GVI Costa Rica

Coastal Rainforest and Wildlife

Research Expedition

Phase Report 081

11th January – 21st March 2008

Phase Report 084

October 3rd - December 12th 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 – Field Coordinator
Rebeca Chaverri - Country Director
Diogo Verissimo – Expedition Staff
Sara Calçada – Expedition Staff
Richard Bull – Expedition Staff
Wing Tsui – Expedition Staff
Richard Phillips – Expedition Intern

And

Jess Daniels Expedition Member Emma Baker Expedition Member

Heather Colterman Expedition Member Victoria Sosaya Expedition Member

Sarah-Jayne Ostle Expedition Member Claudia Baxter Expedition Member

Daniel Jarvis Expedition Member Catherine Ryder Expedition Member

Kirstie Puskas Expedition Member Christian Styranka Expedition Member

Sarah Shotwell Expedition Member Gary Barber Expedition Member

Cody Glasbrenner Expedition Member Katie Wiese Expedition Member

Joanna Owen Expedition Member Michael Buckland Expedition Member

Elizabeth Page Expedition Member Jessica Welch 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 ...................................................................................................... 9
4 Marine Turtle Monitoring and Conservation Programme .......................................... 9
4.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 10
4.2 Related links .................................................................................................... 12
5 Canal Bird Monitoring Programme .......................................................................... 12
5.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 13
5.2 Related links .................................................................................................... 15
6 Incidental Species Study ......................................................................................... 16
6.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 16
7 Meteorology and Environmental Study ................................................................... 18
7.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 18
8 Canal Boat Impact Study......................................................................................... 19
8.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 20
9 English Language and Environmental Education Classes...................................... 22
9.1 Summary ......................................................................................................... 23
9.2 Related links .................................................................................................... 23
10 Activities and Final Summary .................................................................................. 24

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 .......................................8

Table 4-1 Summary of Phase 083 results for Playa Norte and Nesting Season so far
...................................................................................................................................10

Table 5-1 General phase totals for all canals.............................................................13

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

Table 5-3 Presence/absence of species for phase ....................................................14

Table 5-4 Presence/absence of species per canal for phase ....................................15

Table 6-1 Overview of incidental totals this phase.....................................................16

Table 6-2 Most commonly recorded species by class for phase ...............................16

Table 6-3 Special Interest sightings for phase ...........................................................17

Table 7-1 Weekly environmental averages for phase................................................18

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

Table 8-1 Boat use restriction on Caño Palma, Tortuguero, Costa Rica. ..................19

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

Table 8-3 Average canal usage for phase by ACTo time restriction..........................20

Table 8-4 Activity by usage type ................................................................................20

List of Figures

Figure 3-1 Baird’s Tapir................................................................................................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) ....17

Figure 6-2 Some incidental records for the phase: green iguana, Neotropical river
otter and eyelash palm pitviper ..................................................................................18

Figure 8-1 Percentage canal usage tourist vs. non-tourist.........................................21

Figure 8-2 Breakdown of canal usage by Tourist Lodge............................................21

Figure 8-3 Total number of boat by time for phase ....................................................22

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 fourth volunteer cycle of
2008 (Phase 084: October 3rd - December 12th). 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

Eight surveys were conducted this phase, covering 116 miles; making 246.5 miles for
the season (beginning July).

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

Jag sightings 4

Number of full turtles tracks this phase: 2230

Number of full turtles tracks this season: 16310

Number of newly recorded dead turtles this phase 71

Number of dead turtles this year 198

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

Area of highest turtle activity this phase 7

Area of highest jag activity this phase 9, 9.5, 12.5

Area of highest turtle predation this phase 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: Abstract accepted to the conference
in February, 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.

