Notes from the field - seasonal update Bird survey in Caño Harold, Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica: notes from the field
6 Incidental Species Study GVI Costa Rica has been recording incidental sightings of animals at EBCP since January 2007. The aim of the study is to maintain a formal, accurate record of the daily occurrences of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians sighted within the property boundaries of the station. By keeping a daily record of the occurrence of species, we can determine which species are seen most frequently and determine if there any changes in the frequency of sightings of certain species over time. 6.1
Results
The phase data represented in the tables below covers the period from April 03rd 2009-June 12th 2009. Table 6-1 Overview of incidental totals this phase
Number of species recorded this phase
165
Total number of records this phase
2480
Table 6-2 Special Interest sightings for phase
Species Kinkajou (Potos flavus)
Number of records 3
Fer-de-Lance (Bothrops asper)
2
Mexican Prehensile-Tailed Porcupine (Coendu mexicanus)
2
Central American Coral Snake (Micrurus alleni)
1
Coati (Nasua narica)
1
White-Lipped Peccary (Tayassu pecari)
1
Tayra (Eira Barbara)
1
Red Tailed Squirrel (Sciurus granatensis)
1
Scarlet Webbed Tree Frog (Hyla rutifela)
1
Table 6-3 Most commonly recorded species by class for phase
Birds
Mammals Days recorded (%)
Species
Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus) Montezuma Oropendola (Psarocolius montezuma) Claycolored Robin (Turdus grayi)
97
95
95
Olivebacked Euphonia (Euphonia gouldi)
95
Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus)
85
Amphibians Days recorded (%)
Species
Brazilian Longnosed Bat (Rhynchonycteris naso)
97
Mantled Howler Monkey (Alouatta palliata)
Species
Reptiles
Days recorded (%)
Strawberry Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates pumilio)
Species
Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)
91
97
58
45
Central American Spider Monkey (Ateles geoffroyi) White-throated Capuchin (Cebus capucinus)
17
39
Smoky Jungle Frog (Leptodactylus pentadactylus) Fitzinger's Rain Frog (Eleutherodactylus fitzingeri)
98
Central American Whiptail (Ameiva festiva)
56
Common Tink Frog (Herotilapia multispinisa)
98
Green basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons)
78 Marine Toad (Bufo marinus)
Mexican Mouse Opossum (Marmosa mexicana)
Days recorded (%)
76
45
Slender Anole (Norops limifrons) Four-lined Whiptail (Ameiva quadrilineata)
12
41
Figure 6-1 Most commonly recorded species for phase (recorded ≥75% of days)
Green Iguana
69
Mantled Howler Monkey
68
Green Basilisk
68
Great Kiskadee
68
Brazillian Long‐nosed Bat
68
Montezuma Oropendola
67
Olive‐backed Euphonia
66
Clay‐colored Robin
66
Strawberry Poison Dart Frog
64
Keel‐billed Toucan
59
Yellow headed Gecko
58 57
White‐collared Manakin Marine Toad
54
Central American Whiptail
54
Tink Frog
53 52
54
56
58
60
62
# Days Recorded
64
66
68
70
Table 6-4 Target species records for phase
Target species recorded this phase
Number of records
Strawberry Poison Dart Frog
60
Marine Toad
52
Great Tailed Grackle
24
Central American Spider Monkey
31
Green Iguana
65
Neotropical River Otter
4
Great Potoo
20
Black River Turtle
28
Figure 6-2 Some incidental records for the phase: Strawberry Poison Dart Frog and Brazilian Long nosed Bat
7 Great Green Macaw Research and Conservation Project The great green macaw is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List and protected under Appendix I of CITES. The estimated population for Costa Rica is approximately 35 reproductive pairs, leading to the idea that this population depends on the larger macaw population in the Indio-Maíz Biological Reserve in Nicaragua. The growing concerns about the status of the Great Green Macaw have lead to the creation of the Great Green Macaw Research and Conservation Project - started by conservation biologist Dr. George V. N. Powel. This project has been working in Costa Rica since 1994 to raise awareness and carry out research into this specie. It is currently being run by Centro Científico Tropical in association with several organisations, including GVI Costa Rica, the National University of Costa Rica (UNA) and the the Scientific Committee of the Costa Rican Ornithological Association (AOCR).
