GVI Costa Rica

Coastal Rainforest and Wildlife

Research Expedition

Phase Report 081

11th January – 21st March 2008

Phase Report 091

January 9th - March 19th 2009

Conservation for everyone, everyone for conservation
GVI Costa Rica Coastal Rainforest and Wildlife Research Expedition Report

Submitted in whole to:

Global Vision International
The Canadian Organisation for Tropical Education and Rainforest Conservation
(COTERC)
Steven Furino, Waterloo University, Canada

Submitted in part to:

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

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
Cody Glasbrenner Scholar

And

Marjolein Groot
Volunteer Robert Nichols Volunteer Peter Strand Volunteer
Nibbelink

Lisa Spencer Volunteer Ariane Chif Volunteer Jennifer Fucci Volunteer

Tom Parsons Volunteer Volunteer Megan Lieb Volunteer

Nicholas Louis
Jonathan Adam
Jennifer Archer Volunteer Volunteer Volunteer
Murphy Hejnowicz
Stephanny National Scholarship
Rachael Bohnen Volunteer Nava Fedaeff Volunteer
Arroyo Arce Program Participant

Karen Dykxhoorn Volunteer Lara Dixon Volunteer

Sarah Durose Volunteer Desiree Fleck Volunteer

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 .................................................................................................. 6

2 Jaguar Predation of Marine Turtles Study................................................................. 7
2.1 Results .............................................................................................................. 7
2.2 Related links ...................................................................................................... 8
3 Jaguar Camera Trapping Study ................................................................................ 8
3.1 Results .............................................................................................................. 9
3.2 Related links .................................................................................................... 11
4 Marine Turtle Monitoring and Conservation Programme ........................................ 11
4.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 12
4.2 Related links .................................................................................................... 12
5 Canal Bird Monitoring Programme .......................................................................... 12
5.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 13
5.2 Related links .................................................................................................... 16
6 Incidental Species Study ......................................................................................... 16
6.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 16
7 Meteorology and Environmental Study ................................................................... 18
7.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 18
8 Tourist Impact Study ............................................................................................... 19
8.1 Results ............................................................................................................ 20
9 English Language and Environmental Education Classes...................................... 22
9.1 Summary ......................................................................................................... 23
9.2 Related links .................................................................................................... 24
10 Activities and Final Summary .................................................................................. 24

List of Tables

Table 2-1 Breakdown of main results for phase and season .......................................7

Table 3-1 General data ................................................................................................9

Table 3-2 Trapping site information .............................................................................9

Table 3-3 Presence / absence (1/0) of known species this phase.............................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 ...............................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 Total canal usage for phase by ACTo time restriction ...............................20

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

List of Figures

Figure 3-1 Common opossum....................................................................................10

Figure 6-1 Some incidental records for the phase: Tree Frog, Mantled Howler
Monkey, Boa Constrictor............................................................................................18

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

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

Figure 8-3 Total number of boats 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 the Costa Rican Ministry
for the Environment, Energy and Telecommunications (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 first volunteer cycle of
2009 (Phase 091: January 9th - March 19th 2009). In addition to those listed, GVI
Costa Rica is also supplying resources and personnel to assist COTERC in a Large
Mammal Monitoring Programme inside the BCWR. Further details of GVI Costa Rica
research programmes and all protocols can be found at
http://gvicostarica.blogspot.com.
2 Jaguar Predation of Marine Turtles Study

GVI Costa Rica has been conducting this research by request of MINAET since July
2005. The aim of this project is to determine whether predation of marine turtles by
jaguars (Panthera onca) in TNP is having an impact on the marine turtle populations.

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

2.1 Results

Seven surveys were conducted this phase, covering 87 miles; making 464 miles for
the season (July 2008 – June 2009).

The phase data represented in the tables below covers the period from January 25th 2009- March 15th
2009.

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

Jag sightings 0

Number of full turtles tracks this phase: 1 Cm, 10 Dc

Number of full turtles tracks this season: 16,311 Cm, 10 Dc

Number of newly recorded dead turtles this phase 0

Number of dead turtles this year 0

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

Area of highest turtle activity this phase 15.5 – 18

Area of highest jag activity this phase 8 – 12; 15 – 17,5

Area of highest turtle predation this phase NA

2.2 Related links

Sociedad Mesoamericana para la Biología y la Conservación: GVI

Costa Rica attended this year's conference in El Salvador, where we
presented results from the Jaguar Predation of Marine Turtles Study.