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

8

Number of trapping sites

4

Table 3-2 Trapping site information

Cam site one Cam site two

Position (MM) 6 Position (MM) 16
Date set 15-Oct-08 Date set 18-Oct-08
Bait Sardines Bait Sardines

29-Oct-08, 08-Nov-08, 08- 02-Nov-08, 16-Nov-08, 02-

Dates checked Dec-08 Dates checked Dec-08
Number of trapping Number of trapping
nights 53 nights 45

1x Red brocket deer, 3x 2x Red brocket deer, 2x

New Results Tapir New Results Agouti

Cam site three Cam site four

Position (MM) 16 Position (MM) 7.5
Date set 18-Oct-08 Date set 29-Oct-08
Bait Chicken stock Bait Chicken stock

02-Nov-08, 16-Nov-08, 02- 08-Nov-08, 22-Nov-08, 08-

Dates checked Dec-08 Dates checked Dec-08
Number of trapping Number of trapping
nights 45 nights 39
New Results None New Results None

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

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

Figure 3-1 Baird’s Tapir

3.2 Related links

Guess the species: 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.

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 084, 63 morning surveys and 36 night surveys were completed. A total
of 3120 miles were walked on morning surveys and night surveys together this
season for a total of 2464 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

Status of nests found this phase 72% Natural; 14% Unknown; 14% Poached

Status of nests found this season 80% Natural; 9% Unknown; 11% Poached

Number of nests recorded this phase Dc: 0; Cm: 43; Ei: 2; Cc: 0

Number of nests recorded this season Dc: 90; Cm: 436; Ei: 27; Cc: 0

Area of highest nesting this phase 7/8

Area of highest nesting this season 5/8

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

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

Hour with the most encountered turtles this phase 23H00 - 00h00

Hour with the most encountered turtles this season 23h00 - 00h00

Number of REC this phase Dc: 0; Cm: 9; Ei: 1; Cc: 0

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

Number renesting turtles this phase Dc: 0; Cm:4 ; Ei: 0; Cc: 0

Area of highest HLF this phase 3

Number of hatched nests this season Dc: 15; Cm: 114; Ei: 4; Cc: 0

Number of hatchlings this phase Dc: 0 ; Cm: 10139; Ei:0 ; Cc: 0

Number of hatchlings this season Dc: 1360; Cm: 11689; Ei: 492; Cc: 0

79% Natural; 8% Partially Poached 10% Poached; 2% Predated;

Status of excavated nests this phase 1% Unknown

80% Natural; 2% Predated 11% Poached; 6% Partially Poached;

Status of excavated nests this season 1% Unknown

Percentage success rate for normal nests this

season Dc: 66 % ; Cm: 86% ; Ei: 66% ; Cc: 0%

Percentage success rate for relocated nests

this season Dc: 41%; Cm: ; Ei: ; Cc:

Number of LIF records this season 14

Number of DEC records this season 5

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

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

Caño Palma 7
Caño Chiquero 7
Caño Harold 7

Number of species recorded Phase Total

Caño Palma 14
AQTs 14
Caño Chiquero 8
Caño Harold 15
All canal 22

Number of individuals recorded Phase Total

Caño Palma 133

AQTs 636
Caño Chiquero 56
Caño Harold 133
Total 958

Most commonly recorded species this phase

Caño Palma Yellow-crowned night-heron

AQTs Little blue heron
Caño Chiquero Little blue heron
Caño Harold Green heron
Overall Little blue heron

Canal Number of hours on survey

Caño Palma 24hr 57min

Caño Chiquero 16hr 32min
Caño Harold 26hr 50min
Total number of hours on survey 68hr 19min
Table 5-2 Unusual recordings for phase per canal

Canal Unusual sightings recorded

Gray-necked wood-rail, Little blue heron, Rufescent tiger-heron, Snowy
Caño Palma egret
AQTs ----------
Caño Chiquero Northern jacana, Snowy egret
Caño Harold White-throated crake

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) 1
Boat-billed heron (Cochlearius cochlearius) 1
Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) 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-Rufus kingfisher (Chloroceryle inda) 1
Gray-necked wood-rail (Aramides cajanea) 1
Least bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) 0
Limpkin (Aramus guarauna) 0
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) 1
Yellow-crowned night heron (Nyctanassa violacea) 1
Total Species 21

