Phase 1 Science Report Final

Global Vision International Costa Rica Phase 1 Report (1 July – 9 September 2005)

Britt Moller Larsen Director of Programmes (Costa Rica)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The first 10-week phase is now finished and the expedition has achieved setting up and establishing 5 main projects in collaboration with local, national and international partners. 1. Jaguar predation on sea turtles. In collaboration with the Costa Rica Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) 2. Turtle feasibility study (collaboration with COTERC, association with MINAE and the CCC – Caribbean Conservation Corporation) 3. EBCP Resident Bird Project (collaboration with Steven Furino, Waterloo University, Canada) 4. Ethno-botany Project (collaboration with COTERC, Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica and local people with ethno-botanical skills. 5. English language lessons (collaboration with the San Francisco community) GVI has agreed to initiate new projects in phase 2, both directly in partnership with MINAE: 1. Tourist impact assessment with the Tortuguero National Park 2. Assessment of Tortuguero National Park through tourism feedback.

INTRODUCTION In association with COTERC (Canadian Organization for Tropical Education and Rainforest Conservation), GVI started the first Coastal Rainforest Conservation Expedition at the Biological Station Caño Palma in Tortuguero, Costa Rica on 1st July 2005. While the expedition has been running for one full phase (10 weeks), it is still at the advanced stage where some projects have been set up and data collection has begun, but methods and protocols are still being modified and hence data analysis is only preliminary and vaguely indicative. A full Annual Report in December 2006 will collate and summarize all data and enable more descriptive and accurate analysis. However, the GVI projects established with MINAE mainly aim to collect raw data, which will be handed over to MINAE for collation, comparison with other relevant data and analysis.

2

1. JAGUAR PREDATION ON SEA TURTLES Introduction In recent years, there has been an observable increase in Jaguar tracks on the beach in Tortuguero National Park. Jaguar presence has steadily risen with many incidences also involving preyed-upon turtle carcasses. The Jaguar (Panthera onca) is the largest Neotropical cat and is the only member of the Panthera genus to be found in the New World. Jaguar predation on nesting sea turtles in Tortuguero has only been recorded relatively recently. In 1997, the first two Jaguar related turtle carcasses were found. Later in that same year, a mother and her cubs were observed in the act of preying upon a nesting Green Sea turtle (Chelonia mydas). The total number of Jaguar related deaths to Green Sea turtles reached four in the year of 1997. In 1998, the number had grown to 25. This stayed consistent for the next year as 24 turtles were preyed upon by Jaguars in 1999, including two Leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea). These numbers have increased through 2003 when the total number of preyed upon turtles had reached 60. Magally Castro, Director of Protected Wildlife Areas in the Tortuguero Conservation Area under the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) has been collecting data on the Jaguar predation of sea turtles since 2002. However, due to lack of resources MINAE has asked GVI to continue the data collection in Tortuguero National Park. The data GVI collects will add to existing sets of data collected by MINAE and aid in their future analysis in order to use as a tool for further management of Jaguars and turtles in Tortuguero National Park. Aim The Jaguar project aims to document the predation of nesting sea turtles by Jaguars and determine a predation rate of the turtles nesting in the National Park. This study will continue throughout the Green turtle nesting season (July - October) and continue until December to monitor the beach for Jaguar presence during and after turtles come out on the beach to nest. Data collection may already commence again in February 2006 before the Leatherback nesting season begins. Data collection from this season will be compared to previous years and add to the longterm monitoring of Jaguar predation rate on sea turtles. In addition, we expect that the number of turtles being preyed upon is continuously rising, and that this behaviour will possibly alter the foraging patterns of Jaguars in the area.

Method Jaguar walks are conducted over the 14½ mile stretch of beach from the entrance of Tortuguero National Park (mile 3½) south to Jalova lagoon (mile 18). One staff member leads the walk with three expedition members. Before the walk begins, general data is collected such as date, name of researchers, weather, moon phase, start time, and end time upon completion. Beach size (distance from

3

vegetation to high tide mark) is also recorded every four miles to give an indication of how much. During the walk, researchers are counting the total number of fresh (1-2 nights old) turtle tracks on the beach, both half moons (not nested) and full tracks (nested). When Jaguar tracks are encountered, the right hind foot is photographed and measured. Information on direction of track, location (mile marker and GPS coordinates) and number of sets of tracks present is recorded. Researchers also record data from dead turtles on the beach. If the carcass is fresh, and it seems to be a result of jaguar predation, data describing the carcass is recorded. Data include location (GPS coordinates), species, point of attack, nights since killed, amount of meat eaten, location of carcass relative to the vegetation and any extra comments worth noting. Photographs of particular features may be taken. Results A total of 14 full surveys were conducted between 11 July and 7 September 2005. On average a Jaguar walk (survey) was conducted in 9:06 hours (fig. 1). However, the slowest survey took 11:10 hours, but in good weather conditions and with few or no Jaguar tracks present to record, surveys have been conducted in as little as 7:21 hours.

