GVI Costa Rica

Coastal Rainforest and Wildlife

Research Expedition

Phase Report 094

October 2nd - December 11th 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 Aneurin Jones Country Director

Sara Calcada Field Coordinator
Richard Phillips Expedition Staff
Stephanny Arroyo Arce Expedition Staff
Sarah Durose Scholar
Jo Swanell Owen Scholar

And

Tucker Smith Thomas Proctor Volunteer Russell Pepper Intern

Volunteer

Brandon Alford Volunteer Tracy Farrell Volunteer Leonie Wilson Intern

Laura Oliver Volunteer Allie Coad Volunteer Molly Clifford Intern

David Thomas Volunteer Marcia Chambers Volunteer Sam Hopes Intern

Jennifer Morris Volunteer Susanne Brunner Volunteer Helen Wain Intern

Anja Dullaghan Volunteer Linn Holm Volunteer

GVI Costa Rica Coastal Rainforest and Wildlife Research Expedition

Address: Estación Biológica Caño Palma, Tortuguero, Costa Rica

Tel: (+506) 2709 8052
Email: costarica@gviworld.com

Web page:

http://www.gvi.co.uk

http://gvicostarica.blogspot.com
Table of Contents

1 General introduction .................................................................................................. 6

2 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 .................................................................................................... 10
4 Marine Turtle Monitoring and Conservation Programme ........................................ 11
4.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 11
4.2 Related links .................................................................................................... 13
5 Canal Bird Monitoring Programme .......................................................................... 13
5.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 14
5.2 Related links .................................................................................................... 17
6 Incidental Species Study ......................................................................................... 17
6.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 17
6.2 Related links .................................................................................................... 19
7 Great Green Macaw Research and Conservation Project ...................................... 19
7.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 20
8 Meteorology and Environmental Study ................................................................... 22
8.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 22
9 Tourist Impact Study ............................................................................................... 23
9.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 23
9.2 Related links .................................................................................................... 25
10 English Language and Environmental Education Classes...................................... 25
10.1 Summary ......................................................................................................... 26
10.2 Related links .................................................................................................... 27
11 Activities and Final Summary .................................................................................. 27

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 094 results for Playa Norte and Nesting Season so far .. 12

Table 5-1 General phase totals for all canals.................................................................. 14

Table 5-2 Unusual recordings for phase per canal ......................................................... 14

Table 5-3 Presence/absence of species for phase ......................................................... 15

Table 5-4 Presence/absence of species per canal for phase ......................................... 16

Table 6-1 Overview of incidental totals this phase.......................................................... 17

Table 6-2Special Interest sightings for phase ................................................................. 17

Table 6-3 Most commonly recorded species by class for phase .................................... 18

Table 7-1 Classifications for Ara ambigua records ......................................................... 20

Table 7-2 Ara ambigua records for Phase 093 & 094..................................................... 21

Table 8-1 Weekly environmental averages for phase..................................................... 22

Table 8-2 Monthly environmental averages for year....................................................... 22

Table 9-1 Boat use restriction on Caño Palma, Tortuguero, Costa Rica. ....................... 23

Table 9-2 General Canal boat impact data for phase ..................................................... 23

Table 9-4 Activity by usage type ..................................................................................... 24

List of Figures

Figure 9-1 Canal usage by tourist boat vs. non-tourist boat ........................................... 24

Figure 9-2 Breakdown of canal usage by Lodge............................................................. 24

Figure 9-3 Total number of boat by time for phase ......................................................... 25

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 to
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 forth volunteer cycle of 2009
(Phase 094: October 2nd – 11th December 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 all protocols can be found at http://gvicostarica.blogspot.com.
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

9 surveys were conducted this phase, covering 120.5 miles; making 246.5 miles for the
season (July 2009 – June 2010).

The phase data represented in the tables below covers the period from October 2nd to December 11th 2009.

