GVI Costa Rica

Coastal Rainforest and Wildlife

Research Expedition

Phase Report 081

11th January – 21st March 2008

Phase Report 083

11th July – 19th September 2008

 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 and Energy of Costa Rica (MINAE)

Produced by
David Jones – Base Manager
Rebeca Chaverri - Country Director
Diogo Verissimo – Expedition Staff
Sara Calçada – Expedition Staff
Brooke McIntyre – Expedition Staff
Richard Bull – Expedition Staff
Wing Tsui – Expedition Staff
Richard Phillips – Expedition Intern
Olivia Couchman – Expedition Intern

And

Jack Roper Expedition Member Alexandra Prebble Expedition Member

Vanessa Taylor Expedition Member Darcy McNicholl Expedition Member

Alex Page Expedition Member David Collins Expedition Member

Jennifer Hall Expedition Member Vicky Burt Expedition Member

Lynne Williamson Expedition Member Philip Truman Expedition Member

Bree Johnston Expedition Member Matthew Warner Expedition Member

Shelley Gregory Expedition Member Tiffany Lovelock Expedition Member

Sarah Mercer Expedition Member Belinda Judelman Expedition Member

Clare Prebble Expedition Member Jennifer Lieser Expedition Member

Jessica Spinelli Expedition Member

GVI Costa Rica Coastal Rainforest and Wildlife Research Expedition

Address: Estación Biológica Caño Palma, Tortuguero, Costa Rica

Tel: (+506) 2709 8052
Email: costarica@gvi.co.uk

Web page:

http://www.gvi.co.uk

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

1 General introduction .................................................................................................. 5

2 Jaguar Predation of Marine Turtles Study................................................................. 6
2.1 Results .............................................................................................................. 6
2.2 Related links ...................................................................................................... 7
3 Jaguar Camera Trapping Study ................................................................................ 7
3.1 Results .............................................................................................................. 8
3.2 Related links .................................................................................................... 10
4 Marine Turtle Monitoring and Conservation Programme ........................................ 10
4.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 11
4.2 Related links .................................................................................................... 13
5 Canal Bird Monitoring Programme .......................................................................... 13
5.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 14
6 Incidental Species Study ......................................................................................... 16
6.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 17
7 Meteorology and Environmental Study ................................................................... 19
7.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 19
8 Canal Boat Impact Study......................................................................................... 19
8.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 20
9 English Language and Environmental Education Classes...................................... 23
9.1 Summary ......................................................................................................... 23
10 Activities and Final Summary .................................................................................. 25

List of Tables

Table 2-1 Breakdown of main results for phase and season .......................................6

Table 3-1 General data ................................................................................................8

Table 3-2 Trapping site information .............................................................................8

Table 3-3 Presence / absence of known species this phase .......................................9

Table 4-1 Summary of Phase 083 results for Playa Norte and Nesting Season so far
...................................................................................................................................11

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 6-2 Most commonly recorded species by class for phase ...............................17

Table 6-3 Special Interest sightings for phase ...........................................................18

Table 7-1 Weekly environmental averages for phase................................................19

Table 7-2 Monthly environmental averages for year..................................................19

Table 8-1 Boat use restriction on Caño Palma, Tortuguero, Costa Rica. ..................20

Table 8-2 General Canal boat impact data for phase ................................................20

Table 8-3 Average canal usage for phase by ACTo time restriction..........................21

Table 8-4 Activity by usage type ................................................................................21

List of Figures

Figure 2-1 Jaguar photographed on TNP beach this phase ........................................7

Figure 3-1 Red brocket deer (female), white-nosed coati and a male red brocket deer
at night. ........................................................................................................................9

Figure 4-1 Nest Status as determined by morning census Jan – September 2008...12

Figure 6-1 Most commonly recorded species for phase (recorded ≥75% of days) ....18

Figure 6-2 Photos of EBCP incidentals......................................................................18

Figure 8-1 Percentage canal usage tourist vs. non-tourist.........................................22

Figure 8-2 Breakdown of canal usage by Tourist Lodge............................................22

Figure 8-3 Total number of boat by time for phase ....................................................23

1 General introduction

In July 2005, GVI established the Costa Rica expedition based at Estación BIológica
Caño Palma (EBCP), Tortuguero.

