Instituto Internacional en Conservación y Manejo de Vida Silvestre

URI permanente para esta comunidadhttp://10.0.96.45:4000/handle/11056/14849

El Instituto Internacional de Conservación y Manejo de Vida Silvestre (ICOMVIS)genera y transfiere conocimiento y forma recurso humano mediante la investigación, educación y extensión en el campo de la conservación y manejo de vida silvestre y su relación con el ser humano en el Neotrópico, a través de acciones inter y multidisciplinarias que integran aspectos teóricos y prácticos para la conservación de la vida silvestre.

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A comparison of fruit removal in Ficus colubrinae between birds and Ectophylla alba (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in a Costa Rican rain forest
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2021-02-02) De la Llata Quiroga, Edna; Ruedas, Luis; Mora, José Manuel
Ectophylla alba almost exclusively feeds on the fruits of Ficus colubrinae therefore significantly contributing to dispersal of its seeds. The objective of this research was to quantify the fruit removal of F. colubrinae by E. alba and compare it with that of birds in a F. colubrinae tree at the La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica. We established seven quadrats randomly at different heights of the tree. We took photographs of each quadrat, quantified the fruits in each photograph, and compared the number of fruits removed during periods of high and low activity. The on-site persistence time of birds (9:05 min) was higher than that of E. alba (0.32 s). Birds removed more fruits (46) than E. alba (41). Birds defecated on site more times (13.08 feces per day) than E. alba (7.5 feces per day). Thus, E. alba is a more important seed disperser of F. colubrinae than are birds, because it persisted a short time at the feeding site, and consumed food beyond the individual trees’ canopies. Most importantly, by defecating during flight or away from the fruiting tree, E. alba disperse seeds some distance from the F. colubrinae tree, thereby contributes more effectively toward seed dispersal.
A new nesting record for the jabiru in Costa Rica
(Waterbird Society, 1998) Villarreal Orias, Johnny
I document the first nesting record of theJabiru (Jabiru mycteria) in "Los Guatuzos" forest floodplain, Alajuela province, Costa Rica. The active nest was located in March 1995 at 10°49'23.70"N and 84°47'23.20"W. The nest was 16m high in a 23m high silk-cotton tree (Ceiba pentandra) and contained three chicks. The zone is not protected and active lumbering is underway.
A Sensitivity Analysis of the Application of Integrated Species Distribution Models to Mobile Species: A Case Study with the Endangered Baird's Tapir
(Cambridge University Press, 2019-04-21) Schank, Cody J; Cove, Michael V; Kelly, Marcella J; Nielsen, Clayton K; Farrill, Georgina O; Meyer, Ninon; Jordan, Christopher A; González-Maya, Jose F; Lizcano, Diego J; Moreno, Ricardo; Dobbins, Michael; Montalvo Guadamuz, Víctor Hugo; Cruz Díaz, Juan Carlos; Pozo, Gilberto; de la Torre, J. Antonio; Brenes Mora, Esteban; Wood, Margot A; Gilbert, Jessica; Jetz, Walter; Miller A, Jennifer
Species distribution models (SDMs) are statistical tools used to develop continuous predictions of species occurrence. 'Integrated SDMs' (ISDMs) are an elaboration of this approach with potential advantages that allow for the dual use of opportunistically collected presence-only data and site-occupancy data from planned surveys. These models also account for survey bias and imperfect detection through the use of a hierarchical modelling framework that separately estimates the species-environment response and detection process. This is particularly helpful for conservation applications and predictions for rare species, where data are often limited and prediction errors may have significant management consequences. Despite this potential importance, ISDMs remain largely untested under a variety of scenarios. We performed an exploration of key modelling decisions and assumptions on an ISDM using the endangered Baird's tapir (Tapirus bairdii) as a test species. We found that site area had the strongest effect on the magnitude of population estimates and underlying intensity surface and was driven by estimates of model intercepts. Selecting a site area that accounted for the individual movements of the species within an average home range led to population estimates that coincided with expert estimates. ISDMs that do not account for the individual movements of species will likely lead to less accurate estimates of species intensity (number of individuals per unit area) and thus overall population estimates. This bias could be severe and highly detrimental to conservation actions if uninformed ISDMs are used to estimate global populations of threatened and data-deficient species, particularly those that lack natural history and movement information. However, the ISDM was consistently the most accurate model compared to other approaches, which demonstrates the importance of this new modelling framework and the ability to combine opportunistic data with systematic survey data. Thus, we recommend researchers use ISDMs with conservative movement information when estimating population sizes of rare and data-deficient species. ISDMs could be improved by using a similar parameterization to spatial capture-recapture models that explicitly incorporate animal movement as a model parameter, which would further remove the need for spatial subsampling prior to implementation. © 2019 Foundation for Environmental Conservation.