Table 2-1 Breakdown of main results for phase and season

Jag sightings 0

Number of full turtles tracks this phase: 2770

Number of full turtles tracks this season: 17555

Number of newly recorded dead turtles this phase 81

Number of dead turtles this season (Jul – Jun): 162

Area of highest turtle activity this phase Mile 10

Area of highest jag activity this phase Mile 16-16.5

Area of highest turtle predation this phase Mile 14.5

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

GVI Costa Rica Makes Jaguar Newsletter: A new publication for GVI Costa Rica

Jaguar sighting: notes from the field

Jaguar Paradise? Presentation to the Defenders of Wildlife Carnivores Conference 2009

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 October 2nd to December 11th 2009.

Table 3-1 General data

Number of cameras deployed in field 2

Number of trapping sites 2

Table 3-2 Trapping site information

GPS Cam site one N: 103020.3, W:832904.5

Position (NNMM) 5.5
Date set 10/10/2009
Hawkersbaker Wild Cat Lure
Bait #2

Dates checked 10/17/2009

Number of trapping nights 6
Site results for phase none

GPS Cam site two N: 102257.4, W: 832439.6

Position (MM) 15.5
Date set 25/10/2009
Hawkersbaker Wild Cat Lure
Bait #2

Dates checked 1/11/2009

Number of trapping nights 7
Site results for phase None
Table 3-3 Presence / absence (1/0) of known species this phase

Species Site One Site Two

Baird's tapir (Tapirus bairdii) 0 0
Central American spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi) 0 0
Central American woolly opossum (Caluromys derbianus) 0 0
Collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu) 0 0
Common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) 0 0
Gray four-eyed opossum (Philander opossum) 0 0
Great curassow (Crax rubra) 0 0
Jaguar (Panthera onca) 0 0
Mantled howler monkey (Alouatta palliata) 0 0
Margay (Leopardus wiedii) 0 0
Nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) 0 0
Northern racoon (Procyon lotor) 0 0
Paca (Agouti paca) 0 0
Red brocket deer (Mazama americana) 0 0
Tayra (Eira barbara) 0 0
White-throated capuchin (Cebus capucinus) 0 0
White-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) 0 0
White-nosed coati (Nasua narica) 0 0
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) 0 0

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=39758387678:
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
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 094, 68 morning surveys and 47 night surveys were completed. A total of
4005.37 miles were walked on morning surveys and night surveys together this season
for a total of 2027 hours of survey.

This phase we have recorded the presence of green and hawksbill turtles nesting on
Playa Norte. For the season, we have also recorded leatherback turtles.
Table 4-1 Summary of Phase 094 results for Playa Norte and Nesting Season so far

54% Natural; 19% Unknown; 27% Poached;

Status of nests this phase determined by MC 0% Eroded

68% Natural; 14% Unknown; 17% Poached;

Status of nests this season determined by MC 1% Eroded

Number of nests recorded this phase DC: 0; Cm: 26; Ei: 0; Cc: 0

Number of nests recorded this season Dc: 70; Cm 169; Ei: 19; Cc: 0

Area of highest nesting this phase Mile 0.37 & 1.12 & 2.62

Area of highest nesting this season Mile 0.37

Number of relocations this phase Dc 0; Ei 0

Number of relocations this season Dc 31; Ei 1

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 0; Cm 3; Ei 0; Cc 0

Number of REM this phase Dc 0; Cm 10; Ei 0; Cc 0

Number renesting turtles this phase Dc 0; Cm 0; Ei 0; Cc 0

Area of highest HLF this phase Mile 0.62; Mile 1 & 3

Number of hatched nests this season Dc 25; Cm 19; Ei 4; Cc 0

Number of hatchlings this phase Dc 0; Cm 1399; Ei 0; Cc 0

Number of hatchlings this season Dc 1100; Cm 1534; Ei 608; Cc 0

Status of excavated nests this phase 46% Natural; 22% Partially Poached; 19% Poached; 5%
Predated; 8% Eroded
67% Natural; 13% Partially Poached; 13% Poached; 2%
Status of excavated nests this season Predated; 5% Eroded

Percentage success rate for normal nests

this season Dc: 36%; Cm: 81%; Ei: 93%
Percentage success rate for relocated nests Dc 48%; Ei: 0%
this season

Number of LIF records this season 6

Number of DEC records this season 4

Full 2009 season reports for leatherbacks, greens and hawksbills will be available in
2010.

