ex68 cr science report 094

8/14/2019 EX68 CR Science Report 094

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GVI Costa Rica

Coastal Rainforest and Wildlife

Research Expedition

Phase Report 094

October 2nd - December 11th 2009


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Conservation for everyone, everyone for conservation


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GVI Costa Rica Coastal Rainforest and Wildlife Research Expedition Report

Submitted in whole to:Global Vision International

The Canadian Organisation for Tropical Education and Rainforest Conservation

(COTERC)Steven Furino, Waterloo University, Canada

Submitted in part to:The Ministry of Environment, Energy and Telecommunications of Costa Rica (MINAET)

Produced by

David Aneurin Jones Country DirectorSara Calcada Field CoordinatorRichard Phillips Expedition StaffStephanny Arroyo Arce Expedition StaffSarah Durose Scholar

Jo Swanell Owen Scholar

And

Tucker SmithVolunteer

Thomas Proctor Volunteer Russell Pepper Intern

Brandon Alford Volunteer Tracy Farrell Volunteer Leonie Wilson Intern

Laura Oliver Volunteer Allie Coad Volunteer Molly Clifford Intern

David Thomas Volunteer Marcia Chambers Volunteer Sam Hopes Intern

Jennifer Morris Volunteer Susanne Brunner Volunteer Helen Wain Intern

Anja Dullaghan Volunteer Linn Holm Volunteer

GVI Costa Rica Coastal Rainforest and Wildlife Research Expedition

Address: Estacin Biolgica Cao Palma, Tortuguero, Costa RicaTel: (+506) 2709 8052

Email: [email protected]

Web page:

http://www.gvi.co.uk

http://gvicostarica.blogspot.com
mailto:[email protected]://www.gvi.co.uk/http://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/http://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/http://www.gvi.co.uk/mailto:[email protected]


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Table of Contents

1 General introduction.................................................................................................. 62 Jaguar Predation of Marine Turtles Study.................................................................7

2.1 Results ..............................................................................................................72.2 Related links ......................................................................................................8

3 Jaguar Camera Trapping Study ................................................................................83.1 Results ..............................................................................................................93.2 Related links .................................................................................................... 10

4 Marine Turtle Monitoring and Conservation Programme ........................................114.1 Results ............................................................................................................114.2 Related links .................................................................................................... 13

5 Canal Bird Monitoring Programme ..........................................................................135.1 Results ............................................................................................................145.2 Related links .................................................................................................... 17

6 Incidental Species Study .........................................................................................176.1 Results ............................................................................................................176.2 Related links .................................................................................................... 19

7 Great Green Macaw Research and Conservation Project ......................................197.1 Results ............................................................................................................20

8 Meteorology and Environmental Study ...................................................................228.1 Results ............................................................................................................22

9 Tourist Impact Study ...............................................................................................239.1 Results ............................................................................................................239.2 Related links .................................................................................................... 25

10 English Language and Environmental Education Classes......................................2510.1 Summary .........................................................................................................2610.2 Related links .................................................................................................... 27

11 Activities and Final Summary ..................................................................................27List of Tables

Table 2-1 Breakdown of main results for phase and season ............................................ 7Table 3-1 General data ..................................................................................................... 9Table 3-2 Trapping site information ..................................................................................9Table 3-3 Presence / absence (1/0) of known species this phase..................................10Table 4-1 Summary of Phase 094 results for Playa Norte and Nesting Season so far ..12Table 5-1 General phase totals for all canals.................................................................. 14Table 5-2 Unusual recordings for phase per canal ......................................................... 14


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Table 5-3 Presence/absence of species for phase ......................................................... 15Table 5-4 Presence/absence of species per canal for phase .........................................16Table 6-1 Overview of incidental totals this phase.......................................................... 17Table 6-2Special Interest sightings for phase .................................................................17Table 6-3 Most commonly recorded species by class for phase ....................................18Table 7-1 Classifications for Ara ambiguarecords ......................................................... 20Table 7-2 Ara ambiguarecords for Phase 093 & 094 .....................................................21Table 8-1 Weekly environmental averages for phase .....................................................22Table 8-2 Monthly environmental averages for year ....................................................... 22Table 9-1 Boat use restriction on Cao Palma, Tortuguero, Costa Rica. .......................23Table 9-2 General Canal boat impact data for phase .....................................................23Table 9-4 Activity by usage type ..................................................................................... 24List of Figures

Figure 9-1 Canal usage by tourist boat vs. non-tourist boat ........................................... 24Figure 9-2 Breakdown of canal usage by Lodge.............................................................24Figure 9-3 Total number of boat by time for phase ......................................................... 25


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1 General introduction

In July 2005, GVI established the Costa Rica expedition based at Estacin BIolgica

Cao Palma (EBCP), Tortuguero.