Analysis of the Interactions Between Humans and Crocodiles in Costa Rica
(Sociedade Brasileira de Herpetologia, 2020) Porras Murillo, Laura Patricia; Mata Cambronero, Erick
The habitat of crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) and caimans (Caiman crocodilus) has been subjected to pressure due to human expansion. Habitat reduction, coupled with the simultaneous growth of the crocodile population, increases the number of interactions between crocodiles and humans. There is currently no official and systematized interactions database, but it is necessary to know the magnitude and nature of the interactions and establish management measures. The objective of the work was to systematize and evaluate the interactions between crocodiles and humans in Costa Rica. Historical information was collected from several sources. A total of 99 records, dated between 1990–2017, were found from press reports and the Integrated System for Processing Environmental Complaints of the Ministry of Environment and Energy (SITADA). The Fire Department recorded 123 events in 2017. All Fire Department records corresponded to encounters or sightings. Of the SITADA incident records, 35.4% were non-fatal, 27.3% were fatal, 21.2% were encounters and sightings, and the remaining 16.1% were miscellaneous situations. Most interactions occurred during the day, a fact potentially explained by human behavior of being in bodies of water or on adjacent shoreline while the sun is out. Most interactions occurred in the Central Pacific, followed by the Caribbean and then the South Pacific. The information available is brief but allows to establish management measures. The country needs to create a national database of interactions and to encourage individuals to report their interactions. Further research should continue to analyze the data for trends with the goal of building recommendations to prevent an increase in negative interactions.
Camera trapping ocelots: An evaluation of felid attractants
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2014) Cove, Michael; Spinola, Manuel; Jackson, Victoria; Saenz, Joel
Ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) and other wild cats are often surveyed using camera traps to identify individuals for density estimation via capture-recapture analyses or estimate occupancy via detection/non-detection analyses. Though attractants are sometimes used in such surveys, there have not been any evaluations of the effectiveness of common visual and olfactory attractants in field settings. As part of a medium and large mammal camera survey in the San Juan – La Selva Biological Corridor, Costa Rica, we integrated camera trap data within an occupancy modelling framework to estimate the effects of hanging compact disks (visual), cologne (olfactory), and sardines in oil (olfactory) on ocelot detection probabilities. Compact disks appeared to have the most information-theoretic model support, whereas cologne received less model support. The use of compact disks in surveys was also less time-consuming and less expensive than the olfactory at tractants. Ocelots are visual hunters and using visual attractants can increase detection probabilities and therefore reduce uncertainty and/or reduce survey effort to obtain robust population or occu pancy estimates, although using cologne might also have similar effects. Depending on logistic constraints, we recommend employing several attractants as the most appropriate way to survey ocelots and other rare felids in the future when detection biases are assumed to be strong, particu larly as part of mammal community surveys.
