Phase 2 Science Report Final

GVI Costa Rica Coastal Rainforest Research Expedition Phase 2 Report

December 2005

Contributing authors:

Britt Larsen, Alistair Mackay, Lydia Chaparro, Nicole Evans, Nathan Lockwood

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The second 10-week phase in Costa Rica has seen the expedition continuing 4 out the 5 projects established in the first phase. Working in collaboration with local, national and international partners these are: 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. English language lessons (collaboration with the San Francisco community) Aims and methods for the above 4 projects are described in more detail in the Phase 1 Report - GVI Costa Rica. In addition, GVI was invited to assist MINAE and the Tortuguero Conservation Area (ACTo) in implementing aspects of the Tourism Management Plan for the Tortuguero National Park: 5. Tourist Impact Assessment of predetermined aquatic and terrestrial trails within Tortuguero National Park. 6. Tourism feedback questionnaires. Assessment of Tortuguero National Park through feedback from national and international visitors.

INTRODUCTION The Coastal Rainforest Expedition has now been running for 2 full phases (2 x 10 weeks), and valuable preliminary data collection has been continued on the established projects. Moreover, methodologies and protocols have been modified and adjusted during phase 2 and new projects with Tortuguero National Park (managed by MINAE) have also been established.

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1. JAGUAR PREDATION ON SEA TURTLES Introduction Due to lack of human resources the Costa Rican Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) has asked GVI to continue data collection on Jaguar presence and predation of sea turtles 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, turtles and their habitat in Tortuguero National Park. Aim The Jaguar project aims to document the presence of Jaguars on the Beach of Tortuguero National Park and their predation of nesting sea turtles. 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 from this season will be compared to previous years and add to the long-term monitoring of Jaguar predation rate on sea turtles and general management of the Park. In addition, we expect that the number of turtles being preyed upon is slowly rising, and that this behaviour will possibly alter the foraging patterns of Jaguars in the area.

Methods 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 GVI staff member and 3-4 Expedition Members conduct the survey, starting from one of either end (Tortuguero or Jalova) at dawn. General data such as date, name of researchers, weather, sand condition, moon phase, and start time is noted at the beginning of the survey. Beach size (distance from vegetation to high tide mark) is also recorded every four miles to give an indication of how much beach was exposed during the previous night. During the survey, 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 turtle carcasses 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/observations. Photographs of particular features may be taken.

Results A total of 10 full surveys were conducted between 11 October and 7 December 2005. Overall for the two phases, a total of 24 surveys have been conducted, starting on 11 July 2005. -3-

All carcasses killed by Jaguars in Phase 2 were Green turtles (Chelonia mydas). A total of 15 carcasses were found this phase and together with the 45* carcasses encountered in Phase 1, the total number of Green turtle carcasses killed by Jaguars between 11 July and 7 December 2005 was 60. The total number of separate sets of Jaguar tracks found in the same period was 96, with 58 in Phase 1 and 38 in Phase 2. Similar to the Phase 1 data, the overall highest concentration of turtle carcasses was found between mile 7 to mile 10 (fig. 1.1), around mile 13 ½ and also between mile 16 ½ and mile 17. The highest concentration of Jaguar tracks was also between mile 7 and 10 and again from mile 12 to mile 17, with the highest concentration (24 sets in the whole period) around 13 ½.

(JO.TM) Carcasses & jag tracks by mile - Overall 30 25

Number

20 jag tracks

15

turtle carcasses

10 5

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

1/ 2

10

1/ 2

9

1/ 2

8

7

1/ 2 1/ 2 6

1/ 2

5

4

3

1/ 2

0

Mile

Fig 1.1: Beach distribution of Jaguar tracks and turtle carcasses along the 14.5 miles in Tortuguero National Park. Period: 11 July – 7 December 2005.

The total number of full turtle tracks for Phase 2 was 3,050 and thus a total of 51,817 tracks (Phase 1: n = 48,767) for the period 11 July – 7 December 2005. The fairly even distribution of turtle tracks per mile is shown in fig. 1.2.