The biological station is located in the southern section of the Barra del Colorado Wildlife

Refuge (BCWR) directly to the north of Tortuguero National Park (TNP). The area of

operation for the expedition covers both TNP and the BCWR; both of which are included

in the Tortuguero Conservation Area (ACTo). The area consists of a collection of

waterways running through Caribbean lowland rainforest. The coastal habitats are

generally similar in type throughout the area of operation with small variation in boarding

habitats, width of the beach and quantity and type of debris found on the beach. The

forest habitats vary more considerably with several distinct habitats being present.Altitudinal differences of a couple metres have a large effect on both habitat and species

composition in the area. Lower areas, such as those found around the station, tend to

have large areas of flooded forest whereas the drier areas associated to the National

Park tend to only be submerged during times of flooding.

The EBCP was purchased in 1991, by the Canadian Organization for Tropical Education

and Rainforest Conservation (COTERC). Prior to GVIs 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 Ricas volunteer resource made long-term

studies possible and needs were assessed and partnerships sourced. Currently, GVI

Costa Rica is working closely with the Costa Rican Ministry for the Environment and

Energy (MINAET), COTERC and the local community of San Francisco, as well as being

a member of Alianza para Baulas del Caribe (ABC) and Red de las Tortugas marinas.

This report is a quarterly review of the data collected in the forth volunteer cycle of 2009

(Phase 094: October 2nd 11th December 2009). In addition to those listed, GVI Costa

Rica is also supplying resources and personnel to assist COTERC in a Large Mammal

Monitoring Programme inside the BCWR. Further details of GVI Costa Rica research

programmes and all protocols can be found at http://gvicostarica.blogspot.com.
http://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/http://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/


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2 Jaguar Predation of Marine Turtles Study

GVI Costa Rica has been conducting this research by request of MINAET since July

2005. The aim of this project is to determine whether predation of marine turtles by

jaguars (Panthera onca) in TNP is having an impact on the marine turtle populations.

Data collection for this project involves documenting evidence of jaguar predation of

marine sea turtles. On a weekly basis, a survey team walk 14.5 miles on the beach of

TNP. Information is collected, such as, the number and location of predated turtles and

the presence / absence of turtle and jaguar tracks per half mile on the beach. Other

general information is also recorded, including weather and sand conditions on the

beach.

2.1 Results

9 surveys were conducted this phase, covering 120.5 miles; making 246.5 miles for the

season (July 2009 June 2010).

The phasedata represented in the tables below covers the period from October 2nd

to December 11th

2009.

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

Jag sightings 0

Number of full turtles tracks this phase: 2770

Number of full turtles tracks this season: 17555

Number of newly recorded dead turtles this phase 81

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

Area of highest turtle activity this phase Mile 10

Area of highest jag activity this phase Mile 16-16.5

Area of highest turtle predation this phase Mile 14.5


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2.2 Related links

Sociedad Mesoamericana para la Biologa y la Conservacin: GVI

Costa Rica attended this year's conference in El Salvador, where we

presented results from the Jaguar Predation of Marine Turtles Study.

GVI Costa Rica wins prize at Central American Conservation Congress:

More information on the outcomes of the El Salvador conference.

29th Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology & Conservation:

Poster presented to the conference in February 2009,

exploring the drivers behind the jaguar predation of

marine turtles phenomenon.