12:00 10:48 9:36

Hours

8:24 7:12 Time

6:00

Average

4:48 3:36 2:24 1:12 0:00 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9 10 11 12 13 14

Jaguar walk Fig. 1. Duration of 14 Jaguar walks (in hours) conducted between 11 July and 7 September 2005. 9:06 hours.

Apart from one Hawksbill, all carcasses killed by Jaguars (n=39-1) were Green turtles (Chelonia mydas). The highest concentration of turtle carcasses was found between mile 7 ½ to mile 10 ½ (fig. 2) with up to 4 carcasses found within each mile. The highest concentration of Jaguar tracks was also between mile 7 ½ and 10 ½ (between 6 and 24 sets of tracks), with another smaller concentration evident 4

around mile 14 ½ to mile 18 (fig. 2). The number of half moon and full turtle tracks in this period was more than 3,000 and 30,000 respectively.

No of carcasses/tracks

24 20

Turtle carcass Jaguar track

16 12 8 4

10 2 1/ 11 2 1/ 12 2 1/ 13 2 1/ 14 2 1/ 15 2 1/ 16 2 1/ 17 2 1/ 2

2 1/

9

1/

2 1/

8

2 7

2

1/ 6

2

1/

5

2

1/

4

3

1/

0

Miles

Figure 2: Graph of total numbers of turtle carcasses (n=39) and sets of Jaguar tracks (n=158) from Phase 1.

Discussion While trends can be seen in the data collected from this first initial phase, they cannot represent a full picture of the whole turtle season. In addition, the method and protocol has undergone several modifications and the data should therefore not be considered totally reliable, but added to further data collection from the rest of the season 2005. From data collected on both Jaguar tracks and turtle carcasses, there seems to be two areas of higher concentration of Jaguar activity; mile 7 ½ to 10 ½ and from 14 ½ to 18. However, this trend was more evident based on data from the first 5 weeks (total of 6 surveys between 11 July and 2 August 2005) and by the end of the phase the trend was less obvious and affecting the overall picture of the whole phase (fig. 2). Nevertheless, the measurements of individual tracks support this preliminary theory of different cats in the two areas of activity. Most of the tracks found in the first half of the beach (closer to Tortuguero) were of a Jaguar with hind-foot prints of 80mm x 100mm. This cat was usually found together with another cat with

5

prints of about 80mm x 80mm. The second half of the beach was dominated by a larger Jaguar with hind-foot prints that measured 90mm x 110mm. These tracks tended to stay separate during the first five weeks of data collection, but tracks from the large cat were recorded further north towards mile 7 ½ in the second half of the phase. From the data collected so far, we speculate that there may be three cats foraging on nesting turtles on the Tortuguero National Park beach between mile 4 and 18. The track measurements seem to indicate a female with a cub in the area between mile 7 to mile 11. These two prints have been observed together many times, but recently it seems that the smaller one has left. This could be the cub finally leaving the mother to go and live on its own. The second half of the beach has been dominated by the larger Jaguar prints, probably a male. The tracks from this cat have been recorded most frequently between miles 14 and 17, suggesting that the beach has two separate Jaguar territories. Until recently, this data proved consistent as we only observed each cat in its own area. However, in the last couple of weeks, the ranges have been overlapping, and we have observed the larger Jaguar prints as far north as mile 7 ½. For a two week period the smaller Jaguar was not observed. It is possible that the female and her cub went into the forest to set the cub loose, but this is pure speculation. During this time, the larger Jaguar from the south could have explored the newly vacated area, which the data suggests. There has also been a drop off in carcass data from the northern end of the beach (mile 4 to 10) in the second half of the phase. This may be due to the lack of activity of the female for several weeks that was described before. This would also explain the consistent low numbers of carcasses all along the beach. If there was only the one Jaguar to patrol the entire beach, then he would be more likely to spread his kills as opposed to concentrate them in one area. So far, data from fresh turtle carcasses shows that the amount eaten by is usually not very much. They seem to kill the turtle, and then only scoop out a little bit of fat and muscle, then move on. This could be due to the relative low energy expenditure of hunting turtles compared to hunting and preying on peccary or deer in the forest. Despite this attempt at preliminary data analysis of the Phase 1 data, it is evident how difficult it is to draw any conclusions. More data from the rest of the season is necessary before any actual conclusions can be made. Furthermore, data from a full turtle season and the time immediately before and after the season should be helpful in further analysis and it should be interesting to see how the Jaguar activity develops depending on the turtle season. At the end of this season (November 2005) Magally Castro (MINAE) will attempt to analyse data based on this season and the season in 2002 and 2003, enabling more accurate descriptions of the Jaguar activity on the beach in Tortuguero National Park.

