GVI Costa Rica

Coastal Rainforest and Wildlife

Research Expedition

Phase Report 093

26th June – 4th September 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)

Submitted in part to:

The Ministry of Environment, Energy and Telecommunications of Costa Rica
(MINAET)

Produced by

David Jones Field Coordinator

Rebeca Chaverri Country Director
Richard Bull Expedition Staff
Wing Tsui Expedition Staff
Stephanny Arroyo Arce Expedition Staff
Sarah Durose Scholar
Sarah Shotwell Scholar
Haley Nedderman Intern

And

Laura Prideaux-Brune
Amanda Meehan Volunteer Charlotte Hemsley Volunteer
Volunteer
William Brideaux-
Brune Volunteer Haley Forbes Volunteer Morgan Early Volunteer

Rhiannon Harrington
Volunteer Michael Larson Volunteer Allison Antonson Volunteer

Katie May
Volunteer Emily Credit Volunteer Madeline Busch Volunteer
Katheryn
Molly Swailes
Volunteer Maschovich Volunteer Gabrielle Busch Volunteer

Bill Valaika
Volunteer Stuart Mott Volunteer Juan De La Fuente Volunteer
Sho Murphy-
Intern
Shigematsu Volunteer Melanie Simpson Volunteer Jessica Greenland

Caroline Holderfied Volunteer Adam Schifter 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 ........................................ 10
4.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 11
4.2 Related links .................................................................................................... 13
5 Canal Bird Monitoring Programme .......................................................................... 14
5.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 14
5.2 Related links .................................................................................................... 16
6 Incidental Species Study ......................................................................................... 17
6.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 17
7 Meteorology and Environmental Study ................................................................... 20
7.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 20
8 Tourist Impact Study ............................................................................................... 21
8.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 21
9 English Language and Environmental Education Classes...................................... 24
9.1 Summary ......................................................................................................... 24
9.2 Related links .................................................................................................... 25
10 Activities and Final Summary .................................................................................. 25

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...............................9

Table 4-1 Summary of Phase 093 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 ....................................................15

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 Special Interest sightings for phase ...........................................................17

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

Table 8-1 Weekly environmental averages for phase................................................20

Table 8-2 Monthly environmental averages for year..................................................20

Table 9-1 Boat use restriction on Caño Palma, Tortuguero, Costa Rica. ..................21

Table 9-2 General Canal boat impact data for phase ................................................21

Table 9-3 Total canal usage for phase by ACTo time restriction ...............................22

Table 9-4 Activity by usage type ................................................................................22

List of Figures

Figure 4-1 Nest Status as determined by morning census June – September 2009.13

Figure 9-1 Canal usage by tourist boat vs. non-tourist boat ......................................22

Figure 9-2 Breakdown of canal usage by Lodge........................................................23

Figure 9-3 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 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 third volunteer cycle of
2009 (Phase 093: June 26th - September 4th 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

8 surveys were conducted this phase, covering 116 miles; making 116 miles for the
season (July 2009 – June 2010).

The phase data represented in the tables below covers the period from June 26th 2009- September 4th
2009.

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

Jag sightings 0

Number of full turtles tracks this phase: 12,812

Number of full turtles tracks this season: 14,785

Number of newly recorded dead turtles this phase 91

Number of dead turtles this season (Jul – Jun): 81

Area of highest turtle activity this phase 10

Area of highest jag activity this phase 16.0 – 16.5

Area of highest turtle predation this phase 15.5 – 16.5

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 siting: notes from the field

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 to 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 June 26th 2009 – September 4th
2009.

Table 3-1 General data

Number of cameras deployed in field 4

Number of trapping sites 2

Table 3-2 Trapping site information

Cam site one N102226.9 Cam site two N102923.0

W832416.0 W832832.0
Position (MM) 16.5 Position (MM) 7
Date set 05/07/2009 Date set 14/07/2009, 04/08/2009
Bait Hawkersbaker Wild Cat Bait Hawkersbaker Wild Cat

12/07/2009, 19/07/2009, 21/07/2009, 11/08/2009,

Dates checked 02/08/2009 Dates checked 24/08/2009, 02/09/2009

Number of trapping Number of trapping

nights 29 nights 41

New Results N/A New Results N/A

Table 3-3 Presence / absence (1/0) of known species this phase

Species Site One Site Two

Agouti (Dasyprocta punctata) 0 0
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-faced 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=397583876
78: 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, exploring the drivers behind the
jaguar predation of marine turtles phenomenon.