* In the Phase 1 Report, we reported 40 turtle carcasses (39 Greens and 1 Hawksbill), but during Phase 2 analysis this number was corrected to 45 (44 Greens and 1 Hawksbill)

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(TO.TM) Turtle tracks by mile - Overall 2500

Tracks

2000

1500

Full tracks 1/2 moons

1000

500

1/ 2

1/ 2

17

1/ 2

15

16

1/ 2

1/ 2

14

1/ 2

13

1/ 2

12

1/ 2

11

1/ 2

10

1/ 2

9

1/ 2

1/ 2

1/ 2

8

7

6

5

4

3

1/ 2

1/ 2

0

Mile

Fig. 1.2: Beach distribution of turtle tracks per mile in Tortuguero National Park. Period: 11 July – 7 December 2005.

The overall distribution of tracks and carcasses in relation to date of survey is shown in figure 1.3. (JO.TD) Turtle & jag data - Overall 9

7000 6000

7

5000

6 5

4000

4

3000

3

turtle tracks

carcasses & jag tracks

8

jag tracks turtle carcasses turtle tracks

2000

2 1000

1

0

11 /0 22 7 /2 /0 00 29 7 /2 5 /0 00 10 7 /2 5 /0 00 18 8 /2 5 /0 00 25 8 /2 5 /0 00 02 8 /2 5 /0 00 27 9 /2 5 /0 00 19 9 /2 5 /1 00 02 0 /2 5 /1 00 16 1 /2 5 /1 00 30 1 /2 5 /1 00 1/ 5 20 05

0

Date

Fig 1.3: Date distribution of tracks (Jaguar and turtles) and turtle carcasses in Tortuguero National Park. Period: 11 July – 7 December 2005.

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Discussion The data collected from these first 2 phases cover the period 11 July to 7 December 2005, which covers most of the Green turtle nesting season which started around mid June this year. Although this data does not represent the whole Leatherback season, it gives a good picture of Jaguar presence and turtle predation on the beach of Tortuguero National Park. Despite the fact that the sea turtle egg laying season was officially over by 31 October, there was still evidence of Jaguar presence on the beach and a few turtles coming up to lay eggs. From data collected on both Jaguar tracks and turtle carcasses, there seems to be two areas of higher concentration of Jaguar activity; between mile 7 to 10 ½ and from 14 ½ to 17. Interestingly, Jaguar presence was documented throughout the period, minus one survey (23 November), even when no turtle carcasses and barely any turtle tracks (>11) were found towards the end of November and in December. This vaguely seems to suggest that the Jaguar(s) continue to ‘patrol’ the beach and do not migrate further inland in search of other prey when there are no turtles nesting on the beach (fig. 1.3). However, data from February – June 2006 will help support/reject this theory, as it is only based on 2 individual surveys so far and thus only an interesting note. Survey time was significantly lower during this phase with an average of 8.05 hours compared to 9.06 hours during Phase 1. This is mainly due to more favourable weather conditions and fewer turtle tracks and carcasses to collect data from. However, with intense, prolonged rain or high winds and very dry sand, the prints become very difficult to identify and measure, let alone observe and track. The measurements of individual tracks seem to indicate that there may be 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 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. However, this theory was more evident during Phase 1, whereas the prints were more mixed in the two areas towards the end of the season. In addition, weather conditions and thus conditions of the sand make it very difficult to always obtain accurate measurements and good photos of the prints, so it remains a very biased assumption until more valid data supports this theory. Nevertheless, from the data collected so far, we speculate that there may actually be three different cats foraging on nesting turtles in the Tortuguero National Park between mile 4 and 18. The print measurements could indicate a female with a one-year old cub usually in the area between mile 7 to mile 11. These two prints have been observed together many times. The second half of the beach has been dominated by the larger Jaguar prints, maybe 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. In the beginning of Phase 1 this data proved consistent as we only observed each cat in its own area. However, in the last couple of months, the ranges have been -6-

overlapping, and we have observed the larger Jaguar prints as far north as mile 7½ and two prints together (one larger than the other) as far south as mile 16½. Data from fresh turtle carcasses shows that the amount eaten by Jaguars is usually not very much. They seem to kill the turtle, and then only eat a little bit of the internal organs (incl. the heart) found immediately below the fat layer. This could be due to the relative low energy expenditure of hunting turtles compared to hunting and preying on peccary, deer or other mammals inside the forest. Continuing the data collection in 2006 will help to establish this monitoring project, support further theories and in particular work as a management tool for Tortuguero National Park and the Conservation Area of Tortuguero (ie. MINAE).