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

predated turtles - free access for educational purposes.

http://jaguarnetwork.org/: GVI Costa Rica was accepted to join the network early 2009

Wednesday, January 28, 2009: notes from the field

GVI Costa Rica at the International Sea Turtle Symposium: update from the happenings

at the Symposium

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

Jaguar sighting: notes from the field

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

3 Jaguar Camera Trapping Study

To complement the Predationstudy, 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
http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=44861061974&h=9vCIx&u=rzrthhttp://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2008/11/gvi-costa-rica-wins-prize-at-central.htmlhttp://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=40300868257&h=J5q0I&u=MEvG7http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=54682335488&h=HEbQv&u=vBLXKhttp://jaguarnetwork.org/http://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2009_01_01_archive.htmlhttp://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2009/03/last-week-gvi-costa-rica-attended-in.htmlhttp://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2010/02/gvi-costa-rica-makes-jaguar-newsletter.htmlhttp://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2009/11/is-it-agouti.htmlhttp://www.scribd.com/doc/23522355/Jones-DA-Jaguar-Paradisehttp://www.scribd.com/doc/23522355/Jones-DA-Jaguar-Paradisehttp://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2009/11/is-it-agouti.htmlhttp://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2010/02/gvi-costa-rica-makes-jaguar-newsletter.htmlhttp://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2009/03/last-week-gvi-costa-rica-attended-in.htmlhttp://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2009_01_01_archive.htmlhttp://jaguarnetwork.org/http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=54682335488&h=HEbQv&u=vBLXKhttp://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=40300868257&h=J5q0I&u=MEvG7http://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2008/11/gvi-costa-rica-wins-prize-at-central.htmlhttp://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=44861061974&h=9vCIx&u=rzrth


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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 havebeen taken. These photographs are analysed by the team back at the research station.

3.1 Results


to December 11th

2009.

Table 3-1 General data

Number of cameras deployed in field 2

Number of trapping sites 2

Table 3-2 Trapping site information

GPS Cam site one N: 103020.3, W:832904.5

Position (NNMM) 5.5

Date set 10/10/2009

BaitHawkersbaker Wild Cat Lure

#2

Dates checked 10/17/2009

Number of trapping nights 6

Site results for phase none

GPS Cam site two N: 102257.4, W: 832439.6

Position (MM) 15.5

Date set 25/10/2009

BaitHawkersbaker Wild Cat Lure

#2

Dates checked 1/11/2009Number of trapping nights 7

Site results for phase None


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

Species Site One Site Two

Baird's tapir (Tapirus bairdii) 0 0

Central American spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi) 0 0

Central American woolly opossum (Caluromys derbianus) 0 0

Collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu) 0 0

Common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) 0 0

Gray four-eyed opossum (Philander opossum) 0 0

Great curassow (Crax rubra) 0 0

Jaguar (Panthera onca) 0 0

Mantled howler monkey (Alouatta palliata) 0 0

Margay (Leopardus wiedii) 0 0

Nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) 0 0

Northern racoon (Procyon lotor) 0 0

Paca (Agouti paca) 0 0Red brocket deer (Mazama americana) 0 0

Tayra (Eira barbara) 0 0

White-throated capuchin (Cebus capucinus) 0 0

White-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) 0 0

White-nosed coati (Nasua narica) 0 0

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) 0 0

3.2 Related links

Guess the species: notes from the field.

The epic adventure of camera trapping jaguars by Karen Dykxhoorn: notes from the field

http://www.facebook.com/posted.php?id=39758387678#/group.php?gid=39758387678:

View many of our camera trap images and much more.

29th Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology &

Conservation: Poster presented to the conference in

February 2009

http://jaguarnetwork.org/: GVI Costa Rica was accepted to join the network early 2009

GVI Costa Rica at the International Sea Turtle Symposium: update from the happenings

at the Symposium
http://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2008/12/guess-species.htmlhttp://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2009/02/epic-adventure-of-camera-trapping.htmlhttp://www.facebook.com/posted.php?id=39758387678#/group.php?gid=39758387678http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=40300868257&h=J5q0I&u=MEvG7http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=40300868257&h=J5q0I&u=MEvG7http://jaguarnetwork.org/http://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2009/03/last-week-gvi-costa-rica-attended-in.htmlhttp://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2009/03/last-week-gvi-costa-rica-attended-in.htmlhttp://jaguarnetwork.org/http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=40300868257&h=J5q0I&u=MEvG7http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=40300868257&h=J5q0I&u=MEvG7http://www.facebook.com/posted.php?id=39758387678#/group.php?gid=39758387678http://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2009/02/epic-adventure-of-camera-trapping.htmlhttp://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2008/12/guess-species.htmlhttp://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=40300868257&h=J5q0I&u=MEvG7


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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 migrationbetween beaches is also collected and recorded. Human Impact data are recorded to

determine if this has any impact on the nesting patterns of the turtles.