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 093, 71 morning surveys and 132 night surveys were completed. A
total of 1134.5 miles were walked on morning surveys and night surveys together this
season for a total of 797 hours and 45 minutes 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 093 results for Playa Norte and Nesting Season so far

50% Natural; 32% Poached; 17% Unknown; 1%

Status of nests found this phase Eroded

69% Natural; 18% Poached; 12% Unknown; 1%

Status of nests found this season Eroded
 Number of nests recorded this phase Dc: 0; Cm: 88; Ei: 9; Cc: 0

Number of nests recorded this season Dc: 70; Cm: 92; Ei: 19; Cc: 0

Area of highest nesting this phase Mile 0.37

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: 0

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: 21; Ei: 3; Cc: 0

Number of REM this phase Dc: 0; Cm: 23; Ei: 4; Cc: 0

Number re-nesting turtles this phase Dc: 0; Cm: 4; Ei: 1; Cc: 0

Area of highest HLF this phase Mile 4/8

Number of hatched nests this season Dc: 25; Cm: 2; Ei: 3; Cc: 0

Number of hatchlings this phase Dc: 757; Cm: 135; Ei: 432; Cc: 0

Number of hatchlings this season Dc: 1100; Cm: 135; Ei: 432; Cc: 0

84% Natural; 10% Partially Poached; 3% Poached; 0% Predated;

Status of excavated nests this phase
0% Unknown; 3% Eroded

89% Natural; 7% Partially Poached; 2% Poached; 0% Predated;

Status of excavated nests this season
0% Unknown; 2% Eroded

Percentage success rate for normal nests this

Dc: 36%; Cm: 84%; Ei: 92%
season

Percentage success rate for relocated nests

48%
this season

Number of LIF records this season 4

Number of DEC records this season 3

Figure 4-1 Nest Status as determined by morning census June – September 2009

4%
4%

Natural
Poached
Unknown

92%

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&
Itemid=143

Late leatherbacks by Lisa Spencer: notes from the field

Slick recovery: notes from the field

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 June 26th 2009 – September 4th
2009.

Table 5-1 General phase totals for all canals

Canal Number of surveys

Caño Palma 7
Caño Chiquero 7
Caño Harold 7

Number of species recorded Phase Total

Caño Palma 12
Caño Chiquero 12
Caño Harold 11
AQTs 13
Total 17

Number of individuals recorded Phase Total

Caño Palma 90
Caño Chiquero 48
Caño Harold 67
AQTs 146
Total 351
Table 5-2 Unusual recordings for phase per canal

Canal Unusual sightings recorded

Caño Palma Gray-necked Wood-rail, Rufescent Tiger-Heron

AQTs Limpkin, Rufescent Tiger-Heron
Caño Chiquero Gray-necked Wood-rail
Caño Harold Rufescent Tiger-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) 0

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) 0
Boat-billed heron (Cochlearius cochlearius) 0
Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) 0
Gray-necked Wood-Rail (Aramides cajanea) 1
Great blue heron (Ardea herodias) 0
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) 0
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 17
Table 5-4 Presence/absence of species per canal for phase

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

Agami heron 0 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
kingfisher 1 kingfisher 1 kingfisher 1 kingfisher 0
Anhinga 1 Anhinga 1 Anhinga 1 Anhinga 1
Bare-throated Bare-throated tiger- Bare-throated Bare-throated
tiger-heron 1 heron 1 tiger-heron 1 tiger-heron 1
Belted kingfisher 0 Belted kingfisher 0 Belted kingfisher 0 Belted kingfisher 0
Boat-billed heron 0 Boat-billed heron 0 Boat-billed heron 0 Boat-billed heron 0
Cattle egret 0 Cattle egret 0 Cattle egret 0 Cattle egret 0
Gray-necked Gray-necked Gray-necked Gray-necked
wood-rail 1 wood-rail 1 wood-rail 0 wood-rail 0
Great blue heron 0 Great blue heron 0 Great blue heron 0 Great blue heron 0
Great egret 0 Great egret 0 Great egret 0 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 1 Green kingfisher 1 Green kingfisher 1
Green-and-rufous Green-and-rufous Green-and-rufous Green-and-rufous
kingfisher 1 kingfisher 1 kingfisher 1 kingfisher 0
Least bittern 0 Least bittern 0 Least bittern 0 Least bittern 0
Limpkin 0 Limpkin 0 Limpkin 0 Limpkin 1
Little blue heron 0 Little blue heron 1 Little blue heron 1 Little blue heron 1
Neotropical Neotropical Neotropical Neotropical
cormorant 0 cormorant 0 cormorant 0 cormorant 0
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 1 Ringed kingfisher 1 Ringed kingfisher 1
Rufescent tiger- Rufescent tiger- Rufescent tiger- Rufescent tiger-
heron 1 heron 0 heron 1 heron 1
Snowy egret 0 Snowy egret 0 Snowy egret 0 Snowy egret 0
Sunbittern 0 Sunbittern 0 Sunbittern 0 Sunbittern 0
Sungrebe 0 Sungrebe 1 Sungrebe 0 Sungrebe 1
Tricoloured heron 0 Tricoloured heron 0 Tricoloured heron 0 Tricoloured heron 0
White-throated White-throated White-throated White-throated
crake 0 crake 0 crake 0 crake 0
Yellow-crowned Yellow-crowned Yellow-crowned Yellow-crowned
night heron 1 night heron 0 night heron 0 night heron 0
Total Species 12 Total Species 12 Total Species 11 Total Species 13