Conservation value of dispersed tree cover threatened by pasture management
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2011) Harvey, Celia A.; Villanueva, Cristobal; Esquivel, Humberto; Gómez, Rene; Ibrahim, Muhammad; Lopez, Marlon; Martinez, Jorge; Diego, Muñoz; Restrepo, Claudia; Joel, Saénz; Villacís, Jaime; Sinclair, Fergus
Trees dispersed in pastures are a prominent feature of many Central American landscapes, particularly in cattle producing regions where farmers retain trees to serve as shade, fodder, timber and firewood. The presence of dispersed trees in pastures is often considered as important for the conservation of biodiver sity by providing habitat and enhancing landscape connectivity. However, despite their critical productive and environmental roles, little is known about tree distribution within pastures or how farmers’ man agement decisions influence the trees themselves and their impact on farm productivity and biodiversity conservation. Here, we present a synthesis of (a) the abundance, composition, and size of dispersed trees in four important cattle producing regions of Costa Rica (Canas and Río Frío) and Nicaragua (Rivas and ˇ Matiguás), based on inventory of 18,669 trees on 1492 ha of pasture, (b) the local knowledge, manage ment and use of trees by cattle farmers, and (c) opportunities for ensuring sustainable management of dispersed trees in pasture-dominated landscapes. Dispersed trees were common in all four landscapes, with mean frequency ranging from 8.0 trees ha−1 in Canas to 33.4 trees ha ˇ −1 in Matiguás. A total of 255 tree species were found in pastures across the four landscapes. The total number of tree species per land scape varied from 72 in Rivas to 101 in Canas and Rio Frio, with mean species richness per farm ranging ˇ from 22.9 in Rio Frio to 45.9 in Matiguás.
Consumption of wild rice (Oryza latifolia) by free-ranging jaguars, pumas, and ocelots (Carnivora-Felidae) in northwestern Costa Rica
(Elsevier Inc., 2020-03) Montalvo, Victor; Sáenz Bolaños, Carolina; Cruz, Juan C.; Hagnauer, Isabel; Carrillo, Eduardo
There is limited information about plant consumption by felid species, yet anecdotal evidence suggests that plants and grass are a complementary component in the diet of domestic and wild carnivores. We report opportunistic evidence of wild rice (Oryza latifoli) consumption by free-ranging jaguar (Panthera onca), puma (Puma concolor) and ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) with a camera trap and scats collected in Santa Rosa National Park, Costa Rica. Hence this note provides the first photographic evidence of O. latifolia consumption by felid species in the wild. We speculate that these felids might benefit from the pharmacological properties and fiber of this grass.
Contexts and patterns of injuries in free-ranging male baboons (Papio Cynocephalus)
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 1996) Drews, Carlos
Injury in male baboons (Papio cynocephalus) was investigated as an indicator of damaging fights in order to provide a framework for analyses of conflict resolution and dynamics of agonistic competition in primates. The vast majority of wounds were canine slashes resulting from intraspecific face-to-face combat. Wounds were more common in males than females. In males they concentrated on the right side of anterior parts of the body, principally the head. Wounds took on average three weeks to heal. Aggressive conflicts represented 10% of all interactions between males. Less than 1% of aggressive contests led to injury. The individual rate of injury from fights with other males was on average once every 1.5 months. The winner of damaging fights was sometimes the wounded indi vidual. The number of wounds per damaging fight was not related in a simple way to the presence of proceptive females or to recent immigration events. Four fights yielding the highest number of injuries, however, involved recent immigrations or attempts to immigrate by adult males in their prime. Contexts of male injury observed during infliction include challenges to the resident alpha male by newcomers, intertroop encounter, fights over pro ceptive females or unusual foods, redirected aggression, defense of a female and a fight unrelated to any obvious resource.
Demographic survey of black howler monkey (Alouatta pigra) in the Lachuá Eco-region in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala
(Wiley-Liss, Inc., 2008-03) Rosales Meda, Marleny; ESTRADA, ALEJANDRO; López, Jorge E.
