June – December 2017

SPECIES INVENTORY AND FOREST BIODIVERSITY

COMPARISION FOR THE AREA OF JALOVA, TORTUGUERO
NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA

PRODUCED BY:

Victoria Hawkins – Forest biodiversity project leader

IN COLLABORATION WITH:

FIELD COORDINATOR: Cormac Healy

FIELD STAFF: Danny Guy, Thijs Claes, Stephanie Butera, Peter Lichtenthal, Sara Conlon,
Brandon Dembs

GVI COSTA RICA COUNTRY DIRECTOR: Cynthia Arochi

GVI Costa Rica

Jalova, Tortuguero National Park

 The research for this project has been conducted by Global Vision International under the
investigation permit RESOLUCIÓN SINAC-ACTO-D-RES-048-2017 EXPEDIENTE ACTO-PIN-021-2017.
The findings and recommendations made in this report are based upon analysis of data
collated during the period June - December 2017.

Cited as

Hawkins, V. 2018. Species inventory and biodiversity comparison for the area of Jalova,
Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica.

Submitted in whole to

Global Vision International (GVI)

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

With thanks to all the staff and volunteers who contributed to the Incidentals Project
during the study period and since its commencement in 2010.
The research during the study period was conducted with the help of the following
volunteers:

Bandon Dembs, Corne Slemmer, Zoe McCallum, Jack Glover, Baley Good, Eoin Donohoe,
Jurgen Vincke, Alice Hirons, Emma Wagner, Danielle Small, Peter Lichtenthal, Timothy
Carlson, Brandon Dembs, Zarah Ehlin, Eleanor Green, Emma Brown, Diane Leishman, Amber
Searcy, Rebecca Barber, Tess Nelson, Emily Larmer, Freya Savage, George Buchanan,
Amanda Maretto, Jenna Scherger, Marlena Ryzyk, Emiel Zaandam, Daniela Campama, Lara
Lehnen, Kevin Goulart, Joris Giglio, Ethel Mery, Connor Dupree-Sood, Amanda Schultz,
Alice Douvillez, Tom Panneman, Kieran Bose Rosling, Alex Bartlett, Matt Smith, Elijah
Denham, Michelle Welch, Selina Mellin, Simon Thel, Brian Milne, Willem Van Doorninck,
Krijn Bresser, Matthew Webb, Madison McLatchie, Rachel Hetherington, Mara Ramirez,
Lauren Chappel, Ben Cozens, Alice Palmer, Christine Davison, Erin Gleason, Rob Harris, Ira
Epstein, Lucy Shephard, Leah Cole, Andrew Ujifusa, Jennifer Ujifusa, Christina Coyle, Sofia
Hedman, Karin Jermer, Spencer Kielar, Anna Westwood, Bethany Ball, Alex Willis, Zoe
Mathurin, Marcin Oksinski, Martin Schamberger

GVI Costa Rica (Jalova)

Email: costarica@gviworld.com
Web page: http://www.gvi.co.uk and http://www.gviusa.com
ABSTRACT
For the previous seven years, Global Vision International (GVI) has been working in
collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Education (MINAE) to document the
vertebrate species found in the southern area of Tortuguero National Park (TNP), known as
Jalova. This work is formed by two studies. The first is the Incidental Project which has been
running since 2010. The aim of this project is to build a vertebrate species inventory to
increase the knowledge of biodiversity in this area. This report confirms that new species are
being consistently added year on year, in particular for the last six month study period June
to December 2017, a total of six new species were recorded. Along side the species, the type
of habitat it was recorded in was also noted. This allows for direct comparison of habitat types
and the sightings of species. In this study period the class of Aves were the most sighted and
associated more with the disturbed habitat of the coconut plantation. A more even
distribution of species is found in the forest habitat, particularly the swamp forest habitat.
The second project, the Forest Biodiversity project, incorporates a more balanced time effort
into the study with certain trails being surveyed for an equal amount of time over the study
period. The results from this project resemble the results from the incidental project where
again the Aves class dominates the disturbed habitat of the coconut plantation and the forest
habitat types have a more even distribution of species. Longer term trends are also examined
with a focus on some of the IUCN species of interest. Continuation of the Incidentals Project
and the Forest Biodiversity Project to collect long-term data and add to the species inventory
for the southern tip of the TNP would be beneficial.
Contents
ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................................................. 3
INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................................... 5
OBJECTIVES ........................................................................................................................................... 6
Incidentals Project: ........................................................................................................................... 6
Forest Biodiversity Project: ............................................................................................................... 6
STUDY AREA .......................................................................................................................................... 7
Data Analysis Methodology: ............................................................................................................. 8
RESULTS & DISCUSSION ........................................................................................................................ 9
Incidental Project: ............................................................................................................................. 9
IUCN species of interest – Year on Year sightings comparison ....................................................... 11
Forest Biodiversity Project .............................................................................................................. 14
RECOMMENDATIONS ......................................................................................................................... 19
REFERENCES........................................................................................................................................ 21
APPENDIX 1 ......................................................................................................................................... 25
Species list Jalova, Tortuguero NP .................................................................................................. 25
INTRODUCTION
Costa Rica is a small country, making up less than 0.05% of the world’s terrestrial surface
(Wainwright & Arias, 2007), but it is listed in the top 20 countries for holding the most
biodiversity on Earth (Nielson-Munroz et al. 2012). Despite its small size, it holds almost 4%
of the world’s biodiversity (Nielson-Munroz et al. 2012). Over 900 species of birds (Garrigues
and Dean 2007), nearly 400 species of amphibian and reptiles (Leenders 2001) and at least
240 mammal species (Wainwright and Arias 2007) are found in Costa Rica. Central America is
well known to be a mega diverse ‘hotspot’ for biodiversity (Nielson-Munroz et al. 2012)
however only a fraction of the estimated amount of species have as yet been described
(SINAC 2009).

Central America acts as a natural land bridge between North and South America; as such
species from both continents are represented as well as endemic species (Baltensperger &
Brown 2015). The large number of life zones and ecoregions which provide a multitude of
habitat types explains the high biodiversity found in this region (Stiles and Skutch 1989;
Garrigues and Dean 2007). It is well documented that habitat change, fragmentation and
deterioration often at the hand of anthropogenic forces are key drivers in the risk of
biodiversity loss (e.g. Baltensberger & Brown 2015, Hooper 2008). Therefore, it is crucial to
understand habitat change, particularly in regards to regeneration of secondary habitats and
within plantations (Beirne et al. 2013). Costa Rica has experienced high levels of deforestation
with up to a 50% loss of forests since 1950 (Baltensberger & Brown 2015). As a result of this
the landscape is fragmented and now consists of a mosaic of habitats. One way to tackle this
issue was to instigate a national network of protected areas encompassing a multitude of
habitat types (Wainwright & Arias 2007).

In the 1970’s as part of this national network, Torutugeuro National Park (TNP) was
established (Boza 1993). The park was originally established to protect a valuable nesting site
for green turtles (Chelonia mydas) but as a consequence of this new status the tropical forest
was also preserved, and former plantations were acquired and turned back into forest (Boza
1993). A high level of biodiversity was discovered in the park, increasing its value and ensuring
its protection. Almost 44% of the known biodiversity found in Costa Rica is found in TNP
(Bermudez 2006). Specifically, this includes 375 species of aves, 125 of mammalia, and 124 of
reptilia and amphibian. However, one consequence of a protected area network is that it can
result in the patch effect. Species are unable to move from one protected area to another
resulting in their increased isolation (Cabrera-Guzman and Reynoso 2012). It was therefore
vital to establish connectivity between these sites to ensure habitat continuity. The San Jan –
La Selva Biological Corridor which includes TNP was established to prevent fragmented
populations and secondary growth forests play a large role in conservation for this reason
(Hooper 2008).