6

2. TURTLE FEASIBILITY STUDY Introduction Whilst the protection wildlife in the Tortuguero National Park is contributing to the stability of sea turtle populations, many beaches surrounding the park are supposedly undergoing a high percentage of poaching. In response to this COTERC started a four-year long feasibility study in 2004 with the aim of determining nesting populations and poaching rate of Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and Leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) on the beach north of Tortuguero, within the Barro Colorado Wildlife Refuge. In July 2005 GVI joined COTERC in collecting data from the 3 ½ mile stretch of unprotected beach on the North Beach. As well as sharing the data collection and analysis, GVI and COTERC will be sharing data with the CCC (Caribbean Conservation Corporation) to compare with the poaching rates of sea turtles on protected National Park beaches. Method The turtle project is conducted during the nesting seasons of Leatherbacks (March – June) and Green sea turtles (May – November). During peak season, surveys are conducted every day to get as accurate data as possible. The surveys are conducted between mile 0 (north of the river Penentenencia) and mile 3¼ (Laguna Cuatro), and usually begin around 5.30AM. Up to five observers (GVI staff and Expedition Members) conduct each survey and the following information is recorded before beginning each survey: date, observers, start time, end time, weather, tide, and moon phase. Each survey consists of walking the beach between mile 0 and 3¼, recording tracks and signs of nested turtles. The team identifies tracks as full (turtle nested), half moon (turtle came out to lay, but turned around before even attempting to nest), or a lifted/poached turtle (no tracks going back into the sea). Nests (full tracks) are then identified as either an attempted nest, an intact nest, or a poached nest. In order to eventually determine which indicators characterize poached nest, the following five categories are recorded: 1) stick holes (indicating poacher has been feeling for loose sand on top of a nest), 2) broken eggshells, 3) a deep cavity where the nest should be, 4) footprints from either humans or dogs, and 5) shovel marks. Data is also recorded from encountering dead turtles on the beach. The size, sex, state of the turtle, and an estimated time of death are recorded. Any obvious signs of an unnatural death are also recorded such as harpoon marks, machete cuts or blows of the head and/or limbs and photographs are taken. If the turtle has been tagged, the ID number is recorded and checked against CCC tagging data.

7

Results From the data that we have collected so far, we have observed a total of 1,417 turtle tracks (fig. 1). There have been ten lifted turtles and 819 half moons. A total of 588 ‘body pits’ (full tracks) have been recorded and these have been divided into: a nest (unpoached), an attempted nest or a poached nest. Of the 386 nests, 200 were identified as poached nests, which gives a tentative poaching rate of 51.8%. Most recorded tracks were made by Green turtles, with the exception of six Hawksbill tracks and one Leatherback track. Turtle Tracks Recorded 900

Number of Tracks

800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 Lifted

1/2 Moon

Total Body Pits

Nest

Poached Attempted

Track Category

Fig. 1: Graph of all tracks (n=1,417) recorded from 7 July to 7 September 2005. Body pits indicate full tracks which are then divided into either nests, poached nests or attempted nests.