4.2 Related links

Red 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&Ite
mid=143

Late leatherbacks by Lisa Spencer: notes from the field

Slick recovery: notes from the field

Marine Turtle Monitoring and Conservation: Presentation to Mesoamerican Congress

2009

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

The phase data represented in the tables below covers the period from October 2nd to December 11th 2009.

Table 5-1 General phase totals for all canals

Canal   Number of surveys

AQT only Surveys 2
Caño Palma 8
Caño Chiquero 8
Caño Harold 8

Number of species recorded Phase Total

Caño Palma 16
Caño Chiquero 12
Caño Harold 17
AQTs 17
Total 23

Number of individuals recorded Phase Total

Caño Palma 150
Caño Chiquero 78
Caño Harold 134
AQTs 544
Total 906

Table 5-2 Unusual recordings for phase per canal

Canal Species
Caño Palma Agami Heron, Boat-billed Heron, Cattle Egret, Gray-necked Wood-rail
Caño Chiquero Gray-necked Wood-rail, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Snowy Egret
Caño Harold Great Blue Heron, Limpkin
AQTs Great Blue 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) 1
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) 1
Boat-billed heron (Cochlearius cochlearius) 1
Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) 1
Gray-necked Wood-Rail (Aramides cajanea) 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-Rufous kingfisher (Chloroceryle inda) 1
Least bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) 0
Limpkin (Aramus guarauna) 1
Little blue heron (Egretta caerulea) 1
Neotropical cormorant (Phalacrocorax olivaceus) 0
Northern jacana (Jacana spinosa) 1
Purple gallinule (Porphyrula martinica) 0
Reddish egret (Egretta rufescens) 0
Ringed kingfisher (Ceryle torquata) 1
Rufescent tiger-heron (Tigrisoma lineatum) 1
Snowy egret (Egretta thula) 1
Sunbittern (Eurypyga helias) 0
Sungrebe (Heliornis fulica) 1
Tricoloured heron (Egretta tricolour) 0
White-throated crake (Laterallus albigularis) 0
Yellow-crowned night heron (Nyctanassa violacea) 1
Total Species 23
Table 5-4 Presence/absence of species per canal for phase