The regeneration of forested areas can take up to 100-180 years to recover fully back to
primary status after anthropogenic disturbance (Chazdon et al. 2009) One way to monitor the
success of regrowth is to look at changes to the fauna species assemblages (e.g. Takano 2014).
As the forest develops and matures, species assemblages also change from generalist species
to ones which are more specialised (Devictor et al. 2008, Christian et al. 1998). However,
many studies of these systems are limited to young regenerating forests, and therefore it is
important to get more information on maturing secondary forest, and more long term studies
on species assemblages (Chazdon et al. 2009; Hooper 2008).

Knowing where specific species occur within a managed area is also useful for maximising
tourist experience whilst minimising interference with sensitive or vulnerable species (Bryan
2014). Species inventories can assist conservation by signifying the ecological status of an
area, particularly some assemblages of indicator species, which are indicators of good
ecological health and the condition of the habitat (Stotz et al. 1996). Some bird species are
often considered good indicator species because they can have specific requirements for
areas they live in i.e. nesting sites, certain types of fruit or seeds and canopy cover (Stotz et
al. 1996). Amphibians are also useful indicator species because of their high sensitivity to
pollution, and their need for complex microhabitats (Wilson and McCranie 2003).

The aims of the project undertaken by Global Vision International (GVI) at the southern end
of TNP are to build a species inventory of the vertebrate species found here. This inventory
will increase the knowledge and understanding of the species assemblages and therefore
inform management decisions. The Jalova research station is in the unique position of being
able to compare directly disturbed habitat types with secondary and primary forest habitat.
As a result, a further aim of the research undertaken here is to monitor the changes in species
assemblages and the habitat zones found here to gain understanding on how well the forest
is regenerating.

OBJECTIVES
Incidentals Project:
The Incidentals Project collects data on the presence of all mammal, aves, reptile, and
amphibian species found within the southern tip of TNP. The main aim of the project is to
construct a thorough species inventory for MINAE so that there is a record of every species
identified within the area and date of first sighting. A secondary aim of the project is recording
habitat types that species are encountered in to compare number of sightings in different
areas, and compose a database that can be used to compare trends over time.

Forest Biodiversity Project:

The Forest Biodiversity Project’s main aim is to collect and compare information on the
vertebrate species richness and abundance within the different habitats found in the
southern tip of TNP, and look at richness and abundance between different trails that are
used by GVI expedition members. A secondary aim is to look at ecological information about
the species found such as locations in which species are sighted. In the previous year we
added 2 trails within the coconut habitat to be able to compare the species diversity between
the forest habitats and the human maintained disturbed habitat. By adding these two trails
to our existing 6 forest trails we are able to compare an area significantly and continuously
impacted by humans to those less impacted. This also helps to reduce bias in the data when
comparing species richness between the forest and coco habitats.

STUDY AREA
The Jalova Biological Research Station is operated by Global Vision International and is located
in the southern tip of the Tortuguero National park. Tortuguero National Park is located on
the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica as shown in figure 1, includes 76 000 ha of protected land
and sea (26 000 ha land) and is classified as a tropical rainforest. The topography of the area
ranges from 0 to 311m above sea level, and the average rainfall is near 6000mm per year with
an average temperature of 26̊C (Lewis et al. 2010; Bermúdez and Hernández 2004; Bermúdez
2006). Within this area are several different habitat types including several different types of
swamp forest (some dominated by several palm species, some more species rich including
high canopy tree species), herbaceous marshes, coastal forest (has a more open canopy, often
dominated by sea grape - Coccoloba uvifera), dense forest (drier than the swamp forest areas
often dominated by Ficus species) coconut plantation and beach (Halewood et al. 2013; Lewis
et al. 2010; Ramsar 2006).

Within the study area there are seven main trails that are used to survey the forest habitats,
as well as two trails within the coconut plantation that were added within the last year (figure
2). Trails are as follows;

Kingfisher: (600m) Dense Forest. Starts at the edge of coconut plantation and winds through
dense forest ending at the estuary. Dominated by high canopy trees with a reasonably open
mid canopy layer, and a lot of smaller palms and ferns at lower levels. It is well drained most
of the year with only a small amount of standing water present in the wetter seasons.

South Boundary: (580m) Swamp Forest. Starts in the coconut plantation near kingfisher and
heads north west, this trail is one of the wettest we have and most of the year there is
standing water and in the driest periods there is still thick mud. A lot of palm species are
present but with a variety of larger trees forming a high canopy in most places.

North Boundary A: (650m) Dense Forest. Starts in the coconut plantation and travels
perpendicular to the plantation. A dry trail at most times of the year with only one spot
subject to standing water in rainy periods. More open forest than in kingfisher with a sparser
mid canopy and less understory vegetation, at points gets very near to the plantation.

North Boundary B: (400m) Swamp forest. Dominated by raffia palms (Raphia taedigera), low
canopy for most of it, some parts are very open with a lot of herbaceous species such as peace
lilies (spathiphyllum friedrichsthalii). Most of the year is inundated and even in dry periods
has mud and a few pools of water.

North Trail A and North Trail B (Originally one trail of 1050m now divided into two different
trails of 700 m each; the habitat of these trails is very similar) Coastal Forest. Travels parallel
to the beach though coastal forest, a much drier trail than any of the others, canopy is
dominated by sea grape (Coccoloba uvifera) and tropical almond (Terminalia catappa), very
sparse understory. Very open and exposed, the widest and most used trails within the study
as it is often used by rangers on quad bikes and is maintained by rangers with strimmer’s,
machetes, and chainsaws.

Juana Lopez: (700m this trail was originally 990m, but the length of the survey was reduced
to be more comparable with other trails and to ensure only habitat consistent with dense
forest was included) Dense Forest. Located the furthest away from the base of all the trails
within the study it is the least used by GVI of all our trails. It starts 300 metres from the beach
at mile 15 and goes west though dense forest to end at the canal Cano Negro. This trail has
some of the oldest and least impacted forest that we survey, dominated by Figus spp. with a
dense canopy and mid canopy. At several points it travels though small herbaceous wetland
areas.

Cocos Back Trail: (650m) Coconut Plantation. This trail starts outside the base and is shielded
from the beach by the base and a thick hedge of vegetation. It travels through coconut
plantation that is bordered by dense forest. This is very open and dry habitat dominated by
coconut palms (Cocos nucifera) with a few other fruit trees interspersed, the grass is kept low
by a small herd of cows and manual slashing.

Cocos Front Trail: (700m) Coconut Plantation. Starting at the front gate to the base this trail
runs through the coconut plantation that boarders the beach, at points this trail is very close
to a mixed vegetation hedge that separates two areas of coconuts. Other than this the
dominant tree is coconut palms (Cocos nucifera) and it is a very open and dry habitat. The
grass is kept low by a small herd of cows and manual slashing. Because this trail is in full sight
of the beach at many points it will never be surveyed at night time during the turtle season
due to potential disturbance for nesting marine turtles.

Methodology: For full methodology please see: Hawkins, V. & Guy, D. 2017. Anteproyecto
2017 Inventario de biodiversidad en el área de Jalova.