The biological station is located in the southern section of the Barra del Colorado
Wildlife Refuge (BCWR) directly to the north of Tortuguero National Park (TNP). The
area of operation for the expedition covers both TNP and the BCWR; both of which
are included in the Tortuguero Conservation Area (ACTo). The area consists of a
collection of waterways running through Caribbean lowland rainforest. The coastal
habitats are generally similar in type throughout the area of operation with small
variation in boarding habitats, width of the beach and quantity and type of debris
found on the beach. The forest habitats vary more considerably with several distinct
habitats being present. Altitudinal differences of a couple metres have a large effect
on both habitat and species composition in the area. Lower areas, such as those
found around the station, tend have large areas of flooded forest whereas the drier
areas associated to the National Park tend to only be submerged during times of
flooding.

The EBCP was purchased in 1991, by the Canadian Organization for Tropical
Education and Rainforest Conservation (COTERC). Prior to GVI’s arrival a number of
studies had been undertaken, looking at various species and habitats but no longer
term monitoring projects had been possible. GVI Costa Rica’s volunteer resource
made long-term studies possible and needs were assessed and partnerships
sourced. Currently, GVI Costa Rica is working closely with MINAE, 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 third volunteer cycle of
2008 (Phase 083: 11th July – 19th September). 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 the Costa Rican
Ministry for the Environment and Energy (MINAE) since July 2005. The aim of this
project is to determine whether predation of marine turtles by jaguars (Panthera
onca) in TNP is having an impact on the marine turtle populations.

Data collection for this project involves documenting evidence of jaguar predation of
marine sea turtles. On a weekly basis, a survey team walk 14.5 miles on the beach
of TNP. Information is collected, such as, the number and location of predated
turtles and the presence / absence of turtle and jaguar tracks per half mile on the
beach. Other general information is also recorded, including weather and sand
conditions on the beach.

2.1 Results

Nine surveys were conducted this phase, covering 130.5 miles; making 130.5 miles
for the season (beginning July).

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

1
Jag sightings

14080
Number of full turtles tracks this phase:

14080
Number of full turtles tracks this season:

91
Number of newly recorded dead turtles this phase

127
Number of dead turtles this year

91
Number of dead turtles this season (Jul – Jun):

11.5
Area of highest turtle activity this phase

13.5, 15.5, 17
Area of highest jag activity this phase

7.5
Area of highest turtle predation this phase
Figure 2-1 Jaguar photographed on TNP beach this phase

2.2 Related links

Sociedad Mesoamericana para la Biología y la Conservación: GVI

Costa Rica had an abstract for predation of marine turtles accepted
to the conference in El Salvador in November.

Read notes from the field in two features from Predation: Walk of life
– featuring the less gory side of the survey and The elusive jaguar by Jessica
Spinelli, the story of the rare perk that comes with recording data on jaguars!

seaturtle.org - Image Library: GVI Costa Rica images of jaguar

predated turtles - free access for educational purposes.

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 developed and analysed by the team
back at the research station.

3.1 Results

Table 3-1 General data

Number of cameras deployed in field

12

Number of trapping sites

6

Table 3-2 Trapping site information

Cam site one Cam site two

Position (MM) 15 Position (MM) 15
Cameras in use Cameras in use
Date set 20-Jul-08 Date set 20-Jul-08
Bait Bait

03-Aug-08, 10-Aug-08, 24- 04-Aug-08, 24-Aug-08, 14-

Dates checked Aug-08, 08-Sep-08 Dates checked Sep-08
1x Great curassow, 1x
Results None Results Spider monkey

Cam site three Cam site four

Position (MM) 7 Position (MM)
Cameras in use Cameras in use 7
Date set 23-Jul-08 Date set
Bait Bait 23-Jul-08

06-Aug-08, 27-Aug-08, 12-

Dates checked Sep-08 Dates checked 6-Aug-08, 27-Aug-08
5x Red brocket deer, 2x
Common opossum, 2x 2x Coati, 2x Agouti, 1x
Results Agouti, 1x Coati Results Red brocket deer

Cam site five Cam site six

Position (MM) 6 Position (MM) 15
Cameras in use Cameras in use
Date set 28-Jul-08 Date set 31-Aug-08
Bait Bait

08-Aug-08, 27-Aug08, 12-

Dates checked Sep-08 Dates checked 14-Sep-08
3x Red brocket deer, 1x
Results Paca Results None
Table 3-3 Presence / absence of known species this phase