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2. TURTLE FEASIBILITY STUDY Introduction Whilst the protection of wildlife in 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 rates of Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and Leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) on the beach north of Tortuguero, within the Barra 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. Methods 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 Penetenencia) 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 to 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.

Results During Phase 2 data was collected on turtles between 10 October and 3 November 2005. The average time spent on the beach in the morning was around 3 hours. -8-

Out of the 25 days of data collection, GVI collected data from 16 days (64%) and COTERC from 5 days (20%). Four days (16%) out of the 25 were cancelled due to bad weather or other causes. A total of 96 turtle tracks were observed, of which 2% (n = 2) were from lifted (dead) turtles, 44% (n = 42) half moons, 20% (n = 19) attempts of making a nest and finally 34% (n = 33) were from successfully nested turtles (fig 2.1 & 2.2).

Track Lifted 1/2 turtle Moon TOTALS 2 42

Nest

Atte.

Nest

Nest

19

33

19

Sticks Poached Predation holes 12 4 10

96

Poaching (Poa.) Prints Cavity H D 19 8 8

35

2,08% 43,75% 19,79% 34,38% 54,29%

34,29%

11,42%

19,61% 37,25% 15,69% 15,69% 11,76%

NUM BER OF TRACKS Lifted turtle 2%

1/2 Moon 44%

Attempted 20%

Fig. 2.2. Pie chart showing total number of turtle tracks divided into four categories. Period: 10 October – 3 November 2005

The final description of the 35 tracks (nests, 33 + lifted turtles, 2) leading to a nest were divided into 3 categories; 54.3% nests were intact, 34.3% were poached and 11.4% predated dogs and/or crabs (fig. 2.1 and 2.3).

FINAL DESTINE OF THE NEST Predation 11%

Nest 55%

Poached 34%

Fig. 2.3. Pie chart showing final destination of nest descriptions. Period: 10 October – 3 November 2005

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6

51

Fig. 2.1. Totals of turtle tracks, nests and poaching indications. Period: Phase 2 (10 Oct – 3 Nov 2005).

Nest 34%

Eggs

Various signs and indications help us to determine whether a nest is poached or not, and although there are more, we have divided them into the following categories; Eggshells found outside the nest, human and dog prints, marks and holes from prodding sticks, and finally an exposed cavity. The 12 poached nests in Phase 2 were determined from one or a combination of the five indications (fig. 2.4). PROVES OF POACHING Stick holes 20%

Eggs 12% Cavity 16%

Dog prints 16%

Human prints 36%

Fig. 2.4. Pie chart showing the 5 indications of a poached turtle nest. Period: 10 October – 3 November 2005

Discussion Observations during Phase 2 support the theory that poachers use dogs to find turtle nests and when this happens, 2 or 3 eggs are found close to the exposed cavity. This seems to suggest that dogs are rewarded for finding nests. On the other hand, when there are no dog prints, there are more observations of stick marks close to exposed /non-exposed cavities. The number of tracks found on the beach during October and November has dropped significantly from earlier in the season. In addition, the poaching rate has decreased significantly to 34.3%. This rate is much lower than for Phase 1 (51.8%) and it could be due to the drop-off in turtles coming out on the beach to nest and therefore a much reduced effort to poach eggs and turtles. Although 2 turtles were lifted during the first weeks of November (ie. killed for the meat), evidence from data GVI has collected since July 2005 indicate that poaching rates are lower compared to other years. In accordance with general consensus among the local population it seems that increased monitoring and scientific research on the beach deter some poachers and thus leads to a lower overall poaching rate. An overall poaching rate of 50.4% (212 nests poached out of 421 since July 2005) indicates that half of all nests are being poached for human consumption. Animal predation is not included in this figure and the threat to turtle hatchling success is therefore even bigger. Further protection is thus necessary in order to secure increased hatchling success and future conservation of sea turtles nesting on the North Beach of Tortuguero. - 10 -

This is an ongoing project, and will continue over the next several years. The turtle season is now over, but GVI has only been collecting data 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. As with data from Phase 1, these are all preliminary but more data collection is necessary before any conclusions can be reached through analysis.