Data Analysis Methodology:

Time effort spent on each surveyed differed year on year, so it was important to use an indices
that negated this bias. To do this, the frequency of occurrence of the species was calculated
by average time effort per trail divided by the number of each species seen. This equation
evened out the data and allowed for direct comparisons between trail and forest type taking
into account differing lengths and times the surveys were undertaken.
A One-way ANOVA was used to test that the means of the frequency of occurrence group are
the same for each category examined. In this case, species richness was tested against the
different trails, time period (year) and class of species sighted for both the six month
comparison and the long term comparison. To ensure that the data was normally distributed
the same sample means were used in a non-parametric equivalent test (Kruskall-Wallis). The
results were even between both type of test and therefore only the parametric ANOVA test
results are reported here. Post hoc analyses were then conducted following a statistically
significant result on all relevant pairwise contrasts using a TUKEY post hoc test.

An ANOVA was used to test the sample means for the incidental species sightings data against
the zone that the sightings occurred in. Analysis was also carried out by class to discern the
distribution of species better. Individual species of interest were analysed using a fitted line
regression to examine the relationship between the number of sightings recorded and the
years in which they were recorded to determine any trends over time.

Descriptive and visual statistics were carried out in Microsoft Excel and statistical testing in
Minitab 2017.

RESULTS & DISCUSSION

Incidental Project:
During this study period (June – December 2017) a total of six new species were added to the
inventory. This increases the total number of species sighted in the area to 476. Of these six
new species added, five were from the Aves class and one was from the Reptillia class, see
Figure 3. All new species sighted were of least concern according to the IUCN (2017).

The observation of six new species during this study period confirms the success of the
primary aim of the incidental project which is too build a species inventory. It is worth noting
that after seven years building this inventory, new species are still being added. Four of the
bird species found this year we would expect to see in this area as they are either forest edge
dwellers, open habitat specialists or prefer foraging at second growth (Garrigues & Dean
2007). However, the Rose-throated becard usually prefers dry forest habitat, but they are
known to forage at forest edges (Garrigues & Dean 2007) and this one was seen in the Coco
plantation. It is also possible that some new species are moving in to the area, which would
be expected in secondary forest as it matures into more complex habitat (Chazdon et al 2009;
Baltensperger and Brown 2015). The reptile added to the inventory is locally abundant on the
Caribbean shoreline where it prefers open disturbed habitat, particularly stands of coconuts
(Savage 2002). Therefore, it is a surprise that it hasn’t been recorded here previously.

Species Scientific name Class IUCN status Population trend

Hook billed Kite Chondrohierax uncinatus Aves Least concern Decreasing
Golden spectacled Lizard Gymnophthalmus speciosus Reptilia Least concern Unknown
Rose-throated Becard Pachyramphus aglaiae Aves Least Concern Stable
Blue-Winged Warbler Vermivora pinus Aves Least Concern Decreasing
 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Empidonax flaviventris Aves Least Concern Increasing
Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher Myiodynastes luteiventris Aves Least Concern Increasing
Fig. 3. List of the six new species recorded in the Jalova area of TNP from June – Dec 2017. It includes their
IUCN status and population trend.

A total of 9,283 sightings were recorded during the study period with a total of 287 individual
species. This amounts to 50.45 sightings of species per day on average. There is a statistically
significant difference between the number of sightings and each zone (df = 8, f =11.96, p =
0.000). The Cocos (C) zone differed significantly from all the other zones except Base (A).
Likewise, the Swamp Forest differed significantly to the rest of the zones too in terms of the
number of sightings. Coastal forest (CF), Dense forest (DF) Estuary (E), Flyover (F), Canals (C)
and Beach (B) all had a similar number of sightings over the study period. The Cocos zone (C)
had the most sightings at 2,315, followed by base (A) which has 1,799. The swamp forest (SF)
had the least sightings at 325.

Zone comparison
3000

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0
A - Base B - Beach C - Cocos CF - Coastal DF - Dense E - Estuary F - Flyover R - Canals SF - Swamp
Forest Forest Forest

Fig. 4. Mean (± 95% CI, n = 287) distribution of the number of sightings of species per zone.

The distribution of species sightings was further divided by class (Figure 5) over this study
period. Aves makes up the majority of sightings in each zone but particularly in the Cocos,
Base and on the canals. This is not unexpected given the nature of the disturbed habitats in
and around base and on the plantation. This disturbed habitat is more open and suited to
generalist bird species who forage in open habitat areas and along forest edges. The nature
of this open habitat also makes their observation easier (Henderson, C. 2010). However, it
must be considered that both the Base and Cocos zone will have a time effort bias because
the project and its volunteers will spend more time observing here than any other zone. The
combination of this and the habitat preferences of the species encountered on a regular basis
explains the higher number of sightings in these two zones. For similar reasons, the canals
have higher Aves sightings with one additional factor that there is an active study undertaken
regularly on the canals surveying for target bird species. Finally, because of the species
richness in the Aves class (where there are more species of bird found in Costa Rica than any
other class (Garrigues and Dean 2007)), it is unsurprising that the Aves class dominates the
recorded species sightings across all zones.

The distribution of the remaining species sightings is relatively even indicating that sightings
in these areas are consistent with a more constant surveying effort. The three forest types
are explored in more detail during the Forest Biodiversity project results.

2500
2250
2000
1750
1500
1250
No. of species sighted

1000
Reptilia
750
500 Mammalia
250 Aves
0
Amphibia
E - Estuary
C - Cocos

R - Canals
A - Base

F - Flyover

SF - Swamp Forest
B - Beach

CF - Coastal Forest

DF - Dense Forest

Zone
Fig. 5. Distribution of sightings by Class in the zones they were sighted.

IUCN species of interest – Year on Year sightings comparison

The secondary aim of this project is to observe trends over time. The focus of this section is
on the most regularly seen IUCN species of interest since the project began in 2010. For this
purpose, these are species which are categorised as either Vulnerable or Endangered by the
IUCN red list (IUCN 2017). One of the key species the park wishes to monitor is the White-
lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) (SINAC 2014), which also features as vulnerable on the red
list (IUCN 2017).

Figure 6 shows that the number of sightings of White-lipped peccary has doubled overall since
the project’s inception in 2010. Although the record of sightings has fluctuated over the last
seven years and no statistical significance can be drawn from the results (R² = 0.4067, df = 7,
f = 4.11, p = 0.08), the number has not decreased below an average of 20 recorded sightings
per year. The population of this species has declined in the region over the last 50 years as
their home ranges contract. As such they are now known to be ranging further afield to reach
dispersed resources (Reyna-Hurtado et al. 2009) and depend upon protected areas more and
more (Zeller 2011). This could account for the fluctuations in sightings during this study.
However as this is not a dedicated study on the population or abundance of the White-lipped
peccary we cannot infer too much from the data regarding a population trend, but it is
promising that the last three years indicates a higher encounter rate than the previous four
years.

For the other species in the vulnerable category, the American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus)
and Great Curassow (Crax rubra), the trend is relatively stable and there is no statistically
significant difference in the number of sightings across the years (R² = 0.2492, df = 7, f = 1.99,
p = 0.208 and R² = 0.3529, df = 7, f = 3.27, p = 0.120 respectively). There is a peak in sightings
in 2014 for the Great Curassow but the number of sightings soon became consistent for the
last three years. It is welcome that the trend in sightings is constant for these birds as they
are well known to be sensitive to disturbance (Thornton et al 2012). This potentially indicates
that the overall health of the ecosystem in the study area is in a favourable condition for large
bodied birds. The American Crocodile sightings declined over the years reaching a low in 2016
but it is auspicious that the number of sightings have risen this year. The population of
American crocodile have declined in recent decades due to over hunting and a depletion of
suitable nursey and nesting habitat (Mauger et al. 2012). Another factor potentially impacting
sightings of the American Crocodile is high speed boat traffic. Populations can be driven out
or if suitable habitat is not available in other areas, remain in disturbed habitats resulting in a
reduced fitness (Grant and Lewis 2010). Overall, not enough data is available to say for certain
what the population trend is here, but it is promising that the number of sightings have risen
again in 2017 after declines in previous years.