There are a number of different elements within this project, depending on the stage of

the season. During the nesting season, the beach is monitored each night in order to

record details of the nesting turtles and nests (including the location of the nest and

number of eggs) and to tag the female nesting turtles. A morning census is conducted

each day to determine the status of the recent nests and record any new tracks of

nesting turtles. The beach is cleaned at the relevant locations and times to promote

increased hatching success.

Hatchling tracks are monitored and recorded and nest excavations are carried out (once

the nest has hatched or is past the date it was due to hatch) to determine the success

rate of the nest and record any relevant evidence on why eggs have not hatched.

4.1 Results

During phase 094, 68 morning surveys and 47 night surveys were completed. A total of

4005.37 miles were walked on morning surveys and night surveys together this season

for a total of 2027 hours of survey.

This phase we have recorded the presence of green and hawksbill turtles nesting on

Playa Norte. For the season, we have also recorded leatherback turtles.


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Table 4-1 Summary of Phase 094 results for Playa Norte and Nesting Season so far

Status of nests this phase determined by MC54% Natural; 19% Unknown; 27% Poached;

0% Eroded

Status of nests this season determined by MC

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

1% Eroded

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

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

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

Area of highest nesting this season Mile 0.37

Number of relocations this phase Dc 0; Ei 0

Number of relocations this season Dc 31; Ei 1

Hour with the most encountered turtles this phase 23:00 23:59

Hour with the most encountered turtles this season 23:00 23:59

Number of REC this phase Dc 0; Cm 3; Ei 0; Cc 0

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

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

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

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

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

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

Status of excavated nests this phase 46% Natural; 22% Partially Poached; 19% Poached; 5%

Predated; 8% Eroded

Status of excavated nests this season67% Natural; 13% Partially Poached; 13% Poached; 2%

Predated; 5% Eroded

Percentage success rate for normal neststhis season Dc: 36%; Cm: 81%; Ei: 93%


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Percentage success rate for relocated neststhis season

Dc 48%; Ei: 0%

Number of LIF records this season 6

Number of DEC records this season 4

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

2010.

4.2 Related links

Red para la conservacin de la tortugas marinas de Costa Rica

www.redtortugasmarinascr.org

Alianza para las baulas del Caribe (ABC) / Caribbean Leatherback Alliance

www.latinamericanseaturtles.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=78&Ite

mid=143

Late leatherbacks by Lisa Spencer: notes from the field

Slick recovery: notes from the field

Marine Turtle Monitoring and Conservation: Presentation to Mesoamerican Congress

2009

5 Canal Bird Monitoring Programme

The partnership with Steven Furino of Waterloo University, Canada has been

established since GVI Costa Ricas 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
http://www.redtortugasmarinascr.org/http://www.latinamericanseaturtles.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=78&Itemid=143http://www.latinamericanseaturtles.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=78&Itemid=143http://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2009/03/late-leatherbacks-by-lisa-spencer.htmlhttp://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2009/03/slick-recovery.htmlhttp://www.scribd.com/doc/22007082/Turtle-Presentation-to-MSBC-2009http://www.scribd.com/doc/22007082/Turtle-Presentation-to-MSBC-2009http://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2009/03/slick-recovery.htmlhttp://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2009/03/late-leatherbacks-by-lisa-spencer.htmlhttp://www.latinamericanseaturtles.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=78&Itemid=143http://www.latinamericanseaturtles.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=78&Itemid=143http://www.redtortugasmarinascr.org/


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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


to December 11th

2009.