Guatemala alberga tres especies de primates (Alouatta palliata, Alouatta pigra y Ateles geoffroyi), pero la distribución y el estado de conservación de las poblaciones de estas especies están poco documentados. En el caso de A. pigra, las poblaciones han sido estudiadas y documentadas recientemente en varios sitios de México y Belice, y sólo en un sitio en Guatemala (Parque Nacional Tikal). En este estudio, reportamos por primera vez datos de la población de A. pigra existente en la Ecorregión Lachuá en el noroeste de Guatemala. Los censos se realizaron entre septiembre de 2002 y abril de 2003 en la porción norte (32 km2) del Parque Nacional Lachuá (PNLL; 145 km2) y en un paisaje fragmentado al norte del área protegida. En esta última área estudiamos un gran fragmento de bosque (17,14 km2), “Nueve Cerros”, y 26 pequeños fragmentos de bosque que oscilaban en tamaño entre 0,01 y 3,9 km2. Las encuestas dieron como resultado un recuento total de 414 monos aulladores, de los cuales 403 pertenecían a 80 grupos de sexos mixtos, cuatro eran machos solitarios, dos eran hembras solitarias y cinco se encontraban en dos grupos de machos. El esfuerzo de muestreo estandarizado entre sitios indicó 16.7 monos/100 horas de estudio en el LLNP, 35.8 individuos/100 horas de estudio en “Nueve Cerros” y 71.0±62.2 individuos/100 horas de estudio en los fragmentos de bosque. El tamaño medio del grupo varió de 4,07 individuos en el LLNP a 5,19 individuos en los fragmentos de bosque. Se discuten los problemas de conservación de la población de aullador negro estudiada, junto con posibles escenarios de conservación.
Determining nature’s contributions to achieve the sustainable development goals
(Springer Tokyo, 2019-03-01) Anderson, Christopher; Seixas, Cristiana; Barbosa, Olga; DÍAZ-JOSÉ, JULIO; Fennessy, Siobhan; Herrera-Fernández, Bernal
Academics and policy-makers recognize that humans and nature should be studied and managed as integrated social–ecological systems. Recently, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) approved the Summary for Policy-makers of the Regional and Subregional Assessment of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services for the Americas, concluding the environment should be mainstreamed across development sectors. Beyond its mandate to generate understanding of nature and human well-being from diverse knowledge sources, IPBES is also tasked with advancing science-policy tools to aide information uptake into decisions. Based on the Americas Assessment’s 3-year, continental-scale experience, we developed three strategies to guide decisions regarding nature’s contributions to people (NCP) for achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Specifcally, we prioritized contributions, recognized nature’s plural values, and grouped diverse human–nature relationships to orient attention towards important NCP–SDG linkages, expand the suite of environment–development criteria considered, and create bundles to facilitate the incorporation of complexity into decisions.
Effect of prey availability on the abundance of White-breasted Wood-Wrens, insectivorous birds of tropical lowland forests
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica., 2014) Sanchez, Natalie V.; Vargas Castro, Luis E.; Avalos, Gerardo; Paniagua, Federico
Some understory insectivorous birds manage to persist in tropical forest fragments despite significant habitat loss and forest fragmentation. Their persistence has been related to arthropod biomass. In addition, forest structure has been used as a proxy to estimate prey availability for understory birds and for calculating prey abundance. We used arthropod biomass and forest structural variables (leaf area index [LAI] and aerial leaf litter biomass) to explain the abundance of White-breasted Wood-Wrens (Henicorhina leucosticta), tropical understory insectivorous birds, in six forests in the Caribbean lowlands of Costa Rica. To estimate bird abundance, we performed point counts (100-m radius) in two old-growth forests, two second-growth forests, and two selectively logged forests. Arthropod abundance was the best predictor of wood-wren abundance (wi = 0.75). Wood-wren abundance increased as the number of arthropods increased, and the estimated range of bird abundance obtained from the model varied from 0.51 (0.28 – 0.93 [95%CI]) to 3.70 (1.68 – 5.20 [95%CI]) within sites. LAI was positively correlated to prey abundance (P = 0.01), and explained part of the variation in wood-wren abundance. In forests with high LAI, arthropods have more aerial leaf litter as potential habitat so more potential prey are available for wood-wrens. Forests with a greater abundance of aerial leaf litter arthropods were more likely to sustain higher densities of wood-wrens in a fragmented tropical landscape.
