the mile marker

this week’s news from Jalova Biological Research Station, 22nd january 2010

Training is over - data begins

Binoculars have been fine-tuned, sling-tying practiced, jag cameras tweaked, kingfishers identified...yes,
training is over and the serious business of data collection begins. GVI’s surveys at the new base are cur-
rently undergoing a degree of transformation to account for our new location - and to ensure that we
make the most of our privileged position in the National Park - but that doesn’t mean we can’t get out
there and start working.
And so the jag walkers were out this week (see below), the first mammal transect established, and the
incidentals project modified and expanded. Bird survey reccies will be on the cards before long too, and
our eager volunteers are happily getting stuck in to kit preps, communications and trekking through the
forest.
Also this week, the sun finally made an appearance. Days of interminable rain now seem a distant recol-
lection. Ah, the blue sky, the swaying palms, the beach right out front...pour me a mojito someone...
In fact it’s not all about loafng around under the palms (not advisable anyway unless you want to risk a
coconut bombardment), and we have been hard at work. Read on for details...

Jag Walk returns...in reverse

It was business as usual on the first Sunday af- at least we could buy chocolate brownies. This
ter training week, when Sarah lead the very first was a hot and challenging walk but I had a team
jag walk from Jalova. With the odd sensation of with motivation and stamina. ”
starting at our iconic mile 18 marker, the team
Jag walk finale: Emily, Lydia, Richard and Jeremy with guests Blanca the
- Sarah, Richard, Jeremy, Lydia and Emily - set off. dog and Dante, who somehow hitched a ride with Sarah.
They had a hard day with the heat - and lacking the
benefit of some turtle-season miles to prepare
them - but completed the survey in good time.
Not surprisingly for the time of year, there were
no new dead turtle records. However, plenty of
jag tracks were recorded. Richard reported, “It
was a very hot day - I’d strongly recommend an
umbrella to shade you from the sun, and double
socks to guard against blisters. However, it was
great to see jaguar tracks continuously from mile
174/8 to mile 6. We also saw a variety of other
tracks which we hope to identify.”
On the new (reverse) route, Sarah commented,
“Finishing at the Tortuguero end was strange but
Monkey Tails
With our move has come a dramat-
ic increase in the number of mon-
key sightings during surveys, and a
behavioural study is now underway
to try to expand our knowledge
about monkey behaviour and ecol-
ogy on the Carribean coast. Such
studies can be difficult however, as
10 weeker Jeremy discovered:
“It was really exciting just watch-
ing them, but all of a sudden, they
just started peeing on me,” he said
of the spider monkeys (Ateles geof-
froyi). When asked how this primate
put-down felt, he said, “It was re-
freshing.” That’s the spirit, Jeremy.
In order to collect valuable data
we will have to try and minimise
out impact - to prevent behaviour
directed towards us, such as that
experienced by Jeremy.
“Dress up as a tree and wait for
them to come to us,” suggested
working intern Sam. Construction
of said tree is unfortunately pro-
hibited due to the restrictions of
working in the National Park but
discussions for improved stealth
are underway.
Incidentally Speaking...
Due to the postion of our new habit the area, we have the time
base on a coconut farm 20 miles and resources to make a contri-
from Caño Palma - with its own bution to global species lists, and
microclimates and varied habi- volunteers have been donning
tats - the commonly found fauna binoculars and gathering up ID
we see on base are changing. books with gusto. Keen birder
GVI’s Incidentals surveys are Jonathan has counted up 80 bird
currently taking place in order species so far and intends to keep
to document species found in counting; “I think think there’s a
Tortuguero National Park (TNP). few more out there yet!”
These surveys now involve a 2hr With new ID plates and top
walk specifically searching for notch volunteer photographers,
one group of animals, such as we are hoping to build up com-
butterflies. puter archives for easier identifi-
Interns Molly, Russell, Sam and cation in the future.
Helen are organising the data
collected into zones that repre-
sent the different habitats found
at Jalova.
“We want to gain an idea about
how animals use the land around
us” said intern Helen. “We have
the opportunity to build up a re-
ally clear picture of TNP where
data with this level of detail has
not previously been collected.”
As the first researchers to in-
Above: Jonathan’s shot of a black
cheeked woodpecker

mammal transect underway

Our first mammal transect within the National Park has been set up this week. Flagging tape markers were
used to indicate 50 metre sections, but the team experienced some unexpected delays. A large boa on the
trail held them up briefly, before they came across a fallen tree that had blocked the transect. The route
makes use of an existing trail from mile 15 of the beach, and emerges at the edge of the canal. “We hope that
this kilometer of intermittent mud will give up a few secrets,” said project manager Jo.
The preparation work saw volunteers recruited for measuring, flagging
and clearing the fallen tree. Some of our team were a little uneasy at be-
ing involved in a spot of minor deforestation, but put a saw in their hand
and most became oddly enthusiastic (see pic).Thanks to their hard work
this project is now ready to roll and will kick off properly from Friday.

right: Boa constrictor encountered on the

trail. far right: Andrew and Charissa
helping to prepare the mammal transect.