Table 5-1 General phase totals for all canals

Canal Number of surveys

AQT only Surveys 2

Cao Palma 8Cao Chiquero 8

Cao Harold 8

Number of species recorded Phase Total

Cao Palma 16

Cao Chiquero 12

Cao Harold 17

AQTs 17

Total 23

Number of individuals recorded Phase Total

Cao Palma 150Cao Chiquero 78

Cao Harold 134

AQTs 544

Total 906

Table 5-2 Unusual recordings for phase per canal

Canal Species

Cao Palma Agami Heron, Boat-billed Heron, Cattle Egret, Gray-necked Wood-rail

Cao Chiquero Gray-necked Wood-rail, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Snowy EgretCao Harold Great Blue Heron, Limpkin

AQTs Great Blue Heron


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Table 5-3 Presence/absence of species for phase

Key

Uncommonly recorded

Uncommonly recorded on indicated canal

Study Species 1/0

Agami heron (Agamia agami) 1

Amazon kingfisher (Chloroceryle amazona) 1

American pygmy kingfisher (Chloroceryle aenea) 1

Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) 1

Bare-throated tiger-heron (Tigrisoma mexicanum) 1

Belted kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon) 1

Boat-billed heron (Cochlearius cochlearius) 1

Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) 1

Gray-necked Wood-Rail (Aramides cajanea) 1

Great blue heron (Ardea herodias) 1Great 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) 1Purple gallinule (Porphyrula martinica) 0

Reddish egret (Egretta rufescens) 0

Ringed kingfisher (Ceryle torquata) 1

Rufescent tiger-heron (Tigrisoma lineatum) 1

Snowy egret (Egretta thula) 1

Sunbittern (Eurypyga helias) 0

Sungrebe (Heliornis fulica) 1

Tricoloured heron (Egretta tricolour) 0

White-throated crake (Laterallus albigularis) 0

Yellow-crowned night heron (Nyctanassa violacea) 1

Total Species 23


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

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

Agami heron 1 Agami heron 0 Agami heron 0 Agami heron 0

Amazon kingfisher 1 Amazon kingfisher 1 Amazon kingfisher 1 Amazon kingfisher 1

American pygmykingfisher 1




Anhinga 1 Anhinga 1 Anhinga 1 Anhinga 1

Bare-throatedtiger-heron

1Bare-throated

tiger-heron1

Bare-throatedtiger-heron

1Bare-throated

tiger-heron1

Belted kingfisher 1 Belted kingfisher 0 Belted kingfisher 0 Belted kingfisher 1

Boat-billed heron 1 Boat-billed heron 0 Boat-billed heron 1 Boat-billed heron 0

Cattle egret 1 Cattle egret 0 Cattle egret 0 Cattle egret 1

Gray-neckedwood-rail

1Gray-necked

wood-rail1

Gray-neckedwood-rail

0Gray-necked

wood-rail0

Great blue heron 0 Great blue heron 0 Great blue heron 1 Great blue heron 1

Great egret 1 Great egret 1 Great egret 1 Great egret 1

Green heron 1 Green heron 1 Green heron 1 Green heron 1

Green ibis 1 Green ibis 1 Green ibis 1 Green ibis 1

Green kingfisher 1 Green kingfisher 0 Green kingfisher 1 Green kingfisher 1

Green-and-rufouskingfisher

1Green-and-rufous

kingfisher1

Green-and-rufouskingfisher

1Green-and-rufous

kingfisher1

Least bittern 0 Least bittern 0 Least bittern 0 Least bittern 0

Limpkin 0 Limpkin 0 Limpkin 1 Limpkin 0

Little blue heron 0 Little blue heron 1 Little blue heron 1 Little blue heron 1

Neotropicalcormorant

0Neotropicalcormorant



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 0 Ringed kingfisher 1 Ringed kingfisher 1