Details on poached nests have been recorded since July 25th, which include 119 poached nests. Of the 119 poached nests, 100 were observed to have prints, 56 had a large noticeable cavity, 50 had stick/poach holes, 29 had shovel marks, and 12 had broken eggshells nearby. All poached nests were determined by at least one of these indicators. Discussion This is an ongoing project, and will continue over the next several years. We are currently in the middle of the Green turtle season, and data has only been recorded since July. However, there are already trends in the data, which seem to correlate with COTERC’s data from the beginning of the season and the season in 2004, but more data collection is necessary before any conclusions can be reached through analysis. The number of tracks found on the beach during the current season has been very high. This corresponds to data from the protected beach of Tortuguero National 8

Park, where the number of nesting Green turtles has not been this high in over 30 years. The preliminary poaching rate (51.8%) is actually relatively low compared to previous years, but still more data collection is necessary to support this statement. However, the consensus among the local population is that increased monitoring and scientific research along the beach has deterred some poachers and led to lower poaching rates. Some difficulty has arisen in the identification of poached nests, due to inconsistent indicators. Tourist activity on the beach is the biggest problem and makes tracks and nests difficult to interpret. Some tourist groups will try to wipe out tracks, or will ‘pretend’ to poach nests so that real poachers will not bother checking the nests. This kind of activity can influence the data collection, and several requests have been made to stop the detrimental tourist actions. Unintentional tourist activity can also be misread as they will leave prints, and possibly stick marks (stick/poached holes) if they are carrying walking sticks. Some nests have been observed with prints, yet they have still been recorded as nests because of the known tourist activity from the night before. Although the indicators of poaching cannot be certain without actual nest observation and excavation to confirm a nest, we speculate that some indicators seem more plausible than others. Observation of a large cavity where the egg chamber could be a good indicator of poaching, as many poachers will not bother trying to cover up the nest once they have poached it. Whenever an open cavity is observed the nest is usually recorded as poached. Broken eggshells are also good indicators as many poachers will eat a few of the eggs on site, and then take the rest away with them. In contrast, holes from sticks and footprints (human or dog) are much more sceptical indicators. Footprints could be left by anybody walking by, or more commonly, by tourists watching the turtle nest. Footprints do not necessarily indicate poaching, but are usually present when other indicators are found. Stick holes can be a good indicator, but it is also possible that inexperienced poachers will simply miss the egg chamber when prodding with their sticks, and thus will leave stick marks on actual nests. Data analysis after his first phase of the expedition seems to be consistent with other data collected in the area, but due to the brief time period, it should only be considered as preliminary analysis. No definite trends can be established yet, but further analysis will be performed at the end of the season (December 2005). After another full season in 2006, an annual report will be written by GVI including a full summary of trends and tentative data analysis. However, the turtle feasibility study will be conducted for another two years and final conclusions will only be determined once several nesting seasons can be compared.

9

3. EBCP Resident Bird Project

Introduction Although much research into the migratory avifauna of the New World has been conducted in Costa Rica, there is still much to be learned about the natural history of residential species. The In collaboration with Steven Furino at Waterloo University, Canada, GVI has started this project which aims to accumulate data on the presence of resident and migratory bird species and monitor their seasonal activity patterns in five different sites around the Estación Biológica Caño Palma (EBCP), including the less studied Manicaria forest. This data will be shared with Steven Furino, who has designed a programme, WINGS, in order to make raw data available to fellow researchers and the general public. In addition, the data may also provide the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) with a management tool to assist in decision making of conservation efforts for the Manicaria forests included in the Barro Colorado Wildlife Refuge under which Caño Palma Biological Station belongs. Method The bird project is conducted using two main methods; Area Searches and Point Counts. The Point Count method consist of recording species seen or heard in a ten minute period at predetermined Point Count stations within the five different sites. This method allows researchers to use statistical techniques to assess the density of bird populations. Area Searches are conducted in a similar manner, but observers are constantly looking and listening for birds throughout the site instead of recording birds at 10 minute intervals at set point count stations. Area searches are more useful for determining species composition of study sites. Both methods are used in the same five sites around EBCP. These sites are: 1. The ‘RocK’ and ‘Raphia’ trails found at EBCP, 400m and 2km respectively, through secondary and Manicaria forest. 2. Cerro Tortuguero, the highest local point (119m). It possesses a terra firme forest different from the forest near the station. Its height also makes it a favourite spot for soaring raptors. 3. The Caribbean coast from the mouth of Laguna de Tortuguero to Laguno Cuatro, a 5 km section of sand beach. 4. The canal Caño Palma. From the station to the entrance to the canal to Laguna Cuatro, a 5 km section of small canal. 5. Cleared areas including the grounds of EBCP, the grounds of Cabinas Vista al Mar, and the barrio of San Francisco. Point counts and Area Searches are conducted between dawn and 10AM. Area Searches have also been conducted in the afternoon, between 3PM and 6PM.