GVI Costa Rica wins prize at Central American Conservation

Congress: More information on the outcomes of the El Salvador conference.

29th Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology &

Conservation: Poster presented to the conference in
February 2009, exploring the drivers behind the
jaguar predation of marine turtles phenomenon.

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

predated turtles - free access for educational purposes.

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

Wednesday, January 28, 2009: notes from the field

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

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 analysed by the team back at the
research station.
3.1 Results

The data represented in the tables below covers the period from January 21st 2009- March 15th 2009

Table 3-1 General data

Number of cameras deployed in field 4

5
Number of trapping sites

Table 3-2 Trapping site information

Cam site one Cam site two

Position (MM) 6 Position (MM) 16
Date set 21-Jan-09 Date set 26-Jan-09
Bait Chicken Stock Bait Chicken Stock

Dates checked 27-Jan-09, 04-Feb-09 Dates checked 01-Feb-09, 15-Feb-09

Number of trapping Number of trapping
nights 14 nights 21
1x Central American
Woolly Opossum, 1x
Common Opossum, 1x
Nine-banded Armadillo,
New Results None New Results 1x Red Brocket Deer

Cam site three Cam site four

Position (MM) 15 Position (MM) 5
Date set 15-Feb-09 Date set 18-Feb-2009; 3-Mar-09
Bait Chicken stock Bait Chicken stock

25-Feb-2009, 11-Mar-
Dates checked 22-Feb-09, 01-Mar-09 Dates checked 2009
Number of trapping Number of trapping
nights 14 nights 7 and 8
5xRed Brocket Deer,1x 1x Central American
New Results Tayra,1x Common Opossum New Results Spider Monkey

Cam site five

Position (MM) 13

Date set 01-Mar-09

Bait Chicken stock

Dates checked 15-Mar-09

Number of trapping 14
nights
New Results None
Table 3-3 Presence / absence (1/0) of known species this phase

Species Site One Site Two Site Three Site Four Site Five
Agouti (Dasyprocta punctata) 0 0 0 0 0
Baird's tapir (Tapirus bairdii) 0 0 0 0 0
Central American spider monkey (Ateles
geoffroyi) 0 0 0 1 0
Central American woolly opossum
(Caluromys derbianus) 0 1 0 0 0
Collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu) 0 0 0 0 0
Common opossum (Didelphis
marsupialis) 0 1 1 0 0
Gray four-eyed opossum (Philander
opossum) 0 0 0 0 0
Great curassow (Crax rubra) 1 0 0 0 0
Jaguar (Panthera onca) 0 0 0 0 0
Mantled howler monkey (Alouatta
palliata) 0 0 0 0 0
Margay (Leopardus wiedii) 0 0 0 0 0
Nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus
novemcinctus) 0 1 0 0 0
Northern racoon (Procyon lotor) 0 0 0 0 0
Paca (Agouti paca) 0 0 0 0 0

Red brocket deer (Mazama americana) 0 1 1 0 0

Tayra (Eira barbara) 0 0 0 0 0

White-faced capuchin (Cebus capucinus) 0 0 0 0 0

White-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) 0 0 0 0 0

White-nosed coati (Nasua narica) 0 0 0 0 0
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus
virginianus) 0 0 0 0 0

Figure 3-1 Common opossum

3.2 Related links

Guess the species: notes from the field.

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

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

29th Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology &

Conservation: Poster presented to the conference in
February 2009, exploring the drivers behind the
jaguar predation of marine turtles phenomenon.

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

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

4 Marine Turtle Monitoring and Conservation Programme

This programme has been managed by GVI Costa Rica since 2007 and is carried out
in partnership with COTERC. The aim is to develop a more detailed understanding of
and promote the conservation of the nesting marine turtles that utilise our local
beach, Playa Norte. Playa Norte (north of the beach at Tortuguero) receives up to
four species of endangered and critically endangered marine turtles: green (Chelonia
mydas), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and
the occasional loggerhead (Caretta caretta).