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3. EBCP Resident Bird Project Introduction 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 Barra Colorado Wildlife Refuge under which Caño Palma Biological Station belongs. Methods In order to improve the accuracy of the Point Count and Area Search data, and to make data sets more uniform thus aiding collation and analysis, there were a few changes made to the protocol and methodology of the bird surveys in Phase 2. In order to get a more accurate reflection of species distribution on point counts, more radial distance categories were included. The previous categories of either less than or more than 50 metres away were divided into the following fields: 0-10 metres, 10-25 metres, 25-50 metres, and over 50 metres. To further increase the descriptive potential of the data, 4 micro-habitat categories were also introduced, to replace either the “perched” or “aerial” fields. When a species was seen or heard, if possible, its vertical location was recorded. The 4 categories were: Ground/Shrub, Low canopy, High Canopy and Aerial. It also became apparent that an extra point count station would be useful on the Cleared Areas Area Search, between Cabinas Vista al Mar (Don Edgar’s) and the Cerro point count stations (CA 3 and 4). This brings the total number of stations to 6. To bring Area Search data more in line with current avian survey methodology, which suggests that a search of any survey area should be no longer than 20 minutes, it was decided to split the survey sites into smaller areas. Each site was divided into 20 minute searches of the areas between the existing point count stations. This worked well, and also helped to standardize total survey time. The only exception to this change was the Area Search on the Rock trail, which is short enough to allow one 20 minute search. As well as continuing to record species as either on or off-site, the 4 micro-habitat categories were also applied to all Area Searches. To make sure that data collection was based on consistent identification of species, and after discussion with representatives from Redwood Science Laboratory, the target list of bird species was increased to 86, covering a broad spectrum of families in all survey environments. This list was used to train recorders in identification techniques and give them a solid grounding in the diversity of species in the area. - 12 -

Results A total of 35 Area Searches were carried out, 14 in the morning, and 17 in the afternoons. 4 were aborted halfway through due to bad weather. 38 Point Counts were completed, all during the morning, and only 1 was aborted. 120 species were recorded during point counts, and 112 species were recorded during area surveys. The total number of species recorded this phase was 173, which brings the total number of species for all phases to 188. The total number of species recorded in Phase 1 was 139, which means that during Phase 2, we have added 49 previously unrecorded species to our total list. These totals include birds recorded during Area Searches and Point Counts, as well as incidental encounters and also birds encountered in the National Park whilst surveying the aquatic and terrestrial trails. Discussion The differences between the species composition of the total list for each phase yields some interesting results. There were 28 species recorded in Phase 1 that were not encountered in Phase 2, and 66 species recorded in Phase 2 that were not encountered in Phase 1. Only 5 of these were new species recorded in the National park, for example, the Snowy Cotinga (Carpodectes nitidus), Wood Stork (Mycteria americana ), and White-lined Tanager (Tachyphonus rufus). The reason behind this large number of species that were not encountered in Phase 1 is most likely a combination of two factors. The first is seasonal; these new species consist of a mix of migratory and resident birds, and Phase 2 occurred during peak migration season, hence the majority of the new species seen were not residing in the area during Phase 1. Secondly, recorder proficiency should have improved from Phase 1 to Phase 2, because of continuity from staff and consistent and improved training sessions should have increased the number of correct identifications.

Redwood Science Laboratory In an effort to encourage data sharing and capacity building, with a view to future improvements and developments in training and research, GVI began collaborating with Redwood Science Laboratory in California at the end of Phase 2. This involved helping them to collect data for their long-term land bird monitoring project, both carrying out Migration Counts and Area Searches. Migration Counts were completed both at Caño Palma Biological Station or on North beach for 10 minutes, at 7:00, 9:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 and 17:00 daily. In addition, two 20 minute Area Searches per day were undertaken around the garden of Caño Palma Biological Station.