Rufescent tiger-heron

0Rufescent tiger-

heron1

Rufescent tiger-heron

0Rufescent tiger-

heron0

Snowy egret 0 Snowy egret 1 Snowy egret 1 Snowy egret 1

Sunbittern 0 Sunbittern 0 Sunbittern 0 Sunbittern 0

Sungrebe 0 Sungrebe 1 Sungrebe 1 Sungrebe 1

Tricoloured heron 0 Tricoloured heron 0 Tricoloured heron 0 Tricoloured heron 0

White-throatedcrake

0 White-throatedcrake



0

Yellow-crownednight heron

1Yellow-crowned

night heron0

Yellow-crownednight heron

0Yellow-crowned

night heron1

Total Species 16 Total Species 12 Total Species 16 Total Species 17


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5.2 Related links

Rufescents Return: Notes from the field - seasonal update

Aquatic Avifauna of Tortuguero National Park: notes from the field

6 Incidental Species Study

GVI Costa Rica has been recording incidental sightings of animals at EBCP since

January 2007. The aim of the study is to maintain a formal, accurate record of the daily

occurrences of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians sighted within the property

boundaries of the station. By keeping a daily record of the occurrence of species, we can

determine which species are seen most frequently and determine if there any changes in

the frequency of sightings of certain species over time.

6.1 Results


2009 December 11th

2009.

Table 6-1 Overview of incidental totals this phase

Number of species recorded this phase 119

Total number of records this phase 1706

Table 6-2Special Interest sightings for phase

Species Number of records

Great Green Macaw (Ana ambiguous) 1

Hoffmann's Two-toed Sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni) 1

Honduran White Bat (Ectophylla Alba) 5

Tayra (Eira Barbara) 2

Black and White Owl (Ciccaba nigrolineata) 3

Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) 1

Boa Constrictor(Boa constrictor) 1
http://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2008/10/rufescents-return.htmlhttp://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2009/10/aquatic-avifauna-surveys-in-national.htmlhttp://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2009/10/aquatic-avifauna-surveys-in-national.htmlhttp://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2008/10/rufescents-return.html


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

Birds Mammals Amphibians Reptiles

SpeciesDays

recorded(%)

SpeciesDays

recorded(%)

SpeciesDays

recorded(%)

SpeciesDays

recorded(%)

GreatKiskadee(Pitangus

sulphuratus)

89%Mantled Howler

Monkey (Alouattapalliata)

96%

StrawberryPoison Dart Frog

(Dendrobatespumilio)

89%

GreenIguana(Iguanaiguana)

83%

White-collaredManakin(Manacus

candei)

85%

Brazilian Long-nosed Bat

(Rhynchonycterisnaso)

90%Marine Toad (Bufo

marinus)51%

Greenbasilisk

(Basiliscusplumifrons)

80%

Violet-crowned

Woodnymph(Thaluraniacolomica)

71%

Mexican MouseOpossum(Marmosa

mexicana)

66%Common Tink

Frog (Herotilapiamultispinisa)

24%

CentralAmericanWhiptail(Ameiva

festiva)

77%

Chestnut-mandibled

Toucan(Ramphastosswainsonii)

68%

CentralAmerican SpiderMonkey (Ateles

geoffroyi)

42%

Smoky JungleFrog

(Leptodactyluspentadactylus)

21%

Yellow-headedGecko

(Gonatodesalbogularis)

65%

Clay-coloredRobin

(Turdus grayi)65%

White-throatedCapuchin (Cebus

capucinus)24%

Fitzinger's RainFrog

(Eleutherodactylusfitzingeri)

17%

SpectacledCaiman(Caiman

crocodilus)

38%

Figure 6-4 Most commonly recorded species for phase (recorded 75% of days)


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Table 6-5 Target species records for phase 094

Target species recorded this Phase Number of records

Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) 59

Strawberry Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates pumilio) 63

Marine Toad (Bufo marinus) 36

Black River Turtle (Rhinoclemmys funereal) 11

Great Potoo (Nyctibius grandis) 13

Central American Spider Monkey (Ateles geoffroyi) 30

Neotropical River Otter (Lutra longicaudis) 6

Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) 0

Figure 6-6 Some incidental records for the phase: Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor), White Bat

(Ectophylla alba), Hoffmanns Two Toed Sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni)

6.2 Related links

Priceless Monitoring without Cost: Poster to the Mesoamerican Congress 2009

7 Great Green Macaw Research and Conservation Project

The great green macaw is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List and protected

under Appendix I of CITES. The estimated population for Costa Rica is approximately 35reproductive pairs, leading to the idea that this population depends on the larger macaw

population in the Indio-Maz Biological Reserve in Nicaragua.