The beach is monitored by teams to record the spatial and seasonal distribution of
nests, the level of illegal poaching, hatchling emergence and hatchling success rates.
Information on the re-emergence of turtles to the nesting beach and / or migration
between beaches is also collected and recorded. Human Impact data are recorded to
determine if this has any impact on the nesting patterns of the turtles.

There are a number of different elements within this project, depending on the stage
of the season. During the nesting season, the beach is monitored each night in order
to record details of the nesting turtles and nests (including the location of the nest
and number of eggs) and to ‘tag’ the female nesting turtles. A morning census is
conducted each day to determine the status of the recent nests and record any new
tracks of nesting turtles. The beach is cleaned at the relevant locations and times to
promote increased hatching success.

Hatchling tracks are monitored and recorded and nest excavations are carried out
(once the nest has hatched or is past the date it was due to hatch) to determine the
success rate of the nest and record any relevant evidence on why eggs have not
hatched.

4.1 Results

During phase 091, 31 morning surveys and 14 night surveys were completed. Over
122 miles were walked on morning surveys and night surveys together this season
for a total of 68 hours of survey.

This phase we have recorded the presence of Leatherback turtles nesting on Playa
Norte. The full 2009 season reports for leatherbacks, greens and hawksbills will be
available in 2010.

4.2 Related links

Red para la conservación de la tortugas marinas de Costa Rica

www.redtortugasmarinascr.org

Alianza para las baulas del Caribe (ABC) / Caribbean Leatherback Alliance
www.latinamericanseaturtles.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=78&
Itemid=143

Late leatherbacks by Lisa Spencer: notes from the field

Slick recovery: notes from the field

5 Canal Bird Monitoring Programme

The partnership with Steven Furino of Waterloo University, Canada has been
established since GVI Costa Rica’s arrival in 2005, the current protocols have been
in place since January 2007. The aim is to provide evidence to help develop an
understanding of how resident and migratory bird species use lowland wet forests
and, in particular, the canals that are associated with these forests.

We are responsible for collecting population data on resident and migratory birds on
canals in the TNP and the BCWR. In order to do this we monitor and record the bird
species found on three different canal at weekly intervals. Thirty target species of
birds have been identified and standard research methods are employed, such as
standard point counts and area search survey techniques, to ensure the data can be
used alongside that collected in other locations by other research teams. Surveys are
usually carried out first thing in the morning and involve a team of five or six canoeing
through the relevant area, recording any sightings and sounds of the target species.

5.1 Results

th th
The data represented in the tables below covers the period from January 17 2009- March 18 2009

Table 5-1 General phase totals for all canals

Canal Number of surveys

Caño Palma 7
Caño Chiquero 7
Caño Harold 7

Number of species recorded Phase Total

Caño Palma 12
AQTs 18
Caño Chiquero 9
Caño Harold 13
All canal 20

Number of individuals recorded Phase Total

Caño Palma 134

AQTs 488
Caño Chiquero 68
Caño Harold 180
Total 870

Most commonly recorded species this phase

Caño Palma Yellow-crowned night-heron

AQTs Little blue heron
Caño Chiquero Little blue heron
Caño Harold Little blue heron
Overall Little blue heron
 Canal Number of hours on survey

Caño Palma 16hr 37min

Caño Chiquero 17hr 51min
Caño Harold 19hr 11min
Total number of hours on survey 53hr 39min

Table 5-2 Unusual recordings for phase per canal

Canal Unusual sightings recorded

Caño Palma Great egret

Great blue heron, Green-and-rufus kingfisher, Purple gallinule, Tricoloured
AQTs heron, Yellow-crowned night-heron
Caño Chiquero Gray-necked wood rail
Caño Harold Gray-necked wood-rail, Yellow-crowned night-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) 1
Great blue heron (Ardea herodias) 1
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
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) 1
Reddish egret (Egretta rufescens) 0
Ringed kingfisher (Ceryle torquata) 1
Rufescent tiger-heron (Tigrisoma lineatum) 0
Snowy egret (Egretta thula) 1
Sunbittern (Eurypyga helias) 0
Sungrebe (Heliornis fulica) 1
Tricoloured heron (Egretta tricolour) 1
White-throated crake (Laterallus albigularis) 0
Yellow-crowned night heron (Nyctanassa violacea) 1
Total Species 20