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4. 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 established English Language lessons at the primary school. A new course of English lessons were initiated in Phase 2, continuing the progress from Phase 1. 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 up to 14 Expedition Members have continue the English lessons in San Francisco. The first Phase set up and established the lessons and the second Phase saw more hard-working and committed EMs maintaining the good relationship and teaching environment with the community. About 23 adults and 27 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 same high number attending the lessons, showing their commitment to learn English and/or maintain a good relationship with GVI. The adult (over 15) lessons commence at 19:00 in the local school house and run for 1 hour. Attendance has been surprising high and we have a regular 23 students that attend twice a week. The groups were divided according to proficiency in English. The children’s lessons start at 15.00 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 second adult English language programme in San Francisco. • GVI has continued the 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 - 14 -

• •

Teachers (Expedition Members) created lesson plans and kept progress sheets for their own individual groups. Each student was given a Certificate as proof of completion of the 8 week English course attended between October and December 2005.

Discussion The continuation of the English language programme has been met with enthusiasm and continued interest from the San Francisco community members. Students are keen to come and spend time with us and learn some English in order to increase personal capacity building and thus improve chances of getting work or a better job. The community of San Francisco is 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. As a consequence of the feedback from Phase 1, lessons have now been changed in duration, lasting only one hour. This has greatly improved the concentration of students during lessons and will be continued next phase. Some homework has also been introduced, but it is not everyone who is interested in doing homework or has the time to put the effort in. Despite the plan to make use of a third building, there has been no need to use the new Kindergarten, because of the extension to one of the class rooms and the fact that no children attend the adult lessons.future, GVI plans to introduce homework for all students We have aimed at sending a regular set of teachers (EMs) for continuity and the program is headed by the GVI teacher Nicole Evans and two other staff members to ensure its continued development.

Congratulations! Handing over certificates at the Farewell party in San Francisco community with teachers (EMs) Kerry Mower, Hannah Rei, Ann Vesely, and Eleana Bracken.

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5. TOURIST IMPACT ASSESSMENT Introduction Tortuguero National Park was created in 1975 to protect the large diversity of wildlife that lives within it. The park is managed and protected by the Costa Rica Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE). Terrestrial sections of the park consist of primary rainforest and flooded swamplands, which extend from the Caribbean coastline to the foothills of the central Costa Rican mountain range. Aquatic sections of the park include navigable lagoons, canals, and waterways. Terrestrial and aquatic trails are clearly marked and allow tourists opportunities to experience the impressive species richness of the area; 2200 species of plant, 375 bird species, 125 mammal species and 124 species of reptiles and amphibians exist within the park’s boundaries. The flow of tourists to the national park is regulated by MINAE; however, rising tourist numbers could increase the pressure to the area. Greater accessibility to this region has begun to sustain a more constant influx of groups of tourists using both the aquatic and terrestrial trails. Eco-tourism is encouraged, whilst a certain balance between the park’s human activity and use and the conservation of these fragile ecosystems should be respected. However, there is a potential threat to the biodiversity of the park due to excessive stress from continuous human activity. In the last 15 years, annual totals of visitors to the park have risen from 9,000 to more than 70,000. Aims Funded by the European Union, in 2005 MINAE developed a Management Plan for Visitors to Tortuguero National Park. However, due to lack of human resources, MINAE invited GVI to initiate and implement the Tourism Impact Assessment in order to provide data for an objective and quantitative evaluation of the impact of Tourism in Tortuguero National Park (TNP). The aim of the Tourism Impact Assessment is to document and monitor species abundance and diversity in relation to presence of human activity. GVI is collecting this data, in conjunction with MINAE, to accurately assess the degree to which tourists are influencing the park’s biodiversity. Methods Aquatic Trails This part of the study involves surveying four aquatic line transects within the National Park; Rio Tortuguero (access route), Caño Harold, Caño Chiquero and Caño Mora. Transects are commenced before 06:00am on a weekly basis. Six researchers record avian, reptilian and mammalian species activity and the following data is collected: Time

Distance

Species

# ♀♂

Cue

On/Off Site

Habitat

Notes

Distance is recorded with a GPS, and is the position of the species relative to the start point of each transect. Species are identified based on audio and/or visual cues and it is determined whether species are on or off the site, ie. within - 16 -