5.2 Related links

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

Bird survey in Caño Harold, Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica: notes from the
field

Aquatic Avifauna of Tortuguero National Park: notes from the field

Limpkin Along: 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 June 26th 2009- September 4th
2009.

Table 6-1 Overview of incidental totals this phase

Number of species recorded this phase 116

Total number of records this phase 2243

Table 6-2 Special Interest sightings for phase

Species Number of records

Honduran White Bat (Ectophylla Alba) 4
Neotropical River Otter (Lutra Longicaudis) 1
Great Green Macaw (Ara ambiguus) 2
Kinkajou (Potos flavus) 3
Peregrin Falcon (Falco peregrines) 1
White Lipped Mud Turtle (Tortuga amarilla) 1
Table 6-3 Most commonly recorded species by class for phase

Birds Mammals Amphibians Reptiles

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

Yellow-
Great Brazilian Long- Strawberry headed Gecko
Kiskadee nosed Bat Poison Dart Frog (Gonatodes
98.6 100 94.2 albogularis) 98.6
(Pitangus (Rhynchonycteris (Dendrobates
sulphuratus) naso) pumilio)

White-
collared Mantled Howler
Manakin Common Tink Green basilisk
Monkey
(Manacus 98.6 100 Frog (Herotilapia 72.4 (Basiliscus 97.1
(Alouatta
candei) multispinisa) plumifrons)
palliata)

Montezuma Mexican Mouse

Slender Anole
Oropendola Opossum Marine Toad
97.1 37.6 63.8 (Norops 96.6
(Psarocolius (Marmosa (Bufo marinus)
limifrons)
montezuma) mexicana)

Clay- Central
Central Smoky Jungle
colored American
American Frog
Robin 95.6 36.2 42 Whiptail 94.2
Spider Monkey (Leptodactylus
(Turdus (Ameiva
(Ateles geoffroyi) pentadactylus)
grayi) festiva)

Turkey
Vulture White-throated Fitzinger's Rain
Green Iguana
(Cathartes Capuchin Frog
84 20.3 13 (Iguana 94.2
aura) (Cebus (Eleutherodactylus
iguana)
capucinus) fitzingeri)

Olive-
Black River
backed
Turtle
Euphonia 82.6 59.4
(Rhinoclemmys
(Euphonia
funerea)
gouldi)

Mealy
Spectacled
Parrot
Caiman
(Amazona 76.8 50.7
(Caiman
farinose)
crocodilus)

Keel-billed
Toucan
76.8
(Ramphastos
sulfuratus)
Chestnut-
mandibled
Toucan 73.9
(Ramphastos
swainsonii)
Short-billed
Pigeon
72.5
(Patagioenas
nigrirostris)
Figure 6-4 Most commonly recorded species for phase (recorded ≥75% of days)

Mantled How ler Monkey 69

Braz ilian L ong‐nos ed Bat 69

Y ellow ‐headed Gec ko 68

White‐c ollared Manakin 68

Great K is kadee 68

Montez uma Oropendola 67

Green Bas ilis k 67

Clay‐c olored Robin 66

Green Iguana 66

S traw berry Pois on Dart Frog 65

Central A meric an Whiptail 65

Turkey V ulture 58

S lender A nole 57

Olive‐bac ked Euphonia 57

K eel‐billed Touc an 53

Mealy Parrot 53

50 55 60 65 70

Table 6-5 Target species records for phase

Number of
Target species recorded this Phase records
Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) 66
Strawberry Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates pumilio) 65
Marine Toad (Bufo marinus) 44
Black River Turtle (Rhinoclemmys funereal) 41
Great Potoo (Nyctibius grandis) 27
Central American Spider Monkey (Ateles geoffroyi) 25
Neotropical River Otter (Lutra longicaudis) 4
Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) 3

Figure 6-6 Some incidental records for the phase: Mexican Mouse Opossum (Marmosa mexicana),
Young Mantled Howler Monkey (Alouatta palliata), Black River Turtles (Rhinoclemmys funerea).
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

The phase data represented in the tables below covers the period from June 26th 2009- September 4th
2009.