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

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

Agami heron 0 Agami heron 0 Agami heron 0 Agami heron 0

Amazon kingfisher 1 Amazon kingfisher 1 Amazon kingfisher 0 Amazon kingfisher 1
American pygmy American pygmy American pygmy American pygmy
kingfisher 1 kingfisher 0 kingfisher 0 kingfisher 0
Anhinga 0 Anhinga 1 Anhinga 1 Anhinga 1
Bare-throated Bare-throated Bare-throated tiger- Bare-throated
tiger-heron 1 tiger-heron 1 heron 1 tiger-heron 1
Belted kingfisher 0 Belted kingfisher 1 Belted kingfisher 0 Belted kingfisher 0
Boat-billed heron 0 Boat-billed heron 0 Boat-billed heron 0 Boat-billed heron 1
Cattle egret 0 Cattle egret 1 Cattle egret 0 Cattle egret 0
Great blue heron 0 Great blue heron 0 Great blue heron 0 Great blue heron 0
Great egret 1 Great egret 1 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 0 Green ibis 1
Green kingfisher 1 Green kingfisher 1 Green kingfisher 1 Green kingfisher 1
Green-and-rufus Green-and-rufus Green-and-rufus Green-and-rufus
kingfisher 1 kingfisher 0 kingfisher 0 kingfisher 1
Gray-necked Gray-necked Gray-necked wood- Gray-necked
wood-rail 1 wood-rail 0 rail 0 wood-rail 0
Least bittern 0 Least bittern 0 Least bittern 0 Least bittern 0
Limpkin 0 Limpkin 0 Limpkin 0 Limpkin 0
Little blue heron 1 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 1 Northern jacana 1 Northern jacana 0
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 0 Ringed kingfisher 1
Rufescent tiger- Rufescent tiger- Rufescent tiger- Rufescent tiger-
heron 1 heron 0 heron 0 heron 0
Snowy egret 1 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
crake 0 crake 0 crake 0 crake 1
Yellow-crowned Yellow-crowned Yellow-crowned Yellow-crowned
night heron 1 night heron 0 night heron 0 night heron 1
Total Species 14 Total Species 14 Total Species 8 Total Species 15

5.2 Related links

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

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 141

Total number of records this phase 1613

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
(%) (%) (%) (%)
Great Brazilian long- Strawberry Green
kiskadee nosed bat poison frog iguana
(Pitangus (Rhynchonycteris (Dendrobates (Iguana
sulphuratus) 90 naso) 88 pumilio) 81 Iguana) 77
White- Yellow-
collared Mantled howler headed
manakin monkey Marine toad gecko
(Manacus (Alouatta (Bufo (Gonatodes
candei) 90 palliata) 88 marinus) 30 albogularis) 71
Olive-
backed Central Smoki jungle Green
euphonia American frog basilisk
(Euphonia spider monkey (Leptodactylus (Basiliscus
gouldi) 78 (Ateles geoffroyi) 28 pentadactylus) 17 plumifrons) 61
Montezuma White-faced Green Spectacled
oropendola capuchin climbing toad Caiman
(Psarocolius (Cebus (Bufo (Caiman
montezuma) 77 capucinus) 22 coniferus) 3 crocodilus) 48
Violet- Central
crowned Neotropical Red-eyed American
Woodnymph River Otter tree frog Whiptail
(Thalurania (Lutra (Agalychnis (Ameiva
colombica) 75 longicaudis) 6 callidryas) 3 festiva) 42
Figure 6-1 Most commonly recorded species for phase (recorded ≥75% of days)

50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70

Great Kiskadee

White-collared Manakin

Brazillian Long-nosed Bat

Mantled Howler Monkey

Strawberry Poison-dart Frog

Olive-backed Euphonia

Green Iguana

Montezuma Oropendola

Violet-crowned Woodnymph

Table 6-3 Special Interest sightings for phase

Species Number of records

American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) 1

Boat-billed Heron (Cochlearius cochlearius) 1
Central American Coral Snake (Micrurus alleni) 1
Eyelash Palm Pitviper (Bothriechis schlegelii) 4
Fer-de-Lance (Bothrops asper) 1
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) 1
Great Green Macaw (Ara ambigua) 2
Mexican prehensile-tailed porcupine (Coendu mexicanus) 1
Spectacled Owl (Pulsatrix perspicillataI) 1
Figure 6-2 Some incidental records for the phase: green iguana, Neotropical river otter and
eyelash palm pitviper