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 0 Amazon kingfisher 1 Amazon kingfisher 1
American pygmy American pygmy American pygmy American pygmy
kingfisher 1 kingfisher 0 kingfisher 0 kingfisher 0
Anhinga 0 Anhinga 0 Anhinga 1 Anhinga 1
Bare-throated Bare-throated tiger- Bare-throated Bare-throated
tiger-heron 1 heron 1 tiger-heron 1 tiger-heron 1
Belted kingfisher 0 Belted kingfisher 0 Belted kingfisher 0 Belted kingfisher 0
Boat-billed heron 0 Boat-billed heron 0 Boat-billed heron 0 Boat-billed heron 0
Cattle egret 1 Cattle egret 0 Cattle egret 0 Cattle egret 1
Gray-necked Gray-necked Gray-necked Gray-necked
wood-rail 1 wood-rail 1 wood-rail 1 wood-rail 0
Great blue heron 0 Great blue heron 0 Great blue heron 0 Great blue heron 1
Great egret 1 Great egret 0 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 1 Green kingfisher 1 Green kingfisher 1
Green-and-rufus Green-and-rufus Green-and-rufus Green-and-rufus
kingfisher 0 kingfisher 1 kingfisher 1 kingfisher 1
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 0 Northern jacana 0 Northern jacana 0
Purple gallinule 0 Purple gallinule 0 Purple gallinule 0 Purple gallinule 1
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- Rufescent tiger- Rufescent tiger- Rufescent tiger-
heron 0 heron 0 heron 0 heron 0
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 0 Sungrebe 1
Tricoloured heron 0 Tricoloured heron 0 Tricoloured heron 0 Tricoloured heron 1
White-throated White-throated White-throated White-throated
crake 0 crake 0 crake 0 crake 0
Yellow-crowned Yellow-crowned Yellow-crowned Yellow-crowned
night heron 1 night heron 0 night heron 1 night heron 1
Total Species 12 Total Species 9 Total Species 13 Total Species 18
5.2 Related links

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

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

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 data represented in the tables below covers the period from January 9th 2009- March 18th 2009

Table 6-1 Overview of incidental totals this phase

Number of species recorded this phase 159

Total number of records this phase 2026

Table 6-4 Special Interest sightings for phase

Species Number of records

American Pygmy Kingfisher (Chloroceryle aenea) 2

Blue Dacnis (Dacnis cayana) 1
Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor) 2
Central Amercian Coral Snake (Micrurus alleni) 2
Eyelash Viper (Botriechis schlegelli) 2
Great-tailed grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) 1
Kinkajou (Potos flavus) 3
Northern Tamandua (Tamandua mexicana) 1
Red Coffee Snake (Ninia sebae) 1
Scarlet-Webbed Tree Frog (Hyla rutifela) 2
Table 6-2 Most commonly recorded species by class for phase

Birds Mammals Amphibians Reptiles

Days Days Days Days

recorded recorded recorded recorded
Species (%) Species (%) Species (%) Species (%)
Great 91 Mantled howler 93 Strawberry 90 Green 84
kiskadee monkey Poison Frog iguana
(Pitangus (Alouatta palliata) (Dendrobates (Iguana
sulphuratus) pumilio) iguana)

Yellow-
Montezuma Brazilian long- Common headed
oropendola nosed bat Tink Frog gecko
(Psarocolius (Rhynchonycteris (Herotilapia (Gonatodes
montezuma) 91 naso) 59 multispinisa) 63 albogularis) 71

White-
collared Central Green
manakin American spider Marine Toad basilisk
(Manacus monkey (Ateles (Bufo (Basiliscus
candei) 83 geoffroyi) 43 marinus) 47 plumifrons) 60

Smoky
Western Jungle Frog Central
Slaty- Mexican Mouse (Leptodactylu American
Antshrike Opossum s Whiptail
(Thamnophilus (Marmosa pentadactylu (Ameiva
atrinucha) 79 mexicana) 41 s) 43 festiva) 49

Green Ibis White-faced Green Spectacled

(Mesembrinibi Capuchin Climbing Caiman
s (Cebus Toad (Bufo (Caiman
cayennensis) 76 capucinus) 19 coniferus) 10 crocodilus) 36

Figure 6-3 Most commonly recorded species for phase (recorded ≥75% of days)