Palma 1/0 Chiquero 1/0 Harold 1/0 AQT's 1/0

Agami heron 1 Agami heron 0 Agami heron 0 Agami heron 0
Amazon kingfisher 1 Amazon kingfisher 1 Amazon kingfisher 1 Amazon kingfisher 1
American pygmy American pygmy American pygmy American pygmy
1 0 1 0
kingfisher kingfisher kingfisher kingfisher
Anhinga 1 Anhinga 1 Anhinga 1 Anhinga 1
Bare-throated Bare-throated Bare-throated Bare-throated
1 1 1 1
tiger-heron tiger-heron tiger-heron tiger-heron
Belted kingfisher 1 Belted kingfisher 0 Belted kingfisher 0 Belted kingfisher 1
Boat-billed heron 1 Boat-billed heron 0 Boat-billed heron 1 Boat-billed heron 0
Cattle egret 1 Cattle egret 0 Cattle egret 0 Cattle egret 1
Gray-necked Gray-necked Gray-necked Gray-necked
1 1 0 0
wood-rail wood-rail wood-rail wood-rail
Great blue heron 0 Great blue heron 0 Great blue heron 1 Great blue heron 1
Great egret 1 Great egret 1 Great egret 1 Great egret 1
Green heron 1 Green heron 1 Green heron 1 Green heron 1
Green ibis 1 Green ibis 1 Green ibis 1 Green ibis 1
Green kingfisher 1 Green kingfisher 0 Green kingfisher 1 Green kingfisher 1
Green-and-rufous Green-and-rufous Green-and-rufous Green-and-rufous
1 1 1 1
kingfisher kingfisher kingfisher kingfisher
Least bittern 0 Least bittern 0 Least bittern 0 Least bittern 0
Limpkin 0 Limpkin 0 Limpkin 1 Limpkin 0
Little blue heron 0 Little blue heron 1 Little blue heron 1 Little blue heron 1
Neotropical Neotropical Neotropical Neotropical
0 0 0 0
cormorant cormorant cormorant cormorant
Northern jacana 0 Northern jacana 0 Northern jacana 0 Northern jacana 1
Purple gallinule 0 Purple gallinule 0 Purple gallinule 0 Purple gallinule 0
Reddish egret 0 Reddish egret 0 Reddish egret 0 Reddish egret 0
Ringed kingfisher 1 Ringed kingfisher 0 Ringed kingfisher 1 Ringed kingfisher 1
Rufescent tiger- Rufescent tiger- Rufescent tiger- Rufescent tiger-
0 1 0 0
heron heron heron heron
Snowy egret 0 Snowy egret 1 Snowy egret 1 Snowy egret 1
Sunbittern 0 Sunbittern 0 Sunbittern 0 Sunbittern 0
Sungrebe 0 Sungrebe 1 Sungrebe 1 Sungrebe 1
Tricoloured heron 0 Tricoloured heron 0 Tricoloured heron 0 Tricoloured heron 0
White-throated White-throated White-throated White-throated
0 0 0 0
crake crake crake crake
Yellow-crowned Yellow-crowned Yellow-crowned Yellow-crowned
1 0 0 1
night heron night heron night heron night heron
Total Species 16 Total Species 12 Total Species 16 Total Species 17
5.2 Related links

Rufescent’s Return: Notes from the field - seasonal update

Aquatic Avifauna of Tortuguero National Park: 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 October 2nd 2009 – December 11th
2009.

Table 6-1 Overview of incidental totals this phase

Number of species recorded this phase 119

Total number of records this phase 1706

Table 6-2Special Interest sightings for phase

Species Number of records

Great Green Macaw (Ana ambiguous) 1
Hoffmann's Two-toed Sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni) 1
Honduran White Bat (Ectophylla Alba) 5
Tayra (Eira Barbara) 2
Black and White Owl (Ciccaba nigrolineata) 3

Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) 1

Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor) 1
 Table 6-3 Most commonly recorded species by class for phase

Birds Mammals Amphibians Reptiles

Days Days Days Days
Species recorded Species recorded Species recorded Species recorded
(%) (%) (%) (%)

Great Strawberry Green

Mantled Howler
Kiskadee Poison Dart Frog Iguana
89% Monkey (Alouatta 96% 89% 83%
(Pitangus (Dendrobates (Iguana
palliata)
sulphuratus) pumilio) iguana)
White-
Brazilian Long- Green
collared
nosed Bat Marine Toad (Bufo basilisk
Manakin 85% 90% 51% 80%
(Rhynchonycteris marinus) (Basiliscus
(Manacus
naso) plumifrons)
candei)
Violet- Central
Mexican Mouse
crowned Common Tink American
Opossum
Woodnymph 71% 66% Frog (Herotilapia 24% Whiptail 77%
(Marmosa
(Thalurania multispinisa) (Ameiva
mexicana)
colomica) festiva)
Chestnut- Yellow-
Central Smoky Jungle
mandibled headed
American Spider Frog
Toucan 68% 42% 21% Gecko 65%
Monkey (Ateles (Leptodactylus
(Ramphastos (Gonatodes
geoffroyi) pentadactylus)
swainsonii) albogularis)
Fitzinger's Rain Spectacled
Clay-colored White-throated
Frog Caiman
Robin 65% Capuchin (Cebus 24% 17% 38%
(Eleutherodactylus (Caiman
(Turdus grayi) capucinus)
fitzingeri) crocodilus)