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)
one 2.8 19.8 32 22 88 85
two 5.3 36.9 34 23 86 85
three 1.7 11.7 33 23 82 81
four 6.5 45.7 32 23 88 94
five 18.7 86 30 20 90 99
six 15.6 109.5 32 22 89 99
seven 42.9 300.4 30 16 87 110
eight 52.3 366.6 27 19 89 168
nine 31.7 221.8 32 21 89 167
ten 57.2 400.3 32 21 85 138
Table 7-2 Monthly environmental averages for year

Av daily Max Temp Min Temp Average Humidity Average Canal

Month Total Rainfall
Rainfall (mm) (6PM) (6AM) (%) Depth (cm)
Jan 12.5 388.6 28.6 22.5 82.1 110.4
Feb 7.9 237 28.8 22.6 83.4 87.2
March 6.1 188.4 30 23 79.8 89.1
Apr 9.4 282.3 30.1 24.3 82.5 93.2
May 6.9 213.4 30 24.5 83.4 90.3
Jun 23.7 687 28.9 24.5 86.4 106.5
July 13.3 411.5 28.3 24.3 88.3 104.7
Aug 17.3 502.6 29.4 23.8 87.4 113.0
Sept 5.1 151.5 30.7 24 86.0 95.1
Oct 6.9 213 29.4 23.9 86.5 90.5
Nov 33 988.7 25.6 22.4 88.8 133.7
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

Number of surveys this phase 8

Average number of boats per day for the phase 41.6

Average number of passengers per tourist boat for phase 9.3

Average number of passengers per private boat for phase 4

Average number of people per day 290.5

Most commonly recorded tourist boat for phase Flutterby

Most commonly recorded private boat for phase Kinkajou

Most commonly recorded lodge for phase Vista al Mar

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

Av Number of boats 06:00 – 08:00 9

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 9

Av Number of boats 16:00 – 18:00 7

Total number of boats for the phase 333

Table 8-4 Activity by usage type

Total number of tourist boats 187

Total number of non-tourist boats 146

Total number of passengers in tourist boats 1747

Total number of passengers in non-tourist boats 577

Percentage of boats using 4s engines 74.1

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

Total number of boats

Total number of tourist boats

44%
Total number of non-tourist
boats
56%

Figure 8-2 Breakdown of canal usage by Tourist Lodge

Tortuga Lodge 2

Samoa Lodge 6

Pachira Lodge 5
Lodge

Laguna Lodge 6

Evergreen 3

DE's 78

Turtle Beach
52
Lodge

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

Average number of boats per time interval

80

60

40

20

0
06:00 – 08:00 08:00 – 10:00 10:00 – 12:00 12:00 – 14:00 14:00 – 16:00 16:00 – 18:00

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

With the arrival of Vivian and Daniel in Phase 083 we were able to give far more
consistent classes in San Francisco and together with Sami Abdelmalik (COTERC
Intern) returned to teaching Children’s English, Adults English and Environmental
Education classes on a regular basis.

Adult classes were held two nights a week at the beginning of the phase, moving to
three times by request of the students, of which there were 10 regulars. Children’s
classes were also held three times a week, directly after school classes and once a
week Environmental Education was taught.

Two Community Events were held as usual; the first included a play performed by
the EMs and focused on gardens and ecosystems to introduce the idea of a school
garden to the children. The second focused on the water cycle and water pollution
and saw the completion of the new school garden.

Vivian and Daniel have also 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.

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
10 Activities and Final Summary

Together with the two Community Events in San Francisco this phase, Vivian, one of
our Community Interns, joined the San Francisco Women’s Football team and helped
to arrange a pre-season friendly against our female EMs.

The same day saw our social of the year (pictured) with the researchers from the
CCC before they packed up at the end of the marine turtle season.

As the very wet season set in there was work to be done on our local canal (for more
details follow this link: Clearing Caño Palma) before we eventually we had to
evacuate base due to flooding. Luckily for us, by this time the CCC research
assistants had departed back to their home nations, so we were able to experience
conditions at their, much drier, research station.

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

The end of the phase saw the departure of are two-time intern Richard Phillips, we’d
like to take this opportunity to thank him for all his hard work over his nine months
with us and wish him all the best for the future. Read more here: Sorrowful
Goodbyes.
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