IUCN Vulnerable species

100
90
American Crocodile
80
(Crocodylus acutus)
70 R² = 0.3529
No. of sightings

Great Curassow (Crax

60 rubra)
50
R² = 0.2492 White-lipped Peccary
40 (Tayassu pecari)
30
20
R² = 0.4067
10
0
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Year

Fig. 6. IUCN vulnerable species that are regularly sighted during the study period. The plot is based on the
means with R² value determined from the raw data.

Figure 7 (below) shows the trend in species sightings for those species seen regularly that are
assessed as endangered by IUCN. The Great Green Macaw shows a significant and steady
increase in sightings year on year (R² = 0.7915, df = 7, f = 22.8, p = 0.003). After a serious
decline in the species populations last century, they have started to recover in this area which
may explain the increased regularity of the sightings in this study area. This recovering
population is due in part to The San Juan – La Selva biological corridor project which started
in the 1990’s (Chassot 2010). The Great Green Macaw is considered as an umbrella species
and is therefore considered a key indicator species for setting management priorities (IUCN
WCPA 2012).

Baird’s Tapir are secretive and elusive mammals (e.g. Foerster & Vaughan 2002) so most
sightings here are through encountering tracks, therefore these findings are not a reliable
assessment of the population. However, the number of sightings does remain stable (R² =
0.3152, df = 7, f = 2.76, p = 0.148) over the seven-year study period which is encouraging.

IUCN Endangered species

60
50
40 R² = 0.7915
No of sightings

30 Baird's Tapir (Tapirus

bairdii)
20
R² = 0.3152 Great Green Macaw
10
(Ara ambiguus)
0
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
-10
-20 Year

Fig. 7. IUCN endangered species that are regularly sighted over the study period. The plot is based on the means
with R² value determined from the raw data.

Finally, figure 8 represents the high number of sightings of the endangered Central American
Spider Monkey. These sightings have increased significantly year on year (R² = 0.6362, df = 7,
f = 10.49, p = 0.018). This bucks the trend seen elsewhere where the species has declined 50%
in the last 45 years (Caurón et al. 2008). They require a large home range (Gonzalez-Zamora
et al 2008) and tend to occupy regenerating forest areas 60 – 80 years later than other
primates (Sorensen & Fedigan 2000). It is well documented that Spider monkeys are highly
sensitive to disturbance due to their frugivory diet, need for extensive home range and slow
reproductive cycles (Sorensen & Fedigan 2000).
 Central American Spider Monkey
300
R² = 0.6362

250
No of sightings

200

150

100
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Year
Fig. 8. IUCN endangered species, Central American Spider Monkey. It is separate because the number of times
it is sighted each study period are much higher than the other species being compared. The plot is based on
the means with R² value determined from the raw data.

The regular sighting of all these at-risk species within the study area is a positive sign for the
local populations ongoing health and stability. It is encouraging that although some sightings
trends are stable, some are increasing. These species all have in common their sensitivity to
disturbance be it through hunting pressure, habitat change/loss or their complex dietary
requirements. It is therefore a positive sign for the park and its management that they are
present here and being seen with increasing regularity in the majority of cases. It is a good
indication that the forest is regenerating and recovering well enough to supply these complex
needs across the keystone and umbrella species.

Forest Biodiversity Project

During the study period of June – December 2017 a total number of 208 surveys were
undertaken. This breaks down to 23 surveys on Cocos Back, 17 on Cocos front, 17 on Juana
Lopez, 18 on Kingfisher, 28 on North Boundary A, 26 on North Boundary B, 28 on North Trail
A, 25 on North Trail B, 26 on South Boundary. The discrepancies between the survey numbers
are due to some not being surveyed at night (as explained in the Study area section above).
During these surveys, 3,029 individuals were recorded over the six-month period. By class,
this corresponds to 1,368 Aves, 1,142 Reptillia, 264 Mammalia and 255 Amphibia.

The richness of species on individual trails was compared and found to be statistically
different (df = 8, f = 2.30, p = 0.019). A Tukey test revealed that species richness of the Cocos
front trail was significantly different to the south boundary trail (see Table 1 below). Cocos
front had the highest frequency of species observations, but the other trails did not differ
significantly in terms of species richness found. North Boundary B had the lowest number of
species sightings per survey. It is probable that this is because it is the shortest trail in length
and consequently less time is spent surveying that trail.
 Trail N Mean Grouping
Coco Front 388 1.3608 A
North Trail A 455 1.2725 A B
Coco Back 366 1.2708 A B
Juana Lopez 284 1.2500 A B
North Trail B 372 1.2419 A B
North Boundary A 389 1.2262 A B
Kingfisher 336 1.1429 A B
South Boundary 294 1.1088TrailAcomparison
B
0.45 Boundary B
North 173 1.1040 A B
0.4
Table 1. The species richness of each trail. Means that do not share a letter are significantly
Frequency of occurrence

0.35
different.
0.3
0.25
0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
0
CB CF JLO KF NBA NBB NTA NTB SB
Trail
Fig. 9 Mean distribution of species across each trail type.

When this is broken down by class (see figure 10), Aves again dominates the community,
particularly so for the two Cocos trails. This form of biotic homogenisation is to be expected
in a disturbed open habitat. It has often been observed that species richness decreases
whilst bird abundance increases with disturbance (Garaffa 2009). Furthermore, the forest
edge surrounding the plantation may be facilitating a greater movement of birds in a
fragmented habitat and accommodates those bird species that are classified as edge
dwellers better than an enclosed forest setting (Ries et al. 2004, Garrigues & Dean 2007).

South Boundary and North Boundary B have the most even spread of richness across the four
classes and both are swamp forest habitats. This explains the difference found previously in
the trail species richness between the cocos and south boundary trails. The presence of open
areas, standing water areas and dense canopy found in swamp forest provides a variety of
niches for all classes to occupy (Chazdon et al. 2009) and could explain why the species
richness is more even here. There is also a higher presence of Amphibian species on these
two trails (as well as on Juana Lopez) than the other trails. Amphibians need shade and
moisture to thrive (Savage 2002) which is provided in this habitat type.

Kingfisher trail, North trail A and North trail B have a greater presence of reptiles which is
consistent with their ectothermic regulation behaviours (Hertz 1992). These trails have wide
open spaces with a sparser canopy covering allowing greater levels of sunshine to penetrate
to the forest floor. More recent studies have also shown that reptile richness was positively
related to higher humidity, closed canopy cover, large patch size and the presence of leaf
litter (Cabrera-Guzmán & Reynoso 2012). These factors help explain why they are the second
largest class and are present on all trails as all their ecological needs are catered for by all the
forest types found in the study area.

0.45
0.4
Frequency of occurrence

0.35
0.3
0.25
0.2
Reptilia
0.15 Mammalia
0.1 Aves
0.05 Amphibia
0

Trail

Fig. 10. Community composition by class for each trail.