Figure 6-4 Most commonly recorded species for phase (recorded ≥75% of days)
Table 6-5 Target species records for phase 094

Target species recorded this Phase Number of records

Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) 59

Strawberry Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates pumilio) 63
Marine Toad (Bufo marinus) 36
Black River Turtle (Rhinoclemmys funereal) 11
Great Potoo (Nyctibius grandis) 13
Central American Spider Monkey (Ateles geoffroyi) 30
Neotropical River Otter (Lutra longicaudis) 6
Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) 0

     

Figure 6-6 Some incidental records for the phase: Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor), White Bat
(Ectophylla alba), Hoffmann’s Two Toed Sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni)

6.2 Related links

Priceless Monitoring without Cost: Poster to the Mesoamerican Congress 2009

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 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.

Since this protocol was introduced in November 2008 there have been 40 sightings of
Great Green Macaws by GVI Expedition Members. Of these 40 records, 22 were during
Phase 094.

7.1 Results

The phase data represented in the tables below covers the period from June 26th 2009 – December 11th
2009.

Table 7-1 Classifications for Ara ambigua records

Activity (A) Habitat (H) Conditions (C)

1. Feeding a. Primary or secondary forest 1. Rain
2. Resting b. Open area, e.g.: field or garden 2. Cloud/fog
3. Nesting c. Forest edge 3. Other (describe)
4. Drinking water d. Plantation/reforestation area (what type)
5. Flying e. Other (describe)
6. Other (describe)
Table 7-2 Ara ambigua records for Phase 093 & 094

Date Hour Place # A H Tree Type C

In front of Caño Palma Station -
03/07/2009 10:43 4 2 c Almendro tree 2
across the canal - going South
04/07/2009 7:30 End of AQT01 3 5 b 2
07/07/2009 5:35 Caño Palma Canal 11 5 2
23/07/2009 7:00 CPA03 3 5 c 3
15/09/2009 Caño Palma Station
07/10/2009 7:00 Caño Palma Station 4 5
Tortuguero National Park
24/10/2009 6:15 2 5 a 2
Aquatic Trail Section 1
Caño Chiquero, Tortuguero
24/10/2009 7:20 2 5 a 2
National Park
Caño Chiquero, Tortuguero
31/10/2009 6:15 2 5 a 3
National Park
On Caño Penetencia, Just North
31/10/2009 16:00 3 5 a 2
of San Fran
On main canal 5 mins South of
01/11/2009 15:50 3 5 a 3
Tortuguero
Caño Harold, Tortuguero
02/11/2009 8:05 3 5 b 3
National Park
Caño Chiquero, Tortuguero
09/11/2009 6:41 8 5 a 2
National Park
Penetencia, at the power lines
10/11/2009 7:00 5 5 c 2
north of Tortuguero
16/11/2009 North of San Francisco 2 5 c 2
18/11/2009 13:30 North of San Francisco 4 2 c 2
North of San Francisco on
19/11/2009 14:10 2 5 c 2
Penetencia
National Park Rangers Station,
24/11/2009 6:55 1 2 c 2
Cuatro Esquinas
Just South of San Francisco
26/11/2009 16:30 2 2 a 3
village
Tortuguero National Park
28/11/2009 6:18 3 5 a 3
Aquatic Trail Section 2
Caño Chiquero, Tortuguero
28/11/2009 7:18 2 5 a 3
National Park
29/11/2009 16:15 San Francisco 2 5 c 2
04/12/2009 16:30 Tortugero National Park 3 5 c 3
Caño Harold, Tortuguero
05/12/2009 9:00 a 3
National Park
07/12/2009 15:16 Penetencia 6 5 c 3
09/12/2009 6:15 Tortuguero National Park 2 5 a 3
09/12/2009 16:45 Caño Palma Station 2 a 3
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

The phase data represented in the tables below covers the period from October 2nd 2009 – December 11th
2009.