Between Jan 2007 and July 2008, GVI Costa Rica recorded 14 records of great green macaws (Ara ambigua) at the station property as part of the Incidental Special Study. During the Mesoamerican Conference for Biology and Conservation in El Salvador in November 2008 we were invited to assist in the collection of data for Centro Científico Tropical’s Great Green Macaw Research and Conservation Project for the San Juan – La Selva Biological Corridor, first beginning collecting data for the Tortuguero area under their requirements at the end of November 2008. 7.1
Results
In this first account we present all records of great green macaws recorded since 2007, including those recorded only to presence/absence at the station property. The subsequent reports will display all new records per phase. Table 7-1 Classifications for Ara ambigua records
Activity
Habitat
Conditions
1. Feeding
a. Primary or secondary forest
1. Rain
2. Resting 3. Nesting 4. Drinking water 5. Flying 6. Other (describe)
b. Open area, eg: field or garden c. Forest edge d. Plantation/reforestation area (what type) e. Other (describe)
2. Cloud/fog 3. Other (describe)
Table 7-2 Ara ambigua records for 2007
Date
Hour
Place
11/06/2007
Caño Palma Station Caño Palma Station Caño Palma Station Caño Palma Station Caño Palma Station Caño Palma Station Caño Palma Station Caño Palma Station
13/06/2007
Caño Palma
20/01/2007 14/01/2007 21/03/2007 05/04/2007 23/05/2007 05/06/2007 09/06/2007
#Macaws
Activity
Habitat
Tree Type
Conditions
Comments
From Incidental Species Study - Recorded only Presence From Incidental Species Study - Recorded only Presence From Incidental Species Study - Recorded only Presence From Incidental Species Study - Recorded only Presence From Incidental Species Study - Recorded only Presence From Incidental Species Study - Recorded only Presence From Incidental Species Study - Recorded only Presence From Incidental Species Study - Recorded only Presence From Incidental Species Study - Recorded only Presence
Station Caño Palma Station Caño Palma Station
24/06/2007 17/07/2007
From Incidental Species Study - Recorded only Presence From Incidental Species Study - Recorded only Presence
Table 7-3 Ara ambigua records for 2008
Date
Hour
28/01/2008 25/06/2008 22/07/2008
21/11/2008
07:30
25/11/2008
09/12/2008
06:00
19/12/2008
Place
Caño Palma Station Caño Palma Station Caño Palma Station Cano Chiquero: N103158.6 W833102.5 Caño Palma Station Caño Palma Station Caño Palma Station
#Macaws
Activity
Habitat
Tree Type
Conditions
Comments
From Incidental Species Study - Recorded only Presence From Incidental Species Study - Recorded only Presence From Incidental Species Study - Recorded only Presence
4
5
a
1
1
6
a
3
Flying to two pairs From Incidental Species Study - Recorded only Presence Overcast, macaws (more than one) were only heard for a period of 5 minutes from close distance From Incidental Species Study - Recorded only Presence
Table 7-4 Ara ambigua records up to May 2009
Date
Hour
05/01/2009
17/01/2009
08:00
21/01/2009
09:35
Place
Caño Palma Station Cano Chiquero: N103158.6 W833102.5 Tortuguero: Above National Park Rangers Station
13/02/2009
16:30
14/02/2009
08:30
Flying over Penitencia to El Cerro Flying over the start of AQT01
17:20
Caño Penetencia, near base of El Cerro
19/02/2009
#Macaws
Activity
Habitat
Tree Type
Conditions
Comments
From Incidental Species Study Recorded only Presence Overcast, group of two and a group of three flying overhead
5
5
a
3
2
5
c
1
2
5
c
3
Sunny
2
5
c
3
2
other
c
Sunny Clear/sunny displaying breeding behaviour, chasing, following, sallying and presenting gifts of food. Photo of individual taken
Gavilan
3
29/04/2009
30/04/2009
18/05/2009
From Incidental Species Study Recorded only Presence From Incidental Species Study Recorded only Presence
Caño Palma Station
09:45
Caño Palma Station Tortuguero: close to Park Rangers Station
2
2
c
2
8 Meteorology and Environmental Study COTERC have been recording weather information at the Biological Station to varying degrees since 1991. Since January 2007, GVI Costa Rica has been assisting COTERC in the collection and compilation of a set data into the climatological and environmental conditions experienced at EBCP each day. 8.1