Evaluation of Three Methods to Estimate Density and Detectability From Roadside Point Counts
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica., 2011) Murray, Les D.; Gates, Robert J.; Spinola, R. Manuel
Roadside point counts are often used to estimate trends of bird populations. The use of aural counts of birds without adjustment for detection probability, however, can lead to incorrect population trend estimates. We compared precision of estimates of density and detectability of whistling northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) using distance sampling, independent double-observer, and removal methods from roadside surveys. Two observers independently recorded each whistling bird heard, distance from the observer, and time of first detection at 362 call-count stops in Ohio. We examined models that included covariates for year and observer effects for each method and distance from observer effects for the doubleobserver and removal methods using Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC). The best model of detectability from distance sampling included observer and year effects. The best models from the removal and doubleobserver techniques included observer and distance effects. All 3 methods provided precise estimates of detection probability (CV ¼ 2.4–4.4%) with a range of detectability of 0.44–0.95 for a 6-min survey. Density estimates from double-observer surveys had the lowest coefficient of variation (2005 ¼ 3.2%, 2006 ¼ 1.7%), but the removal method also provided precise estimates of density (2005 CV ¼ 3.4%, 2006 CV ¼ 4.8%), and density estimates from distance sampling were less precise (2005 CV ¼ 9.6%, 2006 CV ¼ 7.9%). Assumptions of distance sampling were violated in our study because probability of detecting bobwhites near the observer was <1 or the roadside survey points were not randomly distributed with respect to the birds. Distances also were not consistently recorded by individual members of observer pairs. Although doubleobserver surveys provided more precise estimates, we recommend using the removal method to estimate detectability and abundance of bobwhites. The removal method provided precise estimates of density and detection probability and requires half the personnel time as double-observer surveys. Furthermore, the likelihood of meeting model assumptions is higher for the removal survey than with independent doubleobservers.
Exploitation of white-lipped peccaries Tayassu pecari (Artiodactyla: Tayassuidae) on the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica., 2002) Altrichter, Mariana; Almeida, Roberval
We studied movements of white-lipped peccaries (Tayassu pecari, Artiodactyla, Tayassuidae) throughout the Osa Peninsula and their use by local people during 1997-2000, using interview techniques. We draw five main conclusions: 1) White-lipped peccaries living on the Osa Peninsula range within Corcovado National Park for most of the year. 2) Peccaries travel beyond the Park boundaries to the north and south-east of the Peninsula at the end of the wet season when a fruit shortage occurs in Corcovado. 3) The local people hunt peccaries as the herds move through the Peninsula. 4) Current small herd sizes observed by locals in the Peninsula and by researchers in the Park may indicate a decline of the peccary population. 5) Peccaries constitute neither an important source of food nor a source of cash income for local people. We suggest that sustainable use of peccaries in this region is neither realistic nor necessary. Instead of trying to legalize and regulate hunting, effective systems to control illegal hunting should be implemented, especially outside the Park boundary from October to January when the animals are on the move. © 2002 FFI.
Exploitation of white-lipped peccaries Tayassu pecari (Artiodactyla: Tayassuidae) on the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica., 2002) Altrichter, Mariana; Almeida, Roberval
We studied movements of white-lipped peccaries (Tayassu pecari, Artiodactyla, Tayassuidae) throughout the Osa Peninsula and their use by local people during 1997-2000, using interview techniques. We draw five main conclusions: 1) White-lipped peccaries living on the Osa Peninsula range within Corcovado National Park for most of the year. 2) Peccaries travel beyond the Park boundaries to the north and south-east of the Peninsula at the end of the wet season when a fruit shortage occurs in Corcovado. 3) The local people hunt peccaries as the herds move through the Peninsula. 4) Current small herd sizes observed by locals in the Peninsula and by researchers in the Park may indicate a decline of the peccary population. 5) Peccaries constitute neither an important source of food nor a source of cash income for local people. We suggest that sustainable use of peccaries in this region is neither realistic nor necessary. Instead of trying to legalize and regulate hunting, effective systems to control illegal hunting should be implemented, especially outside the Park boundary from October to January when the animals are on the move. © 2002 FFI
Home range and activity pattems of Conepatus semistriatus (Carnivora, Mephitidae) in Emas National Park, Brazil
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica., 2014) Nunes Cavalcanti, Gitana; Alfaro Alvarado, Luis Diego; Guimaräes Rodrigues, Flávio Henrique
