Phase Report 093

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GVI Costa Rica

Coastal Rainforest and Wildlife

Research Expedition

Phase Report 093

26th June 4th September 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)

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

(MINAET)

Produced by

David Jones Field CoordinatorRebeca Chaverri Country DirectorRichard Bull Expedition StaffWing Tsui Expedition Staff

Stephanny Arroyo Arce Expedition StaffSarah Durose ScholarSarah Shotwell ScholarHaley Nedderman Intern

And

Laura Prideaux-BruneVolunteer

Amanda Meehan Volunteer Charlotte Hemsley Volunteer

William Brideaux-

Brune Volunteer Haley Forbes Volunteer Morgan Early Volunteer

Rhiannon HarringtonVolunteer Michael Larson Volunteer Allison Antonson Volunteer

Katie MayVolunteer Emily Credit Volunteer Madeline Busch Volunteer

Molly SwailesVolunteer

Katheryn

Maschovich Volunteer Gabrielle Busch Volunteer

Bill ValaikaVolunteer Stuart Mott Volunteer Juan De La Fuente Volunteer

Sho Murphy-

Shigematsu Volunteer Melanie Simpson Volunteer Jessica Greenland Intern

Caroline Holderfied Volunteer Adam Schifter 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...................................................................................................... 83 Jaguar Camera Trapping Study ................................................................................ 83.1 Results .............................................................................................................. 93.2 Related links....................................................................................................10

4 Marine Turtle Monitoring and Conservation Programme ........................................ 104.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 114.2 Related links....................................................................................................13

5 Canal Bird Monitoring Programme.......................................................................... 145.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 145.2 Related links....................................................................................................16

6 Incidental Species Study.........................................................................................176.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 17

7 Meteorology and Environmental Study ................................................................... 207.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 20

8 Tourist Impact Study ............................................................................................... 218.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 21

9 English Language and Environmental Education Classes...................................... 249.1 Summary ......................................................................................................... 249.2 Related links....................................................................................................25

10 Activities and Final Summary..................................................................................25List 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...............................9Table 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.............................................................14Table 5-2 Unusual recordings for phase per canal ....................................................15Table 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.....................................................17


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Table 6-2 Special Interest sightings for phase...........................................................17Table 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..................................................20Table 9-1 Boat use restriction on Cao Palma, Tortuguero, Costa Rica. ..................21Table 9-2 General Canal boat impact data for phase ................................................21Table 9-3 Total canal usage for phase by ACTo time restriction ...............................22Table 9-4 Activity by usage type ................................................................................22List of Figures

Figure 4-1 Nest Status as determined by morning census June September 2009.13Figure 9-1 Canal usage by tourist boat vs. non-tourist boat ......................................22Figure 9-2 Breakdown of canal usage by Lodge........................................................23Figure 9-3 Total number of boat by time for phase....................................................23


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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 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 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.
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

8 surveys were conducted this phase, covering 116 miles; making 116 miles for the

season (July 2009 June 2010).

The phasedata 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


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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 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
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://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=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://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://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://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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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


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 N102226.9W832416.0

Cam site two N102923.0W832832.0

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

Dates checked12/07/2009, 19/07/2009,

02/08/2009 Dates checked21/07/2009, 11/08/2009,24/08/2009, 02/09/2009

Number of trappingnights 29

Number of trappingnights 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


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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
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/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://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.html


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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 isconducted 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

Status of nests found this phase50% Natural; 32% Poached; 17% Unknown; 1%

Eroded

Status of nests found this season69% Natural; 18% Poached; 12% Unknown; 1%

Eroded


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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

Status of excavated nests this phase84% Natural; 10% Partially Poached; 3% Poached; 0% Predated;

0% Unknown; 3% Eroded

Status of excavated nests this season 89% Natural; 7% Partially Poached; 2% Poached; 0% Predated;0% Unknown; 2% Eroded

Percentage success rate for normal nests thisseason

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

Percentage success rate for relocated neststhis season

48%

Number of LIF records this season 4

Number of DEC records this season 3


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

92%

4%4%

Natural

PoachedUnknown

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&

Itemid=143

Late leatherbacks by Lisa Spencer: notes from the field

Slick recovery: notes from the field
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://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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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 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


2009 September 4th

2009.

Table 5-1 General phase totals for all canals

Canal Number of surveys

Cao Palma 7

Cao Chiquero 7

Cao Harold 7

Number of species recorded Phase Total

Cao Palma 12

Cao Chiquero 12

Cao Harold 11

AQTs 13

Total 17

Number of individuals recorded Phase Total

Cao Palma 90

Cao Chiquero 48

Cao Harold 67

AQTs 146

Total 351


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Table 5-2 Unusual recordings for phase per canal

Canal Unusual sightings recorded

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

AQTs Limpkin, Rufescent Tiger-Heron

Cao Chiquero Gray-necked Wood-rail

Cao 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


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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 1American pygmykingfisher 1

American pygmykingfisher 1



Anhinga 1 Anhinga 1 Anhinga 1 Anhinga 1Bare-throatedtiger-heron 1

Bare-throated tiger-heron 1

Bare-throatedtiger-heron 1

Bare-throatedtiger-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 0Gray-neckedwood-rail 1

Gray-neckedwood-rail 1



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 1Green-and-rufouskingfisher 1

Green-and-rufouskingfisher 1



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 1Neotropicalcormorant 0

Neotropicalcormorant 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 1Rufescent tiger-heron 1