The growing concerns about the status of the Great Green Macaw have lead to the

creation of the Great Green Macaw Research and Conservation Project - started by
http://www.scribd.com/doc/21920227/Incidental-Species-Study-Poster-Presented-to-XIII-Congress-Mesoamerican-Society-for-Biology-and-Conservationhttp://www.scribd.com/doc/21920227/Incidental-Species-Study-Poster-Presented-to-XIII-Congress-Mesoamerican-Society-for-Biology-and-Conservation


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conservation biologist Dr. George V. N. Powel. This project has been working in Costa

Rica since 1994 to raise awareness and carry out research into this specie. It is currently

being run by Centro Cientfico Tropical in association with several organisations,

including GVI Costa Rica, the National University of Costa Rica (UNA) and the Scientific

Committee of the Costa Rican Ornithological Association (AOCR).

Between Jan 2007 and July 2008, GVI Costa Rica recorded 14 records of great green

macaws (Ara ambigua) at the station property as part of the Incidental Special Study.

During the Mesoamerican Conference for Biology and Conservation in El Salvador in

November 2008 we were invited to assist in the collection of data for Centro Cientfico

Tropicals Great Green Macaw Research and Conservation Project for the San Juan

La Selva Biological Corridor, first beginning collecting data for the Tortuguero area under

their requirements at the end of November 2008.

Since this protocol was introduced in November 2008 there have been 40 sightings of

Great Green Macaws by GVI Expedition Members. Of these 40 records, 22 were during

Phase 094.

7.1 Results

The phasedata represented in the tables below covers the period from June 26th

2009 December 11th

2009.

Table 7-1 Classifications forAra ambiguarecords

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

1. Feeding a. Primary or secondary forest 1. Rain

2. Resting b. Open area, e.g.: field or garden 2. Cloud/fog

3. Nesting c. Forest edge 3. Other (describe)

4. Drinking water d. Plantation/reforestation area (what type)

5. Flying e. Other (describe)

6. Other (describe)


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Table 7-2 Ara ambiguarecords for Phase 093 & 094

Date Hour Place # A H Tree Type C

03/07/2009 10:43In front of Cao Palma Station -across the canal - going South

4 2 c Almendro tree 2

04/07/2009 7:30 End of AQT01 3 5 b 207/07/2009 5:35 Cao Palma Canal 11 5 2

23/07/2009 7:00 CPA03 3 5 c 3

15/09/2009 Cao Palma Station

07/10/2009 7:00 Cao Palma Station 4 5

24/10/2009 6:15Tortuguero National Park

Aquatic Trail Section 12 5 a 2

24/10/2009 7:20Cao Chiquero, Tortuguero

National Park2 5 a 2



31/10/2009 16:00On Cao Penetencia, Just North

of San Fran

3 5 a 2

01/11/2009 15:50On main canal 5 mins South of

Tortuguero3 5 a 3

02/11/2009 8:05Cao Harold, Tortuguero

National Park3 5 b 3



10/11/2009 7:00Penetencia, at the power lines

north of Tortuguero5 5 c 2

16/11/2009 North of San Francisco 2 5 c 2

18/11/2009 13:30 North of San Francisco 4 2 c 2

19/11/2009 14:10North of San Francisco on

Penetencia2 5 c 2

24/11/2009 6:55 National Park Rangers Station,Cuatro Esquinas

1 2 c 2

26/11/2009 16:30Just South of San Francisco

village2 2 a 3

28/11/2009 6:18Tortuguero National Park

Aquatic Trail Section 23 5 a 3



29/11/2009 16:15 San Francisco 2 5 c 2

04/12/2009 16:30 Tortugero National Park 3 5 c 3

05/12/2009 9:00Cao Harold, Tortuguero

National Parka 3

07/12/2009 15:16 Penetencia 6 5 c 309/12/2009 6:15 Tortuguero National Park 2 5 a 3

09/12/2009 16:45 Cao Palma Station 2 a 3


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8 Meteorology and Environmental Study

COTERC have been recording weather information at the Biological Station to varying

degrees since 1991. Since January 2007, GVI Costa Rica has been assisting COTERC

in the collection and compilation of a set data into the climatological and environmental

conditions experienced at EBCP each day.