(on) or outside (off) the canal habitat. Tourist activity is also recorded during each survey such as number of visitors (incl. guide and boat captain) and the type of boat (canoe – ie. no motor, electric motor, 4-stroke motor). Terrestrial Trail The Sendero Gavilán is a terrestrial loop trail, 1.920 meters long, located immediately south of the Park Head Office, Cuatro Esquinas. It is surveyed on a weekly basis during the morning hours, usually starting at 06:00. Up to three researchers commence at Cuatro Esquinas, and walk counter-clockwise around the trail. Data is collected on the presence of avian, reptilian and mammalian species and the following data is recorded: Time

Distance

Species

# ♀♂

Cue

On/Off Site

Habitat

Notes

Other data collected include type of litter found present on the trail and tourist activity. Trail enlargement from original trail size was also measured at the beginning of the study in October 2005. Strawberry Poison Dart Frog transects Presence/absence data is collected on Strawberry Poison Dart frogs (Dendrobates pumilio) along two transects cut west (100m from Sendero Gavilán) and south (500m from Sendero Gavilán) of the trail, respectively. This frog species is hypothesized to be very low in abundance in the National Park.

Results Aquatic trails 4 aquatic trails were surveyed 13 times each. The average time to complete all three trails was around 3.75 hours. Four mammals species were recorded: Howler Monkeys (Allouata palliate), Spider Monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi), Whitefaced Capuchins (Cebus capucinus), and the Neotropical River Otter (Lutra longicaudis). 6 reptile species were identified, including the target species Black river turtle (Rhinoclemmys funerea) and Spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus ). 65 species of birds were also identified on the aquatic trails, including the target species Ahninga (Anhinga anhinga), Green-backed Heron (Butorides virescens) and the Bare-throated Tiger-Heron (Tigrisoma mexicanum). Caño Chiquero: 4 mammal species recorded, 6 reptile species, and 51 species of birds identified. Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea) was recorded in the greatest abundance, followed by Montezuma Oropendola (Gymnostinops Montezuma), Green-backed Heron (Butorides virescens), Great Green Macaw (Ara ambigua), and Stripe-Breasted Wren (Thryothorus thoracicus). Caño Harold: 4 mammals species identified, 6 reptiles, and 46 bird species were recorded. Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea) was recorded in the greatest abundance, followed by Green-backed Heron (Butorides virescens), - 17 -

Western Slaty-backed Antshrike (Thamnophilus atrinucha), and Ringed Kingfisher (Ceryle torquatus). Caño Mora: 2 mammal species identified, 2 reptiles, and 25 bird species were recorded. Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea) was recorded in the greatest abundance, followed by Green-backed Heron (Butorides virescens), Montezuma Oropendola (Gymnostinops Montezuma), and Western Slatybacked Antshrike (Thamnophilus atrinucha). Terrestrial Trail Sendero Gavilán was sampled five times, for approximately one hour each area search. Three species of mammals, one amphibian, one reptile and twenty species of birds were recorded. Strawberry Poison Dart Frog transects The two transects were sampled five times during Phase 2. No Dendrobates pumilio were recorded, however, a Red-eyed Leaf Frog (Agalychnis callidryas) and a Rainfrog (Leptodactylidae sp.) were recorded on these transects. Discussion Implementation of the Tourist Impact Assessment for Tortuguero National Park was initiated by GVI during Phase 2. Although methodologies have been identified, the data collected is at the preliminary stage, where further modifications and increased data samples are necessary in 2006. All target species (birds, reptiles and mammals) were observed on the aquatic trails during surveys and data on visitor numbers and mode of fluvial transport was also recorded. This is very important and quantifiable data which is necessary to properly assess the possible negative impact tourist presence has on wildlife within the Park. However, the sample sizes are too small at the moment and more data should be collected before any trends or analysis can take place. The absence of Strawberry Poison Dart frogs is not surprising as there is a general consensus in Tortuguero and with the National Park staff at Cuatro Esquinas that this species has not been observed in the last 4 years. With further data collection in 2006, the data set should cover all/most seasons at some point and preliminary conclusions can be made to determine the absence/presence of Strawberry Poison Dart frogs on the Sendero Gavilán.