Rufescent tiger-heron 0



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 0White-throatedcrake 0

White-throatedcrake 0



Yellow-crownednight heron 1




Total Species 12 Total Species 12 Total Species 11 Total Species 13

5.2 Related links

Rufescents Return: Notes from the field - seasonal update

Bird survey in Cao Harold, Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica: notes from thefield

Aquatic Avifauna of Tortuguero National Park: notes from the field

Limpkin Along: Notes from the field
http://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2008/10/rufescents-return.htmlhttp://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2009/01/as-we-near-end-of-wet-season-though-you.htmlhttp://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2009/10/aquatic-avifauna-surveys-in-national.htmlhttp://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2009/08/limpkin-along.htmlhttp://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2009/08/limpkin-along.htmlhttp://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2009/10/aquatic-avifauna-surveys-in-national.htmlhttp://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2009/01/as-we-near-end-of-wet-season-though-you.htmlhttp://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2008/10/rufescents-return.html


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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 phasedata 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


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

Birds Mammals Amphibians Reptiles

Species Daysrecorded

(%)


(%)


(%)


(%)

GreatKiskadee(Pitangussulphuratus)

98.6

Brazilian Long-nosed Bat(Rhynchonycterisnaso)

100

StrawberryPoison Dart Frog(Dendrobatespumilio)

94.2

Yellow-headed Gecko(Gonatodesalbogularis) 98.6

White-collaredManakin(Manacuscandei)

98.6

Mantled HowlerMonkey(Alouattapalliata)

100Common TinkFrog (Herotilapiamultispinisa)

72.4Green basilisk(Basiliscusplumifrons)

97.1

MontezumaOropendola(Psarocoliusmontezuma)

97.1Mexican MouseOpossum(Marmosamexicana)

37.6Marine Toad(Bufo marinus)

63.8Slender Anole(Noropslimifrons)

96.6

Clay-coloredRobin(Turdusgrayi)

95.6

CentralAmericanSpider Monkey(Ateles geoffroyi)

36.2

Smoky JungleFrog(Leptodactyluspentadactylus)

42

CentralAmericanWhiptail(Ameivafestiva)

94.2

TurkeyVulture(Cathartesaura)

84

White-throatedCapuchin(Cebus

capucinus)

20.3

Fitzinger's RainFrog(Eleutherodactylus

fitzingeri)

13Green Iguana(Iguanaiguana)

94.2

Olive-backedEuphonia(Euphoniagouldi)

82.6

Black RiverTurtle(Rhinoclemmysfunerea)

59.4

MealyParrot(Amazonafarinose)

76.8

SpectacledCaiman(Caimancrocodilus)

50.7

Keel-billedToucan

(Ramphastossulfuratus)

76.8

Chestnut-mandibledToucan(Ramphastosswainsonii)

73.9

Short-billedPigeon(Patagioenasnigrirostris)

72.5


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

53

53

57

57

58

65

65

66

66

67

67

68

68

68

69

69

50 55 60 65 70

Mealy Parrot

KeelbilledToucan

OlivebackedEuphonia

S lenderAnole

TurkeyV ulture

CentralAmerican

Whiptail

StrawberryPoisonDartFrog

GreenIguana

ClaycoloredRobin

GreenBasilisk

Montez umaOropendola

GreatKiskadee

WhitecollaredManakin

Y ellow headedGecko

Braz ilianLongnosedBa t

MantledHowlerMonkey

Table 6-5 Target species records for phase

Target species recorded this PhaseNumber of

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).


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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 andenvironmental conditions experienced at EBCP each day.

7.1 Results


2009- September 4th

2009.

Table 7-1 Weekly environmental averages for phase

Week Rainfall(mm) Max Temp (6PM) Min Temp (6AM) Average Humidity(%) Average Canal Depth(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

MonthAv daily Rainfall

(mm)Max Temp

(6PM)Min Temp

(6AM)Average Humidity (%)

Average CanalDepth (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


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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 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 8-1 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

8.1 Results


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


22/26

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 106Total 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

467Total 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

30%

70%

N

Y


23/26

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

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

05:30-07:59

08:00-09:59

10:00-11:59

12:00-13:59

14:00-15:59

16:00-18:00

Time Categories

NumberofBoats

Total


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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, withMonday 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, whichwas followed by art and games on the football field.


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9.2 Related links

Jardin del Paraso: Notes from the field unveiling the new Community Garden

Plays, paintings, games and gardens: Notes from the field Community Event

Schools In: Notes from the field

The Plays 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://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2009/01/jardin-del-paraso.htmlhttp://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2008/11/plays-paintings-games-and-gardens.htmlhttp://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2009/10/schools-in.htmlhttp://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2009/12/plays-thing.htmlhttp://www.tourdeturtles.org/http://www.tourdeturtles.org/http://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2009/12/plays-thing.htmlhttp://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2009/10/schools-in.htmlhttp://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2008/11/plays-paintings-games-and-gardens.htmlhttp://gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2009/01/jardin-del-paraso.html


26/26

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, dont 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
http://latinamericanseaturtles.org/blog/?p=14http://www.gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2008/09/weaving-for-nature.htmlhttp://www.careersabroad.co.uk/http://www.careersabroad.co.uk/http://www.gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2008/09/weaving-for-nature.htmlhttp://latinamericanseaturtles.org/blog/?p=14

Documents

Phase Report 093