Site Site Site

Species One Site Two Three Site Four Five Site Six
Agouti (Dasyprocta
punctata) 0 0 1 1 0 0
Baird's tapir (Tapirus
bairdii) 0 0 0 0 0 0
Central American spider
monkey (Ateles
geoffroyi) 0 1 0 0 0 0
Collared peccary
(Tayassu tajacu) 0 0 0 0 0 0
Gray four-eyed
opossum (Philander
opossum) 0 0 0 0 0 0
Great curassow (Crax
rubra) 0 1 0 0 0 0
Jaguar (Panthera onca) 0 0 0 0 0 0
Mantled howler monkey
(Alouatta palliata) 0 0 0 0 0 0
Margay (Leopardus
wiedii) 0 0 0 0 0 0
Nine-banded armadillo
(Dasypus
novemcinctus) 0 0 0 0 0 0
Northern racoon
(Procyon lotor) 0 0 0 0 0 0
Paca (Agouti paca) 0 0 0 0 1 0
Red brocket deer
(Mazama americana) 0 0 1 1 1 0
Tayra (Eira barbara) 0 0 0 0 0 0
White-faced capuchin
(Cebus capucinus) 0 0 0 0 0 0
White-lipped peccary
(Tayassu pecari) 0 0 0 0 0 0
White-nosed coati
(Nasua narica) 0 0 1 1 0 0
White-tailed deer
(Odocoileus virginianus) 0 0 0 0 0 0

Figure 3-1 Red brocket deer (female), white-nosed coati and a male red brocket deer at night.
3.2 Related links

http://www.facebook.com/posted.php?id=39758387678#/group.php?gid=397583876
78: View many of our camera trap images and much more.

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 083, 70 morning surveys and 115 night surveys were completed. A
total of 2569 miles were walked on morning surveys and night surveys together this
season for a total of 1382 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 083 results for Playa Norte and Nesting Season so far

77% Natural; 9% Unknown; 14% Poached

Status of nests found this phase

78% Natural; 10% Unknown; 12% Poached

Status of nests found this season

Dc: 0; Cm: 294; Ei: 15; Cc: 0

Number of nests recorded this phase

Dc: 90; Cm: 320; Ei: 24; Cc: 0

Number of nests recorded this season

Mile 2 7/8
Area of highest nesting this phase

Mile 2 7/8
Area of highest nesting this season

Dc: 0; Ei: 0
Number of relocations this phase

Dc: 9; Ei: 0
Number of relocations this season

23: 00 - 00: 00
Hour with the most encountered turtles this phase

23: 00 - 00: 00
Hour with the most encountered turtles this season

Dc: 0; Cm: 48; Ei: 3; Cc: 0

Number of REC this phase

Dc: 0; Cm: 43; Ei: 0; Cc: 0

Number of REM this phase

Dc: 0; Cm: 13; Ei: 0; Cc: 0

Number renesting turtles this phase

Mile 2/8
Area of highest HLF this phase
 Dc: 15; Cm: 65; Ei: 4; Cc: 0
Number of hatched nests this season

Dc: 149; Cm:452 ; Ei: 73; Cc: 0

Number of hatchlings this phase

Dc: 713; Cm:5480 ; Ei: 348; Cc: 0

Number of hatchlings this season

70 % Natural; 0% Partially Poached; 30% Poached; 0% Predated;

0% Unknown
Status of excavated nests this phase

78 % Natural; 7% Partially Poached; 12% Poached; 1% Predated;

2% Unknown
Status of excavated nests this season

Percentage success rate for normal nests this

Dc: 77% ; Cm: 87% ; Ei: 66% ; Cc: N/A
season

Percentage success rate for relocated nests

Dc: 35% ; Cm: 93% ; Ei: N/A ; Cc: N/A
this season

11
Number of LIF records this season

3
Number of DEC records this season

Figure 4-1 Nest Status as determined by morning census Jan – September 2008

Drop Page Fields Here

Nest Status as determined by morning census Jan – September 2008

Count of Nest Status

Unknown

Nest Status Drop Series Fields Here

Poached

Natural

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%

Full 2008 season reports for leatherbacks, greens and hawksbills will be available in
2009.

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&
Itemid=143

Read some interesting notes from the field: Rescue

operation: the "unlifted" turtle by Alex Page and the staff
getting a chance to experience an evening with one of the
oldest marine turtle monitoring programmes in the world:
Turtle tagging training.