10

Results After the initial ten weeks of data collection, we have compiled a species list of 129 different birds. Birds have been positively identified based on audio and/or visual cues (seen and/or heard) and the most commonly recorded species vary per site (fig. 1). In Cleared Areas (CA) the most common bird recorded is the Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus), either seen on its own or seen and heard at the same time. On the Rock & Raphia trails (RR), the Mealy Parrot (Amazona farinosa) is either heard or seen and heard at the same time and this is the same for the Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus) on the North Beach (NB). However, on the Cerro (CT) and Cano Palma canal (CP) the Stripe-breasted Wren (Thryothorus thoracicus) is most commonly heard, with only one visual sighting on the canal. These observational variations represent the first phase of data collection, and are expected to improve in accuracy as the expedition progresses.

Number of Times Recorded

Audio vs. Visual Detection of Most Common Species 30 25 20

Seen

15

Heard

10

Seen and Heard

5 0 CA (Keel-billed CT (StripeCP (StripeToucan) breasted Wren) breasted Wren)

NB (Great Kiskadee)

RR (Mealy Parrot)

Study Site

Figure 1: Graph showing the most common species recorded at each study site and how they were identified. CA = Cleared Areas, CT = Cerro Tortuguero, CP = Cano Palma, NB = North Beach, RR = Rock & Raphia trails.

Due to the unique characteristics of each study site, there are many variations in the data collected between locations. Average times of Area Searches varied greatly due to distance covered and difficulty of terrain. The survey at the Cerro was generally conducted in the shortest amount of time, (mean = 50 minutes) and the longest survey were the combined Rock and Raphia trails (mean = 2:40 hours). The total number of species observed at each study site varied dramatically. Most species were recorded in Cleared Areas (n = 84), whereas the smallest amount of species were recorded at the Cerro Tortuguero (n = 39).

11

Number of Species Recorded

Total Number of Species Observed at Each Study Location 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 RR

NB

CT

CP

CA

Study Site

Figure 2: Graph of the total number of species observed at each study site based on combining data from Point Counts and Area Search surveys.

The survey technique used during each survey seemed to have a slight affect on species composition. The average number of species recorded during Point Counts versus Area Searches was comparatively the same for most sites, but differs slightly on the Cerro Tortuguero and in the Cleared Areas (fig. 3). On the Cerro Tortuguero more species are recorded during Point Count surveys (Point Counts = 8, Area Searches = 5), while more birds were recorded during Area Searches in the Cleared Areas (Point Counts = 18, Area Searches = 23).

12

Number of Species Observed During Point Counts and Area Searches at Each Study Site

Average Number of Species Recorded per Survey

25 20 15

Point Counts Area Searches

10 5 0 RR

NB

CT

CP

CA

Study Site Figure 3: Graph of the average number of species recorded at each site using two different survey techniques, Point Counts and Area Searches.

Out of the species list of 129 birds, eight species were recorded at the various sites which have been classified as rare species. These species were not spotted often, but at least one was recorded at each study site, and some were recorded in up to three study sites (Table 1). Rare Species Observed

Rufescent Tiger Heron (Tigrisoma lineatum) Mottled Owl (Ciccaba virgata) Green Ibis (Mesembrinibis cayennensis) Great Green Macaw (Ara ambigua) Violaceous Trogon (Trogon violaceus) Green Breasted Mango (Anthracothorax prevostii) Slaty-backed Forest Falcon (Micrastur mirandollei) Fulvous-bellied Antpitta (Hylopezus dives) Table 1: Table of the rare species found at different study sites