The home range, habitat use, and distance from water sources were estimated for Basiliscus plumifrons in an agricultural matrix in Costa Rica. Using radio telemetry, four females and four males were studied from July-September (2004) in a cocoa (Theobroma cacao) farm embedded in landscape dominated by banana and pineapple plantations. Females occupied a home range that averaged 1877 ± 1052 m 2 (n = 4); male home ranges were similar, averaging 1740 ± 1288 m 2 (n = 4; t-test = -0.12, P = 0.90). Cacao with a limited shade canopy was the predominant habitat available and used most frequently when compared to other habitats (χ © 2007 Brill Academic Publishers. 2 = 116.67; P < 0.0001). Basiliscus plumifrons remained close to water although individuals occasionally traveled up to 80 m from water. However, both males (24.30 ± 1.93 m, n = 133) and females (26.82 ± 1.97 m, n = 128) maintained similar average distances from water resources (Kruskal-Wallis, H = 1.57, P = 0.20). Agroforestry systems connected to patches of riparian forest probably play an important role in the ecology and conservation of B. plumifrons.
Home Range, Habitat Use, and Activity of Baird’s Tapir in Costa Rica
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica., 2002) Foerster, Charles R.; Vaughan, Christopher
Home range size, habitat utilization, and activity patterns of five adult Baird’s tapirs (Tapirus bairdii) were studied via radiotelemetry from June 1995 to May 1996 in Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica. Estimates of 4153 animal locations were made. Home range sizes (95% minimum convex polygon) for the entire study period (wet season and dry season) averaged 125.0 ha (SD 5 72.7), 94.9 ha (SD 5 47.6), and 96.8 ha (SD 5 51.2), respectively. Monthly home range sizes averaged 55.5 ha (SD 5 32.1) and did not vary between seasons. Across the entire study, secondary forest, the most commonly used habitat type (61.3%) was utilized more than expected as predicted by availability (49.6%), while the second most used habitat, primary forest, was used (25.0%) less than expected (36.2%). The same general habitat selection pattern was observed in the dry season. Wet season habitat utilization values showed tapirs using both primary and secondary forest habitats in proportion to their availability. Diurnal and nocturnal activity levels were estimated at 20.2 and 80.4 percent, respectively. More diurnal and less nocturnal activity was observed during the wet season compared to the dry season.
Interbirth interval of a free-ranging jaguar
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica., 2009) Carrillo, Eduardo; Saenz, Joel; Fuller, Todd
The 60-kg adult female jaguar was first captured on 25 February 1996 in a box trap baited with shark meat. We monitored her for the next three and a half years, usually locating her by triangulation once or twice a week, but also by tracking her (i.e., following sets of footprints to identify individuals) to within 100 m. She was recaptured once but released immediately.
Jaguars (Panthera onca) increase kill utilization rates and share prey in response to seasonal fluctuations in nesting green turtle (Chelonia mydas mydas) abundance in Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica., 2015) Guilder, James; Barca, Benjamin; Arroyo-Arce, Stephanny; Gramajo, Roberto; Salom-Pérez, Roberto
Jaguar (Panthera onca) predation of green turtles (Chelonia mydas mydas) is now a common occurrence in Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica. The abundance of green turtles during nesting season ensures a constant provision of easy and predictable prey, however it is unknown to what extent jaguars con sume turtle carcasses and how the jaguar population responds to limited turtle availability outside of nesting season. This study took advantage of the accessible nature of jaguar-predated turtle carcasses on Tortuguero Beach over a two year period (2011–2013), to provide a novel analysis of carcass utiliza tion rates by jaguars and determine the effects of temporal fluctuations in green turtle nesting numbers. Camera traps were set-up on freshly predated turtles to capture jaguar activity across both Peak and Non Peak green turtle nesting seasons. Thirteen individual jaguars (five males, five females, three cubs) were captured returning to 77% of monitored turtle kills (60% Peak; 95% Non Peak). During Non Peak season, the number of jaguars per kill increased (H(1) = 15.91, p < 0.001) and total jaguar feeding time per kill also increased (H(1) = 13.34, p < 0.001). The propensity for tolerated scavenging or sharing during Non Peak season is illustrated by four adult jaguars captured interacting with a kill at separate times over two nights in October, 2012 (two males, two females). There were no significant differences between males and females, although there is a tendency for the latter to handle the prey to a greater extent. Although marine turtles may notto be a primary prey species,they play an important role in subsidizing the jaguars in this study. The increased kill utilization rates and prey sharing displayed by the jaguars, ensures opti mal foraging during periods of low prey availability. These apparently atypical feeding behaviors may be unique to Tortuguero, however their prevalence across the jaguar’s range should be considered.