# Days Recorded
52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70

Mantled Howler Monkey 65

Great Kiskadee 64

Montezuma Oropendola 64

Strawberry Poison Dart Frog 63

Green Iguana 59

White‐collared Manakin 58

Western Slaty‐Antshrike 55

Green Ibis 53
Figure 6-1 Some incidental records for the phase: Tree Frog, Mantled Howler Monkey, Boa
Constrictor

7 Meteorology and Environmental Study

COTERC have been recording weather information at the Biological Station to

varying degrees since 1991. Since January 2007, GVI Costa Rica has been assisting
COTERC in the collection and compilation of a set data into the climatological and
environmental conditions experienced at EBCP each day.

7.1 Results

The data represented in the tables below covers the period from January 9th 2009- March 18th 2009

Table 7-1 Weekly environmental averages for phase

Week Rainfall (mm) Max Temp Min Temp Average Humidity (%) Average Canal Depth
(6PM) (6AM) (cm)
one 63.8 32 18 87.6 90.4

two 170.5 27 16 90.8 89.6

three 223.6 30 18 85.1 121.3

four 260.8 31 18 88.4 107.5

five 361.5 30 17 90.6 171.7

six 41.6 32 17 87.6 95.9

seven 96.2 28 17 88 95.4

eight 247.9 30 14 89 104.5

nine 126.7 30 13 88.6 151.9

ten 2 32 17 85.8 90.8

Table 7-2 Monthly environmental averages for year

Month Rainfall (mm) Max Temp Min Temp Average Humidity (%) Average Canal Depth
(6PM) (6AM) (cm)
Jan 160.2 32 16 88.1 101.8

Feb 198.4 32 17 88.5 116.3

March
Apr
May
Jun
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec

8 Tourist Impact Study

GVI Costa Rica has been assisting MINAET by documenting and monitoring the
impact of tourism on our local canal since January 2006. On a weekly basis the canal
traffic along Caño Palma is monitored between 06:00 and 18:00. As possible, all
days of the week are surveyed throughout the phase. Two personnel conduct
surveys, each taking a six-hour shift, between either 06:00 and 12:00 or 12:00 and
18:00.

The number and type of boats are recorded, alongside any other evidence, such as
the number of tourists and the type of engine in line with information recorded for
visitors to TNP canals. The restrictions of use for Caño Palma are outlined below:

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

ACTo Time restriction Number of boats allowed

06:00 – 08:00 10
08:00 – 10:00 10
10:00 – 12:00 10
12:00 – 14:00 10
14:00 – 16:00 10
16:00 - 18:00 10
8.1 Results

The data represented in the tables below covers the period from January 18th 2009- March 14th 2009

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 47

Average number of passengers per tourist boat for phase 9

Average number of passengers per private boat for phase 4

Average number of people per day 357

Most commonly recorded tourist boat for phase Blue Sky III

Most commonly recorded private boat for phase Luisa & Iriria

Most commonly recorded lodge for phase Vista al Mar

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

Total Number of boats 06:00 – 08:00

61
Total Number of boats 08:00 – 10:00
81
Total Number of boats 10:00-12:00
55
Total Number of boats 12:00-14:00
55
Total Number of boats 14:00-16:00
70
Total Number of boats 16:00-18:00
56
Total number of boats
378

Table 8-4 Activity by usage type

Total number of tourist boats 265

Total number of non-tourist boats 113

Total number of passengers in tourist boats 2385

Total number of passengers in non-tourist boats 467

Percentage of boats using 4s engines 84

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

Total of Tourist v Non Tourist Boats for

Phase 15

30%

N Y

70%

Figure 8-2 Breakdown of canal usage by Lodge

Lodge Usage for Phase 15

Vista Al Mar
Turtle Beach Lodge
Taxi
Samoa Lodge
Private
Paraiso Tropical
Lodge Name

Pachira Lodge
Mawamba Lodge
Manatus
Laguna Lodge
Jungle Tours Safari
Evergreen
Clic Clic
Caño Palma

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120

Total Number of Records
Figure 8-3 Total number of boats by time for phase

Usage Times for Phase 15

80
70

60
Number of Boats

50
40 Total
30
20
10
0
05:30‐07:59

08:00‐09:59

10:00‐11:59

12:00‐13:59

14:00‐15:59

16:00‐18:00
Time Categories

9 English Language and Environmental Education Classes

Local capacity building: GVI Costa Rica are involved with the local school in San
Francisco village, teaching basic English to children and adults within the local
community of San Francisco. An exchange also takes place with colleagues from a
local tourist lodge (seasonal), providing an opportunity for all to practice their
language skills in an informal setting and learn more about the different cultures of
Costa Rica.