13

Study Site Recorded CP, CA, RR RR CA, CP CT, CA RR, CP, CA CA, NB CT CT

Discussion The bird monitoring surveys began in July of 2005 and will continue for several years. This preliminary set of data can not be taken as indications for trends of local bird species, as there are several factors that could affect data collection. Seasons can drastically change species composition of birds from location to location. Birds that may seem rare after this first phase may become common in the future due to their migratory patterns. Some habitats may support greater numbers of species, and the species may even be more detectable in certain habitats, eg. Cleared Areas. Distance traveled during surveys is also different from site to site and may have an affect on the data. However, analysis of the data will only indicate trends after a much longer study period. It is important to remember that this study is still in its initial phases and that all data can not be seen as definite trends, but rather as a base for hypotheses for future data collection. After the first ten weeks of data collection, it seems that the Cerro Tortuguero is the least species rich site for avifauna in the area, while the Cleared Areas support the highest species richness. While this could continue to be the case, it is very possible that after a few more phases or few more years, we will see a completely different trend. From the data we have so far, the Cerro seems to be the least abundant site (fig. 2), but it also is one of the best sites for recording rare species (Table 2). It may be that later in the season the Cerro will see higher species richness. The Cleared Areas site remains to be best site for relative abundance, diversity and rare species (fig.2 and 3, table 1). One of the aims of this project is to monitor the local Manicaria forest, represented by the Rock and Raphia trails. While these sites are not particularly high in species richness, they do offer a unique habitat that no other site offers. The technique of using both Area Searches and Point Counts to conduct our monitoring surveys works as an effective indicator to determine the local bird population. The two survey techniques seem to generally yield a similar species list, with the exception of the Cerro (CT) and Cleared Area (CA) sites. Surveys on the Cerro have recorded more species during Point Counts. This may be due to the terrain of the Cerro. Because the trail travels up the side of the hill/mountain through dense forest, it is not ideal for bird spotting. The best places to record birds are at the four Point Count stations which are established on the trail. These stations tend to be lookout points, and make a passing bird much more likely to see. The Cleared Areas study site has the opposite trend. More species are seen during Area Searches than during Point Counts. This may be due to the distance covered on the surveys. There are only five Point Count stations along this study site, but the site covers a lot of terrain between the stations, which are providing additional data on other species encountered. During Point Count surveys observers are not recording data during these long walks. The rare species that have been identified so far have mostly been seen while out on surveys. The numbers of rare species is expected to increase as the project gets more established. Not only will the surveys cover a larger period of time, but

14

ideally the survey techniques will improve along with training of Expedition Members and more birds should be identified based on hearing calls/songs as well as by sight. The region of Tortuguero also offers great opportunities to find these rare species. Because it is a fairly remote part of Costa Rica and the habitat is largely undisturbed and connected with the Wildlife Refuge and a big National Park in Nicaragua, many rare species can find refuge in the area. This is especially true for the Great Green Macaw (Ara ambigua). While there are as little as 30 breeding pairs left in the entire country, there is thought to be at least eight of those pairs here in the Tortuguero area. Thus, while the great green macaw may be an extremely endangered species, it is much more common to us here in the Tortuguero region than it would be to the rest of the country.

15

4. ETHNO-BOTANICAL PROJECT

Introduction The large number of different cultures present in the area of Tortuguero makes it a place with very diverse knowledge and uses of different plants. However, the increasing development and the constant increase in tourist activity has made the knowledge of plants in the area become threatened to the point of extinction. As a step towards future conservation, COTERC and GVI have established an ethnobotanical project with the aims of scientifically document this valuable knowledge and increase the general awareness of medicinal plant uses in the Tortuguero area for the benefit of future generations. Method To conduct the ethno-botany study, Expedition Members were taken out into the field as researchers with one COTERC staff member and a local guide to learn about the plants in the area and record all available data. Local guides ranged from people with indigenous backgrounds, to tour guides who have been in the area for a long time and know about the local flora. All data collection was done in the field and recorded exactly as it was told. The aim of the project was to learn from local knowledge of the area, and not to dispute it in any way. The local guides would inform the researchers what the plants were traditionally used for, along with any other information they felt was relevant. Researchers could ask questions, but argument was prohibited. If the guide felt comfortable in doing so, some pictures were taken of the plants themselves for the record. Some samples of plants were collected during each interview. If a species could not be identified, the sample was taken to the National University (UNA) and identified by experts. Results Over the course of the initial 10-week phase, six local people were interviewed. Some guides were interviewed on several occasions while others were only interviewed once. The six people interviewed were: Juan Torres, Henry Abraham Flores, Denis Bermudez Venegas, Marcelino Siles Hernandez, Jose Manuel Beta Ramirez, and Irma Philipa Garcia Espinoza. All guides demonstrated exceptional local knowledge, and most discussed the preparations of each plant as opposed to only stating the purpose it was used for. There were many plants identified and some very interesting data was collected regarding their uses. Over 105 plant species were discussed over the course of these surveys. The uses for these plants mentioned ranged from treating serious diseases such as diabetes to plants which were good to use for wood. A selection of plant species and their uses are included in table 1.