Results
Table 8-1 Weekly environmental averages for phase
Week one
4.3
Max Temp (6PM) 34
80.4
Average Canal Depth (cm) 73.7
two
23.1
39
18
82.6
80.9
three
189.9
39
18
84.4
83.6
four
136.9
34
20
84.7
103.5
five
29.8
34
20
85
80.4
six
129.2
34
20
85.6
108.3
seven
15.9
34
19
85.1
101.4
eight
18.3
35
20
83.7
82.6
nine
130.2
35
18
84.9
91.3
ten
92.8
34
19
84.4
90.2
Comments
Rainfall (mm)
Min Temp (6AM) 16
Average Humidity (%)
Table 8-2 Monthly environmental averages for year
Month
Rainfall (mm)
Jan
160.2
Max Temp (6PM) 32
Min Temp (6AM) 16
Average Humidity (%) 88.1
Average Canal Depth (cm) 101.8
Feb
198.4
32
17
88.5
116.3
March
93.4
30
19
86.3
102.9
Apr
88.6
32
20
83
85.5
May
50.9
32
21
84.8
93
Jun July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Comments
9 Tourist Impact Study GVI Costa Rica has been assisting MINAET by documenting and monitoring the impact of tourism on our local canal since January 2006. On a weekly basis the canal traffic along Caño Palma is monitored between 06:00 and 18:00. As possible, all days of the week are surveyed throughout the phase. Two personnel conduct surveys, each taking a six-hour shift, between either 06:00 and 12:00 or 12:00 and 18:00. The number and type of boats are recorded and additional evidence is now being gathered on the reason for the tourism to give a more detailed analysis of the usage of the canal. Further information such as the number of tourists and the type of engine is gathered, in line with information recorded for visitors to TNP canals. The restrictions of use for Caño Palma are outlined below: Table 9-1 Boat use restriction on Caño Palma, Tortuguero, Costa Rica.
ACTo Time restriction
Number of boats allowed
06:00 – 08:00
10
08:00 – 10:00
10
10:00 – 12:00
10
12:00 – 14:00
10
14:00 – 16:00
10
16:00 - 18:00
10
9.1
Results
The phase data represented in the tables below covers the period from April 13th 2009-June 07th 2009. Table 9-2 General Canal boat impact data for phase
Number of surveys this phase
9
Average number of boats per day for the phase
46
Average number of passengers per tour boat for phase
13
Average number of passengers per lodge transfer for phase
10
Average number of passengers per work associated boat for phase
2
Average number of passengers per private boat for phase
3
Average number of people per survey day Most commonly recorded tourist boat for phase Most commonly recorded non tourist / private boat for phase Most commonly recorded lodge for phase
284 Esmeralda Kinkajou Turtle Beach Lodge
Table 9-3 Total canal usage for phase by ACTo time restriction
Total Number of boats 06:00 – 08:00
69
Total Number of boats 08:00 – 10:00
79
Total Number of boats 10:00-12:00
54
Total Number of boats 12:00-14:00
65
Total Number of boats 14:00-16:00
76
Total Number of boats 16:00-18:00
74
Total number of boats
417
Table 9-4Activity by usage type
Total number of tourist boats
252
Total number of non-tourist boats
166
Total number of passengers in tourist boats
2058
Total number of passengers in non-tourist boats
499
Percentage of boats using 4s engines
73%
Figure 9-1 Canal usage by tourist boat vs. non-tourist boat
Percentage of Tourist v Non Tourist for Phase 16
40% N Y 60%
Figure 9-2 Breakdown of canal usage by Lodge
Lodge Usage for Phase 16 Vista Al Mar Turtle Beach Lodge Taxi Samoa Lodge Private Pachira Lodge Mawamba Lodge Manatus Laguna Lodge Evergreen Copetraca Clic Clic CCC Caño Palma Banañero 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Figure 9-3 Total number of boat by time for phase
Usage Times for Phase 16 80
Number of Boats
70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
0
:5 ‐07 0 5:3
9 0
:5 ‐09 0 8:0
9 1
:5 ‐11 0 0:0
9 1
:5 ‐13 0 2:0
9
Time Category
1
:5 ‐15 0 4:0
9 1
:0 ‐18 0 6:0
0
110