To further explore the trail comparison analysis, it was divided into the four forest types found
in the study area (See table 2). This analysis returned similar results to the trail analysis and
in all probability for the same reasons examined above. The Coconut plantation and the
Coastal forest were significantly different to the Swamp Forest type (df = 3, f = 5.02, p = 0.02)
in terms of species richness. Dense Forest and Swamp forest were similar in species richness.
Again, with similar results to the above trail analysis, Aves dominated the community
composition for Coconut plantation and Swamp and Dense forest had the most even
distribution of richness (Figure 11).

Forest Type N Mean Grouping

Coconut Plantation 724 1.3191 A
Coastal Forest 831 1.2611 A
Dense Forest 985 1.2051 A B
Swamp Forest 487 1.1068 A B
Table 2. List of forest categories at the study site. Means that do not share a letter are significantly different.
 1200

1000
Species richness

800

Reptilia
600
Mammalia

400 Aves
Amphibia
200

0
Coastal forest Coco Plantation Dense Forest Swamp Forest
Forest type

Fig. 11. Species richness examined by forest type and class.

Finally, the year on year trends for species richness and community composition were
examined to discern any longer term trends in populations. Two and half years of data has
been collected for the Forest Biodiversity project. Firstly, the Class trend was investigated
(Figure 12) and no significant difference was found in the species richness over this time
period (df = 4, f = 0.93, p = 0.447). This suggests that the populations when examined by Class
have been consistent with no significant increase or decrease. However, in terms of difference
between Class, it is clear that Aves and Mammalia have the highest frequency of occurrence
and Reptillia and Amphibia the lowest over the last two and a half years (df = 3, f = 34.52, p =
0.000). This result is expected following on from the previous analysis undertaken on
community class composition (Figure 10) and also matches what was found in the Incidental
project analysis (Figure 5). The high skew towards mammals is almost certainly due to the
high frequency of observations of the Central American Spider Monkey which can be seen
when compared to the two other primate species that occur in TNP (Figure 13.). The lower
sightings of amphibians may be due in part to the fact that the identification of this class is
extremely difficult. Only species that can be identified with 100% accuracy are recorded. For
identification of some groups of frogs such as rain-frogs or litter-frogs or of juvenile frog’s key
features include things like toe pads and measurements of body parts (Savage 2002; Browne
2014). This would require handling the frogs which is not permitted here. For this reason, the
numbers of species and sightings of amphibians are unlikely to be an accurate representation
all species that can be found here.
 Trends over time by class
1.4

1.2

1
Species richness

0.8 Amphibia

0.6 Aves
Mammalia
0.4
Reptilia
0.2

0
2015b 2016a 2016b 2017a 2017b
Year

Fig. 12. Species richness over time by class

Primates
0.12

0.1

0.08 Central American Spider

Monkey
0.06 Mantled howler monkey

0.04 White-throated Capuchin

0.02

0
2015b 2016a 2016b 2017a 2017b

Fig. 13. Primate species richness from the start of the project in 2015 to present.

However, when the year on year trend is examined for species richness by trail, the results
differ significantly from the six month data comparison. The trail Juana Lopez (JLO) is
significantly different to South Boundary (SB) and North Boundary B (NBB) (df = 9, f = 2.56, p
= 0.006) in terms of the species richness during this study period. The Coconut plantation
trails do not differ from the other trails in this comparison. The main factor for these
differences is because not all trails were surveyed evenly throughout the two and half years
and some were newly introduced a year ago. Therefore, these are preliminary results and as
they stand are not reliable enough to draw major conclusions from yet. It will be interesting
to see how the community composition changes on the trails as the study progresses.
 0.00200

0.00175

0.00150
Species Richness

0.00125

0.00100

0.00075

0.00050

CB CF JLO KF NBA NBB NT NTA NTB SB

Trail

Fig. 14. Species richness by trail from 2015 to 2017 study period.

Overall, the forest biodiversity project has yielded some interesting results. The addition of
the Coconut plantation trails and being able to continuously observe a human disturbed
habitat in comparison with the recovering forest types has given greater understanding of the
diversity in the area. The main aim of the project was to gain information on species richness
and abundance and the direct comparison to the disturbed habitat has been invaluable for
achieving this aim. As the project progresses and the disturbed habitat changes this project
will produce increasingly valuable insights and offers great potential for individual species
studies in the future.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Both the Incidental project and the more focussed Forest Biodiversity project are invaluable
studies into the health and functioning of the ecosystem. With the added trails allowing for
direct comparison with a human disturbed habitat these projects will allow for a greater
understanding of the successional process of tropical rainforest regeneration. The
monitoring of this process has already begun and is set to continue as it encompasses an
area of plantation that has recently been abandoned. Therefore, habitat patches are
available for study at varying degrees of successional change.

To enhance this understanding, future analysis of both the projects will include a more in
depth study of the key indicator species associated with pristine or primary growth forest
habitats. The Aves class for example are already well documented in their habitat
preferences so by categorising this class into generalists or disturbed habitat users or
specialist/primary forest species will enable a more insightful analysis into the recovery of
the forest and the different use by species of these habitat patches.

The introduction of a butterfly project this year will further enhance this as a similar
categorisation already exists. By building an inventory of species and the trails where they
are found, knowledge of the condition of the ecosystem will also be improved.

The addition of allowing controlled handling of lizard species for identification purposes was
an asset in the surveys and helped make data collected for the forest surveys more accurate.
It was hoped within this data collection period to look at the differences in certain species of
lizards’ size and weight on the different trails to see if there was any effect of habitat on them.
However, this project was delayed due to logistical constraints but should now take place in
the next permit period. The night surveys were identified as being the best time of day for
this project to be carried out. Lizards are easier to capture when sleeping and are more docile
in the hand at this time of day. It would be beneficial if a more reliable method of identifying
amphibians was available as amphibians are well known to be good indicators of ecosystem
health and many species of them are at risk of being lost (Cabrera-Guzman & Reynoso 2012
Savage 2002) and they are the least well recorded of the classes in this study.

Finally, there is tremendous scope for further individual species investigating more closely
populations of species. This would have particular relevance for the IUCN species of interest
and the park’s focal target species. However, GVI do not have the resources to efficiently
execute these studies and therefore the support of outsiders such as students would be
beneficial in bringing these studies to fruition. The results of these studies would be valuable
for informing the park’s management plan and future initiatives for protecting and monitoring
key species. For example, the Baird’s tapir is a keystone browser and plays a crucial role seed
dispersal (Foerster & Vaughan 2015) and the white lipped peccary has begun to range further
and wider in search of key resources (Reyna-Hurtado et al. 2009). Both these species are good
indicators for the overall health of the forest and the success of management initiatives such
as the San Jan – La Selva biological corridor. These are but two examples, many more studies
could exist to further the knowledge of the park and how it functions. GVI would support such
studies and work together with the park if resources allow however, to gain insight into the
population and habitat use of the cryptic species new methods of surveying would have to be
developed.

A previous report for the incidental project noted the fact that we rely on tracks for the
recording of cryptic mammal species and recommended the use of camera trapping to
increase our recording of them, but after consultation with our partner project Coastal Jaguar
Conservation it was concluded that it would be duplicating data and the use of more camera
traps within the park was not going to be beneficial, so this was not carried out.
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APPENDIX 1
Species list Jalova, Tortuguero NP
Below is a comprehensive list of all species (476) observed since the commencement of the
Incidentals Project in January 2010 to December 2017. Species are divided by class and
sorted in alphabetical order, according to the common name.