16

Table 1: Selection of plants described by local guides.

Common Name: Papaya Tree Scientific Name: Carica papaya Uses: The Papaya which is used to treat a swollen liver and/or heartburn. The green leafs of the plant are boiled and drunken. The tea made tastes very bitter. Source: Irma Philipa Garcia Espinoza

Common Name: Mango Tree Scientific Name: Mangifera indica Uses: The Mango is used for ulcers in the lungs. The fruit is mixed with shark’s oil, oranges and fish. It can also be mixed with lemon tea and honey. The mango is also used to treat bruises. It is chopped and boiled then placed on the bruise. Others use mangos for different reasons. When the leaves are boiled with avocado leaves, they are supposed to aid with hair loss. This method needs to be repeated often to have an optimal effect. Sources: Denis Bermudez Venegas, Irma Philipa Garcia Espinoza

Common Name: Yuca Plant Scientific Name: Manihot esculenta Uses: The yucca plant has the ability to provide intense nutrition to very weak people. Use the new leaves as meat tenderizer also. Source: Irma Philipa Garcia Espinoza

17

Common Name: Guayaba Scientific Name: Psidium guajava Uses: When mixed with lemon, and iguaya, this plant has the ability to take away tiredness. Cook the ingredients together, then bathe in the mixture. Also, when the leaves are boiled, the tea can be used to treat diarrhoea. Sources: Irma Philipa Garcia Espinoza, Denis Bermudez Venegas Common Name: Heleconia/fatal attraction Scientific Name: Heliconia latispatha Uses: This plant is particularly useful for eyelash vipers. These snakes will wrap themselves around the flower of this plant and wait for a hummingbird to come and try to pollinate it. Then the viper will attack, and eat the hummingbird. Source: Juan Torres- Torres Common Name: Pilou Scientific Name: Hieronyma alchorneoides Uses: This is extremely good wood. Very strong and sturdy. So strong, that you need to use a drill to get a nail into it. The roots of this tree can be used as legs of chairs Source: Juan Torres – Torres Common Name: Coconut Scientific Name: Cocos nucifera Uses: In order to treat asthma, take an unripe coconut and open it up. Put a half kilo of sugar inside and bury it for 8 days. When you dig it up, the honey will be good to treat the symptoms. If you stop taking the honey, the asthma will return. The plant is also sometimes given to women to stop heavy bleeding. One last use is to help treat anaemia. Drink the milk heavily with some water. The milk is not as useful if it is light coloured. Sources: Henry Abraham Flores, Jose Manuel Beta Ramirez, Irma Garcia Espinoza

18

Common Name: Tismaya Scientific Name: ? Uses: If a snake bites you, then you can mash the fruit and leaves up and rub into the wound. Supposedly this remedy will cure the victim Source: Marcelino Siles Hernandez Common Name: Viborana Scientific Name: Asctepias curassavica Uses: When the sap is cooked with milk, the mixture is good for adults with intestinal parasites. The sap is toxic, and that is why it is drunk with milk. Source: Marcelino Siles Hernandez Common Name: Rangallo, uña de tigre/ tiger clan Scientific Name: Uncaria tomentosa Uses: This plant holds a lot of water inside it. If you boil this water and drink it, it is good for your kidneys. This plant is interesting because it has more water than normal during the time of the full moon. Source: Jose Manuel Beta Ramirez Common Name: Sahinillo Scientific Name: Dieffenbachia sp. Uses: This plant is good for Leishmanasis (mosquito parasite). If you put the sap of this plant on the wound, it will hurt very much, but will get rid of the parasite. The sap is also very itchy to the touch, and peccaries love to eat the plant. Sources: Denis Bermudez Venegas, Jose Manuel Beta Ramirez

Discussion GVI and COTERC have collected extensive data on the medicinal uses of 105 plant species based on interviews with six local guides. Only a selection of plants and their uses have been included in this report. The future aim of this project is to complete the species list and produce a pamphlet/folder for distribution to the interviewees as a potential additional source of income.