Environmental education: GVI Costa Rica, in partnership with COTERC, are

teaching environmental education to school children on a weekly basis. These
classes cover various topics and aim to build an awareness of the environment in
which the children live. We also organise regular community events for the residents
of San Francisco. These events cover an environmental theme, for example
composting, but are also designed to be fun and to continue to promote a good
relationship between local residents and GVI Costa Rica.
9.1 Summary

The middle of the phase saw the departure

of the Community Interns, Viv and Dani.
They have worked closely with the local
community, San Francisco, and the
volunteers since September 2008 and will be
missed by all. We wish them all the best in
the future, as they return to their native Brazil
to share all the wonders of conservation with
the children at home!

Within a month of Vivian and Dani´s depature, Cassidy arrived in San Francisco.
English teaching started up once again, for both children and adults. Kids classes
were held every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Cassidy came to the station on
Saturdays to plan with two volunteers, who joined her in school on Mondays. Adult
classes were held every Thursday and Friday evenings, and brought out a number of
students – most of whom had not attended classes with previous interns. Cassidy
was pleased she was able to spark new interest and recruit more beginning English
students.

The garden project continued with the kids every Friday afternoon and occasionally
during recess on other days of the week. Volunteers came over several times to help
with the work at the school by moving compost from the station to the garden, picking
up rubbish, and helping clean and prepare for the yearly school fundraiser.

The community event at the end of

phase focused on the theme of
mammals. It was well-attended, with
about 30 kids staying after school to
watch a short play, followed by art
projects and games.

The community has welcomed Cassidy

into the fold and was invited to
participate on the women´s soccer team, and also attend community meetings.
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

January saw the volunteers working hard in clearing Playa Norte Beach of felled
trees and logs that had been washed ashore over the prevailing months.

The team was on the beach three times per week clearing the debris in preparation
for the start of the nesting season. Further work was done in replacing and marking
out the mile markers from mile 0 to 31/8 from suitable logs that were lying on the
beach.

In February, Diogo Veríssimo

represented GVI Costa Rica at the
29th Symposium on Sea Turtle
Biology & Conservation held in
Brisbane, Australia.

A poster on the ongoing study of

jaguar predation on marine turtles at
Tortuguero was presented, which
generated much interest amongst
many of the visitors, allowing an extensive network of marine turtle researchers from
seven Latin-American countries to be contacted on the potential occurrence of jaguar
predation of marine turtles in their countries. Details can be found at the 29th
Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology & Conservation.
During a morning census, in March, the team found a yearling green turtle (Chelonia
mydas) covered in a thick layer of oil. The teams’ fast response allowed the GVI and
COTERC teams to clean and rehabilitate the turtle back on the station. After three
days of cleaning and strength building, we released the Green Turtle back with the

assistance of personnel from Vista Al Mar Lodge. Visit Slick recovery for details of
the ‘Slick Recovery’ story.

Prior to the departure of the volunteers for a long weekend, the GVI team was
welcomed by the Caribbean Conservation Corporation (CCC) after being flooded out
of Station. The CCC has been collecting data on marine turtles on Tortuguero beach
since 1958, and has given support and assistance, not only for board and lodging,
but also in supplying requested data for use in our analysis for the jaguar predation
work presented at the 29th Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology & Conservation

Throughout the phase, we continued to support the Weaving for Nature project from
Widecast, raising over $300. The project utilises waste plastic bags to make
beautiful, long-lasting designs of bags, purses and more. Find out more here:

http://latinamericanseaturtles.org/blog/?p=14
www.gvicostarica.blogspot.com/2008/09/weaving-for-nature.html

And finally, don’t forget to check out www.careersabroad.co.uk where you will find
out about job opportunities with us (and partners) first, because none of this is
possible without our dedicated staff and volunteers.

Thank you all,

global vision international Costa Rica.

conservation for everyone, everyone for conservation