Amphibians:

Common name Scientific Name IUCN Status

Boulenger's Snouted Treefrog Scinax boulengeri Least concern
Bransfords Litterfrog Craugastor bransfordii Least concern
Clay-colored Rainfrog Pristimantis cerasinus Least concern
Common Mexican Treefrog Smilisca baudinii Least concern
Drab Treefrog Smilisca sordida Least concern
Fitzinger's Rain Frog Craugastor fitzingeri Least concern
Fringe-toed Foamfrog Leptodactylus melanonotus Least concern
Green Climbing Toad Incilius coniferus Least concern
Hourglass Treefrog Dendropsophus ebraccatus Least concern
Leaf-breeding Rainfrog Pristimantis caryophyllaceus near threatened
Lowland Rainfrog Craugastor ranoides Critically endangered (A2ace)
Marine Toad Rhinella marina Least concern
Masked Treefrog Smilisca phaeota Least concern
Noble's Rainfrog Craugastor noblei Least concern
Northern Masked Rainfrog Craugastor mimus Least concern
Olive Snouted Treefrog Scinax elaeochrous Least concern
Purple Caecilian Gymnopis multiplicata Least concern
Pygmy Rainfrog Pristimantis ridens Least concern
Red-eyed Treefrog Agalychnis callidryas Least concern
Reticulated Sheepfrog Gastrophryne pictiventris Least concern
San Carlos Treefrog Dendropsophus phlebodes Least concern
Savages Thin-toed Frog Leptodactylus pentadactylus Least concern
Scarlet-webbed Tree Frog Hypsiboas rufitelus Least concern
Slender Caecilian Dermophis parviceps Least concern
Talamancan Rain Frog Craugastor talamancae Least concern
Tawny Treefrog Smilisca puma Least concern
Taylor's Leopard Frog Lithobates taylori Least concern
Tink Frog Diasporus diastema Least concern
Vaillant's Frog Lithobates vaillanti Least concern
Wet Forest Toad Incilius melanochlorus Least concern
Aves:

Species Name Scientific Name IUCN Status

Acadian Flycatcher Empidonax virescens Least concern
Agami Heron Agamia agami Vulnerable (A3c)
Alder Flycatcher Empidonax alnorum Least concern
Amazon Kingfisher Chloroceryle amazona Least concern
American Coot Fulica americana Least concern
American Golden-Plover Pluvialis dominica Least concern
American Pygmy Kingfisher Chloroceryle aenea Least concern
American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla Least concern
Anhinga Anhinga anhinga Least concern
Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula Least concern
Bananaquit Coereba flaveola Least concern
Band-backed Wren Campylorhynchus zonatus Least concern
Band-tailed Barbthroat Threnetes ruckeri Least concern
Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata Least concern
Bank Swallow Riparia riparia Least concern
Bare-crowned Antbird Gymnocichla nudiceps Least concern
Bare-throated Tiger-Heron Tigrisoma mexicanum Least concern
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Least concern
Barred Antshrike Thamnophilus doliatus Least concern
Bat Falcon Falco rufigularis Least concern
Bay Wren Thryothorus nigricapillus Least concern
Bay-breasted Warbler Dendroica castanea Least concern
Belted Kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon Least concern
Bicolored Hawk Accipiter bicolor Least concern
Bicoloured Antbird Gymnopithys leucaspis Least concern
Black Skimmer Rynchops niger Least concern
Black Tern Chlidonias niger Least concern
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus Least concern
Black-and-white Owl Ciccaba nigrolineata Least concern
Black-and-White Warbler Mniotilta varia Least concern
Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola Least concern
Black-bellied Whistling-duck Dendrocygna autumnalis Least concern
Blackburnian Warbler Dendroica fusca Least concern
Black-capped Pygmy-Tyrant Myiornis atricapillus Least concern
Black-cheeked Woodpecker Melanerpes pucherani Least concern
Black-collared Hawk Busarellus nigricollis Least concern
Black-cowled Oriole Icterus prosthemelas Least concern
Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Least concern
Black-crowned Tityra Tityra inquisitor Least concern
Black-faced Grosbeak Caryothraustes poliogaster Least concern
Black-headed Saltator Saltator atriceps Least concern
Black-headed Tody-flycatcher Todirostrum nigriceps Least concern
Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus Least concern
Blackpoll Warbler Setophaga striata Least concern
Black-striped Sparrow Arremonops conirostris Least concern
Black-throated Trogon Trogon rufus Least concern
Blue Dacnis Dacnis cayana Least concern
Blue Ground-dove Claravis pretiosa Least concern
Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina Least concern
Blue-black Grosbeak Cyanocompsa cyanoides Least concern
Blue-chested Hummingbird Amazilia amabilis Least concern
Blue-gray Tanager Thraupis episcopus Least concern
Blue-throated Goldentail Hylocharis eliciae Least concern
Blue-winged Teal Anas discors Least concern
Blue-Winged Warbler Vermivora pinus Least Concern
Boat-billed Flycatcher Megarynchus pitangua Least concern
Boat-billed Heron Cochlearius cochlearius Least concern
Bright-rumped Attila Attila spadiceus Least concern
Broad-billed Motmot Electron platyrhynchum Least concern
Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus Least concern
Bronzed Cowbird Molothrus aeneus Least concern
Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer Chalybura urochrysia Least concern
Bronzy Hermit Glaucis aeneus Least concern
Brown Booby Sula leucogaster Least concern
Brown Jay Psilorhinus morio Least concern
Brown Noddy Anous stolidus Least concern
Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis Least concern
Brown-capped Tyrannulet Ornithion brunneicapillus Least concern
Brown-hooded Parrot pyrilia haematotis Least concern
Buff-throated Saltator Saltator maximus Least concern
Canada Warbler Wilsonia canadensis Least concern
Cape May Warbler Dendroica tigrina Least concern
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Least concern
Chestnut-backed Antbird Myrmeciza exsul Least concern
Chestnut-coloured Woodpecker Celeus castaneus Least concern
Chestnut-headed Oropendola Psarocolius wagleri Least concern
Chestnut-mandibled Toucan Ramphastos ambiguus near threatened
Chestnut-sided Warbler Dendroica pensylvanica Least concern
Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica near threatened
Chuck-will's-widow Antrostomus carolinensis Least concern
Cinnamon Becard Pachyramphus cinnamomeus Least concern
Cinnamon Woodpecker Celeus loricatus Least concern
Clay-colored Robin Turdus grayi Least concern
Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Least concern
Cocoa Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus susurrans Least concern
Collared Aracari Pteroglossus torquatus Least concern
Collared Forest-Falcon Micrastur semitorquatus Least concern
Collared Plover Charadrius collaris Least concern
Common Black-Hawk Buteogallus anthracinus Least concern
Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor Least concern
Common Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis Least concern
Common Potoo Nyctibius griseus Least concern
Common Tern Sterna hirundo Least concern
Common Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum Least concern
Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas Least concern
Crane Hawk Geranospiza caerulescens Least concern
Crested Caracara Caracara cheriway Least concern
Crested Eagle Morphnus guianensis near threatened
Crested Guan Penelope purpurascens Least concern
Crested Owl Lophostrix cristata Least concern
Crimson-fronted Parakeet Aratinga finschi Least concern
Dot-winged Antwren Microrhopias quixensis Least concern
Double-toothed Kite Harpagus bidentatus Least concern
Dusky Antbird Cercomacra tyrannina Least concern
Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer Least concern
Dusky-faced Tanager Mitrospingus cassinii Least concern
Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus Least concern
Eastern Wood-pewee Contopus virens Least concern
Giant Cowbird Molothrus oryzivorus Least concern
Golden-hooded Tanager Tangara larvata Least concern
Gray-cheeked Thrush Catharus minimus Least concern
Gray-crowned Yellowthroat Geothlypis poliocephala Least concern
Gray-headed Chachalaca Ortalis cinereiceps Least concern
Great Black-Hawk Buteogallus urubitinga Least concern
Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias Least concern
Great Curassow Crax rubra Vulnerable (A2cd, 3cd,4cd)
Great Egret Ardea alba Least concern
Great Green Macaw Ara ambiguus Endangered (A2cd,3cd,4cd)
Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus Least concern
Great Potoo Nyctibius grandis Least concern
Great Tinamou Tinamus major near threatened
Great-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus Least concern
Greater Ani Crotophaga major Least concern
Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca Least concern
Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus Least concern
Green Heron Butorides virescens Least concern
Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza Least concern
Green Ibis Mesembrinibis cayennensis Least concern
Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana Least concern
Green-and-Rufous Kingfisher Chloroceryle inda Least concern
Green-breasted Mango Anthracothorax prevostii Least concern
Grey Catbird Dumetella carolinensis Least concern
Grey Kingbird Tyrannus dominicensis Least concern
Grey-breasted Martin Progne chalybea Least concern
Grey-capped Flycatcher Myiozetetes granadensis Least concern
Grey-chested Dove Leptotila cassini Least concern
Grey-headed Kite Leptodon cayanensis Least concern
Greyish Saltator Saltator coerulescens Least concern
Grey-necked Wood-rail Aramides cajanea Least concern
Grey-rumped Swift Chaetura cinereiventris Least concern
Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris Least concern
Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica Least concern
Herring Gull Larus argentatus Least concern
Hooded Warbler Wilsonia citrina Least concern
Hook billed Kite Chondrohierax uncinatus least concern
House Wren Troglodytes aedon Least concern
Keel-billed Toucan Ramphastos sulfuratus Least concern
Kentucky Warbler Oporornis formosus Least concern
Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Least concern
King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa Least concern
Laughing Falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans Least concern
Laughing Gull Larus atricilla Least concern
Least Bittern Ixobrychus exilis Least concern
Least Flycatcher Empidonax minimus Least concern
Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla Least concern
Least Tern Sternula antillarum Least concern
Lesser Greenlet Hylophilus decurtatus Least concern
Lesser Nighthawk Chordeiles acutipennis Least concern
Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift Panyptila cayennensis Least concern
Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes Least concern
Limpkin Aramus guarauna Least concern
Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus Least concern
Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea Least concern
Little Tinamou Crypturellus soui Least concern
Long-billed Gnatwren Ramphocaenus melanurus Least concern
Long-billed Hermit Phaethornis longirostris Least concern
Long-billed Starthroat Heliomaster longirostris Least concern
Long-tailed Tyrant Colonia colonus Least concern
Louisiana Waterthrush Parkesia motacilla Least concern
Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens Least concern
Magnolia Warbler Dendroica magnolia Least concern
Mangrove Cuckoo Coccyzus minor Least concern
Mangrove Swallow Tachycineta albilinea Least concern
Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata Least concern
Mealy Parrot Amazona farinosa near threatened
Melodious Blackbird Dives dives Least concern
Mississippi Kite Ictinia mississippiensis Least concern
Montezuma Oropendola Psarocolius montezuma Least concern
Mourning Warbler Oporornis philadelphia Least concern
Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata Least concern
Neotropical Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus Least concern
Nicaraguan Seed-Finch Oryzoborus nuttingi Least concern
Northern Barred Woodcreeper Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae Least concern
Northern Jacana Jacana spinosa Least concern
Northern Parula Parula americana Least concern
Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis Least concern
Northern Waterthrush Parkesia noveboracensis Least concern
Ochre-bellied Flycatcher Mionectes oleagineus Least concern
Olive-backed Euphonia Euphonia gouldi Least concern
Olive-backed Quail-Dove Geotrygon veraguensis Least concern
Olive-crowned Yellowthroat Geothlypis semiflava Least concern
Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus cooperi near threatened
Olive-throated Parakeet Aratinga nana Not Yet assesed
Orange-billed Sparrow Arremon aurantiirostris Least concern
Orange-chinned Parakeet Brotogeris jugularis Least concern
Orchard Oriole Icterus spurius Least concern
Osprey Pandion haliaetus Least concern
Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapilla Least concern
Pale-billed Woodpecker Campephilus guatemalensis Least concern
Pale-vented Pigeon Patagioenas cayennensis Least concern
Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum Least concern
Paltry Tyrannulet Zimmerius vilissimus Least concern
Passerini's Tanager Ramphocelus passerinii Least concern
Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos Least concern
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Least concern
Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps Least concern
Piratic Flycatcher Legatus leucophaius Least concern
Plain Wren Thryothorus modestus Least concern
Plain-brown Woodcreeper Dendrocincla fuliginosa Least concern
Plain-coloured Tanager Tangara inornata Least concern
Prothonotary Warbler Protonotaria citrea Least concern
Purple Gallinule Porphyrio martinicus Least concern
Purple Martin Progne subis Least concern
Purple-crowned Fairy Heliothryx barroti Least concern
Purple-throated Fruitcrow Querula purpurata Least concern
Red-billed Pigeon Patagioenas flavirostris Least concern
Red-capped Manakin Pipra mentalis Least concern
Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus Least concern
Red-lored Parrot Amazona autumnalis Least concern
Red-throated Ant-Tanager Habia fuscicauda Least concern
Resplendent Quetzal Pharomachrus mocinno near threatened
Ringed Kingfisher Megaceryle torquata Least concern
Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris Least concern
Roadside Hawk Rupornis magnirostris Least concern
Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja Least concern
Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus Least concern
Rose-throated Becard Pachyramphus aglaiae Least Concern
Royal Flycatcher Onychorhynchus coronatus Least concern
Royal Tern Thalasseus maximus Least concern
Ruddy Ground-Dove Columbina talpacoti Least concern
Ruddy Quail Dove Geotrygon montana Least concern
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Least concern
Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher Terenotriccus erythrurus Least concern
Rufescent Tiger-Heron Tigrisoma lineatum Least concern
Rufous Mourner Rhytipterna holerythra Least concern
Rufous Piha Lipaugus unirufus Least concern
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia tzacatl Least concern
Rufous-Winged Woodpecker Piculus simplex Least concern
Sanderling Calidris alba Least concern
Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis Least concern
Scarlet Tanager Piranga olivacea Least concern
Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus Least concern
Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla near threatened
Semiplumbeous Hawk Leucopternis semiplumbeus Least concern
Shining Honeycreeper Cyanerpes lucidus Least concern
Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis Least concern
Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus Least concern
Short-billed Pigeon Patagioenas nigrirostris Least concern
Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus Least concern
Short-tailed Nighthawk Lurocalis semitorquatus Least concern
Slaty-backed Forest-Falcon Micrastur mirandollei Least concern
Slaty-headed tody-flycatcher Poecilotriccus sylvia Least concern
Slaty-tailed Trogon Trogon massena Least concern
Smokey-brown Woodpecker Leuconotopicus fumigatus Least concern
Snowy Cotinga Carpodectes nitidus Least concern
Snowy Egret Egretta thula Least concern
Snowy Plover Charadrius nivosus near threatened
Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis Least concern
Song Wren Cyphorhinus phaeocephalus Least concern
South Polar Skua Catharacta maccormicki Least concern
Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis Least concern
Spectacled Owl Pulsatrix perspicillata Least concern
Spotted Antbird Hylophylax naevioides Least concern
Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius Least concern
Spotted Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus erythropygius Least concern
Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana Least concern
Streak-crowned Antvireo Dysithamnus striaticeps Least concern
Streak-headed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes souleyetii Least concern
Stripe-breasted Wren Thryothorus thoracicus Least concern
Stripe-headed Sparrow Peucaea ruficauda Least concern
Stripe-throated Hermit Phaethornis striigularis Least concern
Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher Myiodynastes luteiventris Least Concern
Summer Tanager Piranga rubra Least concern
Sunbittern Eurypyga helias Least concern
Sungrebe Heliornis fulica Least concern
Swainson's Hawk Buteo swainsoni Least concern
Swainson's Thrush Catharus ustulatus Least concern
Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus Least concern
Tawny-chested Flycatcher Aphanotriccus capitalis vulnerable (B1abc - i,ii,iii,v)
Tawny-faced Gnatwren Microbates cinereiventris Least concern
Tennessee Warbler Vermivora peregrina Least concern
Thick-Billed Seed-Finch Oryzoborus funereus Least concern
Tiny Hawk Accipiter superciliosus Least concern
Traill's Flycatcher Empidonax sp Least concern
Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor Least concern
Tropical Gnatcatcher Polioptila plumbea Least concern
Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus Least concern
Tropical Pewee Contopus cinereus Least concern
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Least concern
Uniform Crake Amaurolimnas concolor Least concern
Variable Seedeater Sporophila corvina Least concern
Violaceous Trogon Trogon violaceus Least concern
Violet-crowned Woodnymph Thalurania colombica Least concern
Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri Least concern
Western Slaty Antshrike Thamnophilus atrinucha Least concern
Western Wood-pewee Contopus sordidulus Least concern
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Least concern
White Hawk Pseudastur albicollis Least concern
White-breasted Wood-wren Henicorhina leucosticta Least concern
White-collared Manakin Manacus candei Least concern
White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris Least concern
White-crowned Parrot Pionus senilis Least concern
White-flanked Antwren Myrmotherula axillaris Least concern
White-lined Tanager Tachyphonus rufus Least concern
White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora Least concern
White-necked Puffbird Notharchus hyperrhynchus Least concern
White-ringed Flycatcher Conopias albovittatus Least concern
White-throated Crake Laterallus albigularis Least concern
White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi Least concern
White-Vented Euphonia Euphonia minuta least concern
White-whiskered Puffbird Malacoptila panamensis Least concern
White-winged Becard Pachyramphus polychopterus Least concern
Willet Tringa semipalmata Least concern
Willow Flycatcher Empidonax traillii Least concern
Wilson's Plover Charadrius wilsonia Least concern
Wilson's Storm-Petrel Oceanites oceanicus Least concern
Wilson's Warbler Cardellina pusilla Least concern
Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina near threatened
Worm-eating Warbler Helmitheros vermivorum Least concern
 Yellow Tyrannulet Capsiempis flaveola Least concern
Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia Least concern
Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster Least concern
Yellow-bellied flycatcher Empidonax flaviventris Least Concern
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius Least concern
Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus Least concern
Yellow-crowned Euphonia Euphonia luteicapilla Least concern
Yellow-crowned Night-heron Nyctanassa violacea Least concern
Yellow-headed Caracara Milvago chimachima Least concern
Yellow-margined Flycatcher Tolmomyias assimilis Least concern
Yellow-olive Flycatcher Tolmomyias sulphurescens Least concern
Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata Least concern
Yellow-tailed Oriole Icterus mesomelas Least concern
Yellow-throated Euphonia Euphonia hirundinacea Least concern
yellow-throated vireo Vireo flavifrons Least Concern
Yellow-throated Warbler Setophaga dominica Least concern
Zone-tailed Hawk Buteo albonotatus Least concern