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

Table 5-1 General phase totals for all canals

Canal Number of surveys

7
Caño Palma
7
Caño Chiquero
7
Caño Harold

Number of species recorded Phase Total

10
Caño Palma
11
AQTs
12
Caño Chiquero
Caño Harold 13
All canal 16

Number of individuals recorded Phase Total

94
Caño Palma
158
AQTs
32
Caño Chiquero
77
Caño Harold
361
Total

Most commonly recorded species this phase

Green Ibis
Caño Palma
Northern Jacana
AQTs
Bare-throated Tiger-Heron
Caño Chiquero
Boat-billed Heron
Caño Harold
Green Ibis
Overall

Canal Number of hours on survey

24:00
Caño Palma
18:04
Caño Chiquero
25:10
Caño Harold
67:14
Total number of hours on survey

Table 5-2 Unusual recordings for phase per canal

Canal Unusual sightings recorded

Boat-billed Heron
Caño Palma
-------------------------
AQTs
Gray-necked wood-rail
Caño Chiquero
Gray-necked wood-rail, White-throated crake
Caño Harold
Table 5-3 Presence/absence of species for phase

Key
Uncommonly recorded
Uncommonly recorded on indicated canal

Study Species 1/0

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)
0
Belted kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon)
1
Boat-billed heron (Cochlearius cochlearius)
0
Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis)
1
Great blue heron (Ardea herodias)
0
Great egret (Casmerodius albus)
0
Green heron (Butorides s. virescens)
1
Green ibis (Mesembrinibis cayennensis)
1
Green kingfisher (Chloroceryle americana)
1
Green-and-Rufus kingfisher (Chloroceryle inda)
1
Gray-necked wood-rail (Aramides cajanea)
0
Least bittern (Ixobrychus exilis)
0
Limpkin (Aramus guarauna)
1
Little blue heron (Egretta caerulea)
0
Neotropical cormorant (Phalacrocorax olivaceus)
1
Northern jacana (Jacana spinosa)
0
Purple gallinule (Porphyrula martinica)
0
Reddish egret (Egretta rufescens)
1
Ringed kingfisher (Ceryle torquata)
0
Rufescent tiger-heron (Tigrisoma lineatum)
0
Snowy egret (Egretta thula)
0
Sunbittern (Eurypyga helias)
1
Sungrebe (Heliornis fulica)
0
Tricoloured heron (Egretta tricolour)
1
White-throated crake (Laterallus albigularis)
1
Yellow-crowned night heron (Nyctanassa violacea)
16
Total Species
Table 5-4 Presence/absence of species per canal for phase

Palma 1/0 AQTs 1/0 Chiquero 1/0 Harold 1/0

0 0 0 0
Agami heron Agami heron Agami heron Agami heron
1 1 1 1
Amazon kingfisher Amazon kingfisher Amazon kingfisher Amazon kingfisher
American pygmy American pygmy American pygmy American pygmy
1 0 1 1
kingfisher kingfisher kingfisher kingfisher
0 1 1 1
Anhinga Anhinga Anhinga Anhinga
Bare-throated Bare-throated Bare-throated tiger- Bare-throated
1 1 1 1
tiger-heron tiger-heron heron tiger-heron
0 0 0 0
Belted kingfisher Belted kingfisher Belted kingfisher Belted kingfisher
1 0 0 1
Boat-billed heron Boat-billed heron Boat-billed heron Boat-billed heron
0 0 0 0
Cattle egret Cattle egret Cattle egret Cattle egret
0 0 1 1
Great blue heron Great blue heron Great blue heron Great blue heron
0 0 0 0
Great egret Great egret Great egret Great egret
0 0 0 0
Green heron Green heron Green heron Green heron
1 1 1 1
Green ibis Green ibis Green ibis Green ibis
1 1 0 1
Green kingfisher Green kingfisher Green kingfisher Green kingfisher
Green-and-rufus Green-and-rufus Green-and-rufus Green-and-rufus
1 1 1 1
kingfisher kingfisher kingfisher kingfisher
Gray-necked Gray-necked Gray-necked wood- Gray-necked
1 1 1 1
wood-rail wood-rail rail wood-rail
0 0 0 0
Least bittern Least bittern Least bittern Least bittern
0 0 0 0
Limpkin Limpkin Limpkin Limpkin
0 1 1 0
Little blue heron Little blue heron Little blue heron Little blue heron
Neotropical Neotropical Neotropical Neotropical
0 0 0 0
cormorant cormorant cormorant cormorant
0 1 1 0
Northern jacana Northern jacana Northern jacana Northern jacana
0 0 0 0
Purple gallinule Purple gallinule Purple gallinule Purple gallinule
0 0 0 0
Reddish egret Reddish egret Reddish egret Reddish egret
1 1 1 1
Ringed kingfisher Ringed kingfisher Ringed kingfisher Ringed kingfisher
Rufescent tiger- Rufescent tiger- Rufescent tiger- Rufescent tiger-
0 0 0 0
heron heron heron heron
0 0 0 0
Snowy egret Snowy egret Snowy egret Snowy egret
0 0 0 0
Sunbittern Sunbittern Sunbittern Sunbittern
0 1 1 1
Sungrebe Sungrebe Sungrebe Sungrebe
0 0 0 0
Tricoloured heron Tricoloured heron Tricoloured heron Tricoloured heron
White-throated White-throated White-throated White-throated
0 0 0 1
crake crake crake crake
Yellow-crowned Yellow-crowned Yellow-crowned Yellow-crowned
1 0 0 0
night heron night heron night heron night heron
10 11 12 13
Total Species Total Species Total Species Total Species