10 English Language and Environmental Education Classes Local capacity building: GVI Costa Rica are involved with the local school in San Francisco village, teaching basic English to children and adults within the local community of San Francisco. An exchange also takes place with colleagues from a local tourist lodge (seasonal), providing an opportunity for all to practice their language skills in an informal setting and learn more about the different cultures of Costa Rica. Environmental education: GVI Costa Rica, in partnership with COTERC, are teaching environmental education to school children on a weekly basis. These classes cover various topics and aim to build an awareness of the environment in which the children live. We also organise regular community events for the residents of San Francisco. These events cover an environmental theme, for example composting, but are also designed to be fun and to continue to promote a good relationship between local residents and GVI Costa Rica. 10.1 Summary Classes continued as usual in San Francisco, with higher level English lessons being taught to the local children. Thursdays were designed to target 4th-6th graders, with Monday and Tuesdays remaining for the younger kids. As with previous phases, volunteers came in every Monday to help with teaching. Furthermore, every Thursday and Friday mornings were given to the private teaching of two young boys after being approached by a couple of mothers of San Francisco. Adult classes continued to be twice weekly, and brought out between three to five students each time. Work in the garden continued with each child painting their name on a sign and choosing their own mini-plot to maintain. There has been plenty of work done on the garden, including weeding, trimming grass, and caring after the decorative plants. Unfortunately, several times the garden was discovered disheveled after somebody came in during the night and chopped plants left and right. Despite those disappointments, the kids continued to bring enthusiasm to the garden project.
The topic of marine turtles was chosen for the first community event of this phase. Volunteers came into town and performed a short play, which was followed by art and games on the football field. The second community event was held at the station with the theme of frogs. Twenty-eight kids came to base to do a scavenger hunt, make origami, and learn about why we need to protect the frogs of Costa Rica. The group was divided in half, so that we had smaller numbers at one time on base. Two mothers from San Francisco came along as well, because they were interested in seeing the station and also wanted to watch their children. The event was a great success, with kids being very respectful and interested in the station’s projects. 10.2 Related links Jardin del Paraíso: Notes from the field – unveiling the new Community Garden Plays, paintings, games and gardens: Notes from the field – Community Event
11 Activities and Final Summary The middle of April welcomed a coming together of the CCC and GVI Costa Rica for an afternoon of football and a Caribbean BBQ. This event not only continued to build relationships between the two biological stations, but was also a well-suited and appropriate occasion to say fare well to our Portuguese staff Diogo and Sara. Both have made an amazing impact on the quality of research and outreach for GVI Costa Rica over the past year, and will continue on an advisory capacity after their departure.
By the end of the phase the team had not only said goodbye to Diogo and Sara, but Cody Glasbrenner, the scholar for two phases after being a volunteer returned back to the USA to pursue a new career. In addition, Jack Roper, went back to the UK to start a Degree in Animal Conservation, Chester University, we thank them all for all their hard work and dedication.
Throughout the phase, we continued to support the Weaving for Nature project from Widecast, raising almost $120. The project utilises waste plastic bags to make beautiful, long-lasting designs of bags, purses and more. Find out more here: http://latinamericanseaturtles.org/blog/?p=14 www.gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2008/09/weaving-for-nature.html And finally, don’t forget to check out www.careersabroad.co.uk where you will find out about job opportunities with us (and partners) first, because none of this is possible without our dedicated staff and volunteers. Thank you all,
global vision international Costa Rica.
conservation for everyone, everyone for conservation
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