Table 8-1 Weekly environmental averages for phase

Rainfall Average Humidity Average Canal Depth

Week Max Temp (6PM) Min Temp (6AM)
(mm) (%) (cm)
one 127.70 32.57 19.86 88.14 103.43
two 97.60 31.00 19.86 87.07 115.71
three 24.40 26.00 18.00 80.36 86.93
four 96.70 30.43 20.29 88.71 84.14
five 65.90 29.29 19.86 87.71 94.43
six 128.50 29.86 20.43 88.71 93.53
seven 350.50 27.00 20.43 89.71 131.79
eight 344.30 27.67 20.00 89.21 153.82
nine 173.40 30.29 20.14 88.64 117.36
ten 48.50 29.83 21.00 87.86 97.50

Table 8-2 Monthly environmental averages for year

Max Temp Average Average Canal

Month Rainfall (mm) (6PM) Min Temp (6AM) Humidity (%) Depth (cm)
Jan 160.2 32 16 88.1 101.8
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 113.08 32 17 84.95 89.75
July 178.5 34 19 86.21 105.93
Aug 133.8 35 17 84.56 98.61
Sept 341.5 32.73 20.08 86.36 97.34
Oct 361.4 30.23 19.58 86.21 97.76
Nov 968.1 26.57 20.2 85.9 116.78
Dec
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, alongside any other evidence, such as the
number of tourists and the type of engine 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 October 2nd 2009 – December 11th
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 53

Average number of passengers per tour boat for phase 10
Average number of passengers per lodge transfer for phase 12
Average number of passengers per work associated boat for phase 3
Average number of passengers per private boat for phase 4
Average number of people per survey day 353
Most commonly recorded tourist boat for phase Esmeralda
Most commonly recorded non tourist / private boat for phase Lusia
Most commonly recorded lodge for phase Vista Al Mar
Table 9-3 Activity by usage type

Total number of tourist boats 309

Total number of non-tourist boats 168
Total number of passengers in tourist boats 2668
Total number of passengers in non-tourist boats 505
Percentage of boats using 4s engines 79%

Figure 9-1 Canal usage by tourist boat vs. non-tourist boat

Figure 9-2 Breakdown of canal usage by Lodge

Figure 9-3 Total number of boat by time for phase

9.2 Related links

Ecotourism overflow: local implications of restrictive conservation Management: Poster

to the Mesoamerican Congress 2009

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.

The volunteers were also involved in helping the children make flowers and painting their
faces for participation in the community float at the Tortuguero community parade.

Community Event this phase was looking at Deforestation, and the team performed a
play in Spanish about a Macaw family being made homeless by deforestation. The
volunteers also had a seed and spoon race with the children and a crafts section making
puppets. Along with the children classes and assistance with community event and the
habitat healers, the volunteers also helped our community intern, Amelia, to set up a
recycling area at the local boat taxi rank. This is now allowing the local community to
separate plastic, paper and alluminium.
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

It is good to know that what is done here by GVI in Costa Rica can change a person’s
life. Bill Valaika, an ex-volunteer returned to Caño Palma after establishing an
organisation committed to clearing man-made rubbish off of beaches and from
communities. We hope that the Habitat Healers are able to continue their success of
recruiting volunteers to help clear rubbish off the beaches and continue to raise
awareness back in the USA.

Throughout the phase, we continued to support the Weaving for Nature project from
Widecast, raising over $293. 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

The phase started with welcoming back a past volunteer and scholar, Richard Phillips as
a Field Staff Member. We also saw the return of a former Field Staff Member, Sara
Calcada in her new role of Field Coordinator. Sara came back to replace David Jones as
he became the Country Director after the departure of Rebecca Chaverri who is moving
further afield to America. We wish everyone success in their new roles.

However, even though we say hello to some old friends, GVI said goodbye to two staff
members, Richard Bull and Wing Tsui after twelve months of work at Caño Palma. They
are off travelling and then heading back home and we wish them prosperity in their
future fields.

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