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

Table 6-1 Overview of incidental totals this phase

Number of species recorded this phase 150

Total number of records this phase 2177

Table 6-2 Most commonly recorded species by class for phase

Birds Mammals Amphibians Reptiles

Days Days Days Days
Species recorded Species recorded Species recorded Species recorded
(%) (%) (%) (%)
Montezuma Mantled howler Strawberry
oropendola monkey poison frog Green basilisk
(Psarocolius (Alouatta (Dendrobates (Basiliscus
montezuma) 100 palliata) 100 pumilio) 85 plumifrons) 97
Olive-
backed Brazilian long-
euphonia nosed bat Marine toad Green iguana
(Euphonia (Rhynchonycteris (Bufo (Iguana
gouldi) 97 naso) 99 marinus) 59 Iguana) 96
White-
collared Central Smoki jungle Yellow-
manakin American frog headed gecko
(Manacus spider monkey (Leptodactylus (Gonatodes
candei) 97 (Ateles geoffroyi) 58 pentadactylus) 13 albogularis) 85
Central
Great White-faced Green American
kiskadee capuchin climbing toad Whiptail
(Pitangus (Cebus (Bufo (Ameiva
sulphuratus) 94 capucinus) 27 coniferus) 4 festiva) 83
Purple-
throated Neotropical Black river
fruit crow River Otter turtle
(Querula (Lutra (Rhinoclemmys
purpurata) 87 longicaudis) 4 funerea) 58
Figure 6-1 Most commonly recorded species for phase (recorded ≥75% of days)

Total number of records

50 55 60 65 70

Mantled Howler Monkey

Montezuma Oropendola

Brazillian Long-nosed Bat

Green Basilisk

Olive-backed Euphonia

White-collared Manakin

Green Iguana
Species

Great Kiskadee

Purple-throated Fruitcrow

Clay-colored Robin

Strawberry Poison Dart Frog

Yellow-headed Gecko

Central American Whiptail

Chestnut-mandibled Toucan

Black Vulture

Table 6-3 Special Interest sightings for phase

Species Number of records

American Coot (Fulica americana)
1
American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus)
1
Central American Coral Snake (Micrurus alleni)
1
Red-eyed tree frog (Agalychnis callidryas)
1
Spectacled Owl (Pulsatrix perspicillataI)
1

Figure 6-2 Photos of EBCP incidentals

Olive-backed euphonia and young, white tent-bat, green iguana and brown vine-snake
7 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.

7.1 Results

Table 7-1 Weekly environmental averages for phase

Av daily Max Temp Min Temp Average Humidity Average Canal

Week Total Rainfall
Rainfall (mm) (6PM) (6AM) (%) Depth (cm)
27 25.6 24.7 90.2 105.4 27
one
6 26.0 24.1 82.9 101.9 6
two
18 25.3 25.1 88.7 105.6 18
three
27 25.7 22.9 88.5 122.8 27
four
20 26.1 24.1 87.0 118.3 20
five
10 26.1 24.3 86.8 110.7 10
six
15 25.4 24.0 87.5 102.7 15
seven
2 27.8 24.2 84.7 98.0 2
eight
9 25.6 24.4 86.8 97.1 9
nine
9 28.4 23.0 88.5 92.2 9
ten

Table 7-2 Monthly environmental averages for year

Max Temp Min Temp Average Canal Depth

Month Rainfall (mm) (6PM) (6AM) Average Humidity (%) (cm)
Jan 6.3 28.6 22.5 82.1 110.4
Feb 3.8 28.8 22.6 83.4 87.2
March 3.2 30 23 79.8 89.1
Apr 4.8 30.1 24.3 82.5 93.2
May 3.5 30 24.5 83.4 90
Jun 23.2 26.7 24.6 78.0 106.1
July 13.3 25.6 24.4 84.3 104.8
Aug 17.3 25.8 24.4 84.3 104.4
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec

8 Canal Boat Impact Study

GVI Costa Rica has been assisting MINAE 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 8-1 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

8.1 Results

Table 8-2 General Canal boat impact data for phase

8
Number of surveys this phase

43
Average number of boats per day for the phase

12
Average number of passengers per tourist boat for phase

5
Average number of passengers per private boat for phase

43
Average number of people per day

Flutterby
Most commonly recorded tourist boat for phase

Luisa
Most commonly recorded private boat for phase

Turtle Beach Lodge

Most commonly recorded lodge for phase
Table 8-3 Average canal usage for phase by ACTo time restriction

Av Number of boats 06:00 – 08:00 11

Av Number of boats 08:00 – 10:00 9

Av Number of boats 10:00 – 12:00 5

Av Number of boats 12:00 – 14:00 5

Av Number of boats 14:00 – 16:00 7

Av Number of boats 16:00 – 18:00 6

Total number of boats for the phase 344

Table 8-4 Activity by usage type

252
Total number of tourist boats

92
Total number of non-tourist boats

2949
Total number of passengers in tourist boats

476
Total number of passengers in non-tourist boats

12
Percentage of boats using 4s engines
Figure 8-1 Percentage canal usage tourist vs. non-tourist

Tourist
Public

Figure 8-2 Breakdown of canal usage by Tourist Lodge

Blank

Verde Laguan

Public Taxi

Tours

Tortuga Lodge

Turtle Beach Lodge

Samoa
Lodge

Private

Pachira Lodge

Mawamba Lodge

Lagana Lodge

Jungle Tom

Evergreen Lodge

Don Edgar´s

Cano Palma

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Number of records
Figure 8-3 Total number of boat by time for phase

100
90
80
Number of Boats

70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
06:00 - 08:00 - 10:00 - 12:00 - 14:00 - 16:00 -
08:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00 18:00
Time of Day

9 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.

9.1 Summary

This phase saw the arrival of two GVI Costa Rica Community Interns, Vivian
Schoereder and Daniel Macedo, together with an MSc student, Sami Abdelmalik, a
COTERC Intern whose focus is Environmental Education.
The beginning of phase saw very little community contact due to lack of personnel
and resources, but after the arrival of the interns, classes were quickly re-
established. Nine basic English classes were conducted with adults and separately
with the children to assess the levels of classes required and interest. These classes
averaged eight children and between eight and twenty adults. As Vivian and Daniel
establish themselves within the community it is hoped they can design and plan a
syllabus of lessons specifically appropriate to the community in San Francisco. To
this end, we were also lucky enough to have input from Helene Moise, an ESL
teacher from Canada, who visited the station and brought many teaching resources
and ideas to aid the new interns.

We also completed six Intercambio lessons at the Evergreen Lodge Canopy Tour,
with between four and eleven participants.

Two Community Events were held as usual; the first focused on litter and recycling,
the second event followed on from this with a theme of composting, in preparation for
a proposed school garden

Towards the end of phase, Vivian and Daniel moved into the schoolhouse in San
Francisco, since which time they have been invited to attend school council meeting
and participate in several community activities, forging a tremendously positive
relationship between the biological station and the local community.
10 Activities and Final Summary

As we end an incredibly successful and active phase we have the chance to look
back over the last three months, which included: football and BBQs with the CCC;
our support and involvement in two fundraising and awareness festivals – one in
Tortuguero (Tortu-fest) and the other raising money for the school in San Francisco;
a trip out to sea to observe mating marine turtles; helping to transfer an injured
howler monkey to a rehabilitation centre in San José and with Rebeca’s return from
maternity leave, an invitation to judge posters at a national marine turtle symposium.

Find out more details from these and others at www.gvicostarica.blogspot.com .

Throughout the phase, we continued to support the Weaving for

Nature project from Widecast, raising over $200. The project
utilises waste plastic bags to make beautiful, long-lasting designs of
bags, purses and more. Find out more here:

http://latinamericanseaturtles.org/blog/?p=14
www.gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2008/09/weaving-for-nature.html
And finally, don’t forget to check out www.careersabroad.co.uk where you will find
out about job opportunities with us (and partners) first, because none of this is
possible without our dedicated staff and volunteers.

Thank you all,

global vision international Costa Rica.

conservation for everyone, everyone for conservation