8.1 Results


2009 December 11th

2009.

Table 8-1 Weekly environmental averages for phase

WeekRainfall

(mm)Max Temp (6PM) Min Temp (6AM)

Average Humidity(%)

Average Canal Depth(cm)

one 127.70 32.57 19.86 88.14 103.43

two 97.60 31.00 19.86 87.07 115.71

three 24.40 26.00 18.00 80.36 86.93

four 96.70 30.43 20.29 88.71 84.14

five 65.90 29.29 19.86 87.71 94.43

six 128.50 29.86 20.43 88.71 93.53

seven 350.50 27.00 20.43 89.71 131.79

eight 344.30 27.67 20.00 89.21 153.82

nine 173.40 30.29 20.14 88.64 117.36

ten 48.50 29.83 21.00 87.86 97.50

Table 8-2 Monthly environmental averages for year

Month Rainfall (mm)Max Temp

(6PM) Min Temp (6AM)Average

Humidity (%)Average Canal

Depth (cm)

Jan 160.2 32 16 88.1 101.8

Feb 198.4 32 17 88.5 116.3

March 93.4 30 19 86.3 102.9

Apr 88.6 32 20 83 85.5

May 50.9 32 21 84.8 93

Jun 113.08 32 17 84.95 89.75

July 178.5 34 19 86.21 105.93

Aug 133.8 35 17 84.56 98.61

Sept 341.5 32.73 20.08 86.36 97.34

Oct 361.4 30.23 19.58 86.21 97.76

Nov 968.1 26.57 20.2 85.9 116.78Dec


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9 Tourist Impact Study

GVI Costa Rica has been assisting MINAET by documenting and monitoring the impact

of tourism on our local canal since January 2006. On a weekly basis the canal traffic

along Cao 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 Cao Palma are outlined below:

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

ACTo Time restriction Number of boats allowed

06:00 08:00 10

08:00 10:00 10

10:00 12:00 10

12:00 14:00 10

14:00 16:00 10

16:00 - 18:00 10

9.1 Results


2009 December 11th

2009.

Table 9-2 General Canal boat impact data for phase

Number of surveys this phase 9

Average number of boats per day for the phase 53

Average number of passengers per tour boat for phase 10Average number of passengers per lodge transfer for phase 12

Average number of passengers per work associated boat for phase 3

Average number of passengers per private boat for phase 4

Average number of people per survey day 353

Most commonly recorded tourist boat for phase Esmeralda

Most commonly recorded non tourist / private boat for phase Lusia

Most commonly recorded lodge for phase Vista Al Mar


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Table 9-3 Activity by usage type

Total number of tourist boats 309Total number of non-tourist boats 168

Total number of passengers in tourist boats 2668

Total number of passengers in non-tourist boats 505

Percentage of boats using 4s engines 79%

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

Figure 9-2 Breakdown of canal usage by Lodge


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designed to be fun and to continue to promote a good relationship between local

residents and GVI Costa Rica.

10.1 Summary

Classes continued as usual in San Francisco, with higher level English lessons being

taught to the local children. Thursdays were designed to target 4th-6th graders, with

Monday and Tuesdays remaining for the younger kids. As with previous phases,

volunteers came in every Monday to help with teaching. Furthermore, every Thursday

and Friday mornings were given to the private teaching of two young boys after being

approached by a couple of mothers of San Francisco. Adult classes continued to be

twice weekly, and brought out between three to five students each time.

The volunteers were also involved in helping the children make flowers and painting their

faces for participation in the community float at the Tortuguero community parade.

Community Event this phase was looking at Deforestation, and the team performed a

play in Spanish about a Macaw family being made homeless by deforestation. The

volunteers also had a seed and spoon race with the children and a crafts section making

puppets. Along with the children classes and assistance with community event and the

habitat healers, the volunteers also helped our community intern, Amelia, to set up a

recycling area at the local boat taxi rank. This is now allowing the local community to

separate plastic, paper and alluminium.


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Thank you all,

global vision international Costa Rica.

conservation for everyone, everyone for conservation

ex68 cr science report 094

Documents