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6. TOURISM FEEDBACK QUESTIONNAIRES Introduction As part of the Management Plan for Visitors to Tortuguero National Park, MINAE is interested in receiving feedback from national and international visitors in order to improve services and structure of the Park. Aim Due to the lack of human resources GVI has been asked to help improve and distribute visitor questionnaires as well as collecting and analyse the data. Methods Up to 3 Expedition Members and one staff member distribute questionnaires (20 questions) in English and Spanish to national and international visitors at various tourist lodges and in the town of Tortuguero. The completed questionnaires are handed back to GVI on the same occasion and data is subsequently collated in an Excel spread sheet. Results Questionnaires in English and Spanish were developed by MINAE and GVI has improved and modified them to enable quantitative data collection and analysis. 20 questions cover a range of areas such as marketing, logistics, time spent in park and quality of various services. A total of 196 questionnaires were completed by visitors in 7 different lodges/hotels/guesthouses in Tortuguero in the period between 13 October and 7 December 2005. However, there is a major bias since the majority (52.8%) were collected from visitors at Pachira Lodge, where most visitors are either nationals or from Spain. The total also includes nine questionnaires (collected from visitors at Pachira Lodge) which were already distributed and collected by TNP Public Use staff, but are included in the data analysis conducted by GVI. Visitors were mostly from Spain (36.7% of total questionnaires), USA (13.3) and Holland (12.2). From the preliminary results it seems that the main reason for visiting the park is divided between Tropical Rainforest (57.7%) and Sea Turtles (56.6 %). Although the question only requires one answer, most visitors had several answers, hence the total of more than 100%. All other responses were more accurate, but still up to 5% of all responses were answered incorrectly. Discussion In agreement with MINAE, the data set so far is large enough to give a preliminary idea of how visitors experience the Park. The full analysis will be given to MINAE for review in January 2006 and possible management modifications may be put in place later in the year. In accordance with MINAE, GVI will distribute further questionnaires in August and September of 2006 and the data will add to preliminary analysis made available to MINAE in January 2006. Most visitors are extremely pleased with their visit to Tortuguero National Park and the majority come to experience the tropical rainforest and naturally the - 19 -

nesting sea turtles. Although questionnaires have been distributed in 7 different tourist lodges/hotels, there has been a strong bias towards Pachira Lodge, where most visitors are Spanish. In August 2006 GVI will attempt to distribute the questionnaires more evenly between each hotel in order to get a more accurate representation of the opinion of visitors from different countries staying in different hotels.

CONCLUSION GVI has had a successful second phase in Tortuguero, Costa Rica, continuing the 4 established projects, modifying protocols and increasing the data collection. Strong links with Tortuguero National Park and MINAE have been reinforced and this has lead to the initiation and implementation of two new projects; Tourism Impact Assessment and Tourist Feedback Questionnaires. In collaboration with the Costa Rican Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) GVI has continued the data collection on Jaguar predation of sea turtles along the beach in Tortuguero National Park. GVI has documented that a total of 60 sea turtles have been killed by Jaguars since 10 July 2005. In partnership with COTERC, GVI has continued data collection for the turtle feasibility study on the beach north of the Tortuguero river mouth. The preliminary poaching rate of 50.4% indicates that further protection is necessary in order to secure better hatchling success and future conservation of sea turtles nesting on the North Beach of Tortuguero. GVI has continued to collect data for the Resident Bird Project in association with Steven Furino of Waterloo University, Canada. Phase 2 covered the migration period (September – November) of many North American species and this was reflected in the data. Protocols have been modified both for Area Searches and Point Counts to enable more comparative data collection. The English language lessons programme for adults and children of the community of San Francisco was continued in Phase 3. Lessons are now only 1 hour long twice a week and children are taught separately from the adults in the afternoons. Every student received a certificate as proof of attendance to the 8 week Language course. In order to help and prepare participating Expedition Members in the task of conducting the English language lessons, GVI aims to introduce a 2 day Introduction to Teaching English as a Foreign Language certification in 2006. Overall, the second expedition has been very successful in continuing modifications and data collection for the 4 projects established during Phase 1. In addition, our partnership with MINAE and Tortuguero National Park has become stronger by implementing two new projects as part of the Visitor Management Plan for Tortuguero National Park. GVI Costa Rica has now established a good range of projects which will provide valuable data to local, national and international partners and support further conservation of the Tortuguero Conservation Area. - 20 -