Table 7-1 Weekly environmental averages for phase

Rainfall Average Humidity Average Canal Depth

Week Max Temp (6PM) Min Temp (6AM)
(mm) (%) (cm)
one 19.4 35 18 85.0 95.67
two 109.9 34 19 85.0 89.79
three 150.6 32 19 87.6 97.90
four 307.0 32 20 88.4 114.10
five 76.8 32 19 88.1 139.00
six 107.5 32 20 87.4 105.70
seven 156.1 31 18 87.4 107.00
eight 153.1 32 19 88.0 119.00
nine 127.2 34 20 86.2 91.20
ten 147.1 34 19 88.1 92.50

Table 7-2 Monthly environmental averages for year

Av daily Rainfall Max Temp Min Temp Average Canal

Month Average Humidity (%)
(mm) (6PM) (6AM) 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 83.0 85.5
May 50.9 32 21 84.8 93.0
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
Oct
Nov
Dec
8 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 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

The phase data represented in the tables below covers the period from June 26th 2009- September 4th
2009.

Table 8-2 General Canal boat impact data for phase

Number of surveys this phase 9

Average number of boats per day for the phase 77

Average number of passengers per tour boat for phase 13
Average number of passengers per lodge transfer for phase 11
Average number of passengers per work associated boat for phase 2
Average number of passengers per private boat for phase 3
Average number of people per survey day 603
Most commonly recorded tourist boat for phase Esmeralda
Most commonly recorded non tourist / private boat for phase Luisa
Most commonly recorded lodge for phase Turtle Beach Lodge
Table 8-3 Total canal usage for phase by ACTo time restriction

Total Number of boats 06:00 – 08:00 103

Total Number of boats 08:00 – 10:00 120
Total Number of boats 10:00-12:00 106
Total Number of boats 12:00-14:00 105
Total Number of boats 14:00-16:00 125
Total Number of boats 16:00-18:00 138

Total number of boats 697

Table 8-4 Activity by usage type

Total number of tourist boats 467

Total number of non-tourist boats 214
Total number of passengers in tourist boats 4758
Total number of passengers in non-tourist boats 666
Percentage of boats using 4s engines 80%

Figure 8-1 Canal usage by tourist boat vs. non-tourist boat

Total Percentage of Tourist v Non Tourist

70%

N
Y

30%
Figure 8-2 Breakdown of canal usage by Lodge

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

Usage Times for Phase 17

160

140
120
Number of Boats

100

80 Total

60

40
20

0
05:30-07:59

08:00-09:59

10:00-11:59

12:00-13:59

14:00-15:59

16:00-18:00

Tim e Categories
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

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. Adult classes continued to
be twice weekly, and brought out between three to five students each time and
intercambios began on a Tuesday between the adults of San Francisco and people
from the Station.

Work in the garden continued. There has been plenty of work done on the garden,
including weeding, trimming grass, and caring after the decorative plants.

The topic of snakes and their role in the ecosystem was chosen for the community
event of this phase. Volunteers came into town and performed a short play, which
was followed by art and games on the football field.
9.2 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

School’s In: Notes from the field

The Play’s the Thing: notes from the field

10 Activities and Final Summary

With the peak of the turtle season in full swing, the volunteers were invited to the
CCC to see the attachment of a satellite to a Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) and its
release. The tracking can be found at: http://www.tourdeturtles.org

At the end of the phase saw the departure of our Community Intern, Cassidy, who
arrived in March 09 and plans to travel and then return to San Francisco for a visit
during the next phase. We also said farewell to our Scholar, Sarah Shotwell, who
joined us for a phase before attending Hawaii University majoring in Marine Biology
and also to our first Intern, Haley Nedderman who spent two phases with us and is
heading back to the USA. We would like to thank them all for all their hard work in the
community and on projects over the past six months and wish them all the best for
the future.

Throughout the phase, we continued to support the Weaving for Nature project from
Widecast, raising over $100. 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

(Left to Right: Cassidy, Sarah and Haley)

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