19

5. ENGLISH LANGUAGE LESSONS

Introduction The community of San Francisco is located at the foot of Cerro Tortuguero with a population of about 200. Most people are Nicaraguans or Costa Ricans who have settled here in search of a better life. There is one primary school in the community and about half the adult population have work, mostly in Tortuguero and tourism to some extent. In order to help with capacity building of San Francisco community members, GVI has set up and begun to establish English Language lessons. Aims • • •

Local community training/capacity building Increase sustainable revenue to the local communities Generate local community commitment to environment conservation and sustainable development.

Method In collaboration with a GVI staff member 6-9 Expedition Members prepare and conduct English lessons twice a week, teaching both adults and children. About 30 adults and 15 children attend lessons every time and these groups are split into smaller groups to allow as much individual attention as possible. Work sheets, flash cards, games and group work have been used as teaching tools and the success of the program is reflected in the high number attending the lessons and their dramatic improvement in English. The adult lessons commence at 18:30 in the local school house and run for 1½ hours. Attendance has been surprising high and we have a regular 20 students that attend twice a week and then about 10 students that attend when possible due to other commitments. The children’s lessons start at 17.00 and run for an hour. The focus of these lessons is to practice the English already learnt in school through the national curriculum and introduce some extra vocabulary that will help with future lessons at school. Results • • •

•

GVI has implemented the first adult English language programme in San Francisco. GVI has also set up a programme for the children in San Francisco in support of the national curriculum and local primary school. All Expedition members have received fundamental trained in teaching English as a foreign language from a qualified TESOL teacher to ensure a high standard of English instruction Created a 20 week syllabus to assist teachers with lessons plans and to ensure student development 20

•

In the last lesson a handout with all the vocabulary and grammar was produced and supplied to all the students for revision over the inter-phase period.

Discussion The establishment of the English language programme has been met with enthusiasm and much interest from the San Francisco community members. Students are keen to learn English and thus increase personal capacity building in order to improve chances of getting work or a better job within the thriving tourism of Tortuguero. The community of San Francisco are also generally interested in GVI’s presence and work in the area and humbly receive the English lessons from Expedition Members whilst getting to know them. The community also feel privileged to receive attention and help from an international organisation, as no local hotels, NGOs or MINAE give them much consideration. Lessons are currently for an hour and a half, twice a week, which will be reduced as some students have implied that the lesson can be a little long. GVI plans to make use of a third building, once construction is complete, to reduce the noise in the two main teaching rooms as they are currently a little over crowded. The adults lesson will be restricted completely to over 15’s as we are currently getting other children attending with is effecting the development of the other members. In future, GVI plans to introduce homework for all students We have aimed to send a regular set of Expedition Members for continuity and the program is headed by a TESOL teacher and two other staff members to ensure its continued development.

21

CONCLUSION

In the initial 10 week phase, GVI has assisted or initiated in 5 separate projects, forming strong links with local, national and international partner organisations, and within the local community. In collaboration with the Costa Rican Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) GVI has taken over and continued the data collection on Jaguar predation of sea turtles along the beach in Tortuguero Nacional Park. In partnership with COTERC, GVI has continued data collection for the turtle feasibility study on the beach north of the Tortuguero rivermouth. In association with Steven Furino of Waterloo University, Canada, GVI has established a Resident Bird Project. Training processes and materials for the volunteers were improved through the 10 week phase and a quantified level of knowledge has been established prior to volunteers being allowed to participate in the surveys. In direct partnership with COTERC, GVI has assisted in establishing and conducting an ethno-botanical project with the aims of collecting data on local medicinal plants and their ethno-botanical uses in order to document the knowledge scientifically and produce an ethno-botanical pamphlet/guide. GVI has also established an English language lessons programme for adults and children of the community of San Francisco to help with local capacity building. The training for the programme is presently being improved through the lessons learnt during this period and a structured programme of training will be written with the aim of introducing a 2 day Introduction to Teaching English as a Foreign Language certification in January 2006, for all participating Expedition Members. In addition, GVI assisted COTERC in their environmental education programme for the San Francisco primary school. Overall, the initial phase has been successful, establishing a range of projects and forming partnerships that will prove invaluable for the future of the expedition programmes. The first phase has shown areas that can be improved and has indicated where improvements in training and protocols can be introduced. The work has lead to 2 additional projects being agreed for introduction on phase 2, and has already started the process of establishing baseline data for the area.

22