Long-term comparison of the fish community in a Costa Rican rocky shore marine reserve
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica., 2010) Myers, Mark C.; Wagner, Jonathan; Vaughan, Christopher
Despite their role in supporting diverse marine fish communities, tropical rocky shores and reefs have attracted less research and fewer targeted conservation efforts compared to coral reefs. We studied fish community composition in Playa Blanca Marine Reserve (9˚40’ N - 84˚40’ W), a rocky shore site on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. We conducted visual surveys of fishes along six strip transects soon after the area was designated a marine reserve in 1995, then again in 2006 following an eleven-year period of complete pro tection. We recorded a total of 31 406 sightings of 72 species from 30 families. Pomacentrids (42.5%), labrids (16.6%) and haemulids (14.8%) dominated the community, accounting for >70% of total fish abundance. In comparison to other sites in the region, the fish community was more similar to one reported from Bahia Honda, Panama (7˚50’ N - 81˚35 W) than from the geographically more proximate Culebra Bay, Costa Rica (10˚45’ N - 85˚43 W). Sixty-one species from 26 families were recorded in 1995; sixty-nine species from 28 families in 2006. Our results suggest that the Playa Blanca Marine Reserve is fulfilling its conservation role. Average fish abundance, species richness and Shannon’s index of community diversity were greater in 2006 than 1995, and fish community composition varied significantly within each transect among years. Much of the change in community composition among years resulted from spatial and temporal variation in the abundance of a few dominant species, including Abudefduf troschelli, Thalassoma lucasanum, Chromis atrilobata, and Stegastes flavilatus/acapulcoensis. Of the 48 species/species groups recorded in both years, 37 (77%) were more abundant in 2006 than 1995, and several species recorded as uncommon or rare in 1995 were more frequent and abundant in 2006. Fish community composition and the abundance of some species changed in the reserve over time, but further study is needed to determine the role of small-scale marine reserves in the conservation of tropical marine biodiversity. Rev. Biol. Trop. 59 (1): 233-246. Epub 2011 March 01
Movements and activities of white-lipped peccaries in Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica., 2002) Carrillo, Eduardo; Saenz, Joel C.; Fuller, Todd K.
The conservation of remnant populations of white-lipped peccaries in Central America depends on adequate documentation of their habitat needs and behavior. Thus, we monitored the activity patterns, local distributions, and home ranges of 36 (25F:11M) radio-marked white-lipped peccaries, all members of a single ‘‘super’’ herd, in part of Corcovado National Park, their largest stronghold in Costa Rica, during 1996–1998. Peccaries were diurnal all year with a period of reduced activity during the middle of the day. They were found more often than expected (vs. random use) in primary forest during February to May, in secondary and coastal forest during June to September, and in herbaceous swamp during October to January, corresponding to relative fruit abundance. Overall, the peccary herd ranged over an area of <40 km2 , but use of the area shifted seasonally and movements were reduced when fruit was most abundant. Our data agree with the suggestion that peccary density may be higher where the inter spersion or close proximity and mix of seasonally important habitats is high, and thus where peccaries do not have to travel as far for food. Habitat interspersion is therefore a significant conservation concern and should be addressed to make certain that peccary populations are not limited.

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