Mammalia:

Species Name Scientific Name IUCN Status

Alston's Mouse Opossum Micoureus alstoni Least concern
Armored Rat Hoplomys gymnurus Least concern
Baird's Tapir Tapirus bairdii Endangered (A2abcd, 3bce)
Black Myotis Myotis nigricans Least concern
Black Rat Rattus rattus Least concern
Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops truncatus Least concern
Brown Four-eyed Opossum Metachirus nudicaudatus Least concern
Brown Three-toed Sloth Bradypus variegatus Least concern
Central American Agouti Dasyprocta punctata Least concern
Central American Spider Monkey Ateles geoffroyi Endangered (A2c)
Central American Wooly Opossum Caluromys derbianus Least concern
Collared Peccary Pecari tajacu Least concern
Common Opossum Didelphis marsupialis Least concern
Common Tent-making Bat Uroderma bilobatum Least concern
Dusky Rice Rat Melanomys caliginosus Least concern
Greater Grison Galictis vittata Least concern
Greater White-Lined Bat Saccopteryx bilineata Least concern
Grey Four-eyed Opossum Philander opossum Least concern
Hoffman´s Two-toed Sloth Choloepus hoffmanni Least concern
Jaguar Panthera onca near threatened
Kinkajou Potos flavus Least concern
Mantled Howler Monkey Alouatta palliata Least concern
Mexican Prehensile-tailed Porcupine Sphiggurus mexicanus Least concern
Neotropical River Otter Lutra longicaudis near threatened
 Nine-banded Armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus Least concern
Northern Raccoon Procyon lotor Least concern
Northern Tamandua Tamandua mexicana Least concern
Ocelot Leopardus pardalis Least concern
Olingo Bassaricyon gabbii Least concern
Paca Cuniculus paca Least concern
Red Brocket Deer Mazama americana data deficient
Red-tailed Squirrel Sciurus granatensis Least concern
Spix's Disc-winged Bat Thyroptera tricolor Least concern
Tayra Eira barbara Least concern
Tome's spiny rat Proechimys semispinosus Least concern
Variegated Squirrel Sciurus variegatoides Least concern
Vesper Rat Nyctomys sumichrasti Least concern
Watsons Climbing Rat Tylomys watsoni Least concern
West Indian Manatee Trichechus manatus vulnerable (C1)
White-lipped Peccary Tayassu pecari Vulnerable (A2bcde 3bcde)
White-nosed Coati Nasua narica Least concern
White-Tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus Least concern
White-throated Capuchin Cebus capucinus Not Yet assesed

Reptillia:

Species Name Scientific Name IUCN Status

Allen's Coralsnake Micrurus alleni Least concern
American Crocodile Crocodylus acutus Vulnerable (A2cd)
Annulated Tree Boa Corallus annulatus Least concern
Black River Turtle Rhinoclemmys funerea Lower risk/ near threatened
Boa Constrictor Boa constrictor Not Yet assesed
Bronze Parrotsnake Leptophis mexicanus Least concern
Bronze-Backed Climbing-Skink Mabuya unimarginata Least concern
Brown Vinesnake Oxybelis aeneus Not Yet assesed
Brown Wood Turtle Rhinoclemmys annulata Lower risk/ near threatened
Carpenter's Anole Anolis carpenteri Least concern
Casque-headed Lizard Corytophanes cristatus Least concern
Central American Coralsnake Micrurus nigrocinctus Least concern
Central American Whiptail Holcosus festivus Least concern
Cloudy Slugeater Sibon nebulatus Not Yet assesed
Common Blunthead Imantodes cenchoa Not Yet assesed
Costa Rican Coralsnake Micrurus mosquitensis Least concern
Elegant Littersnake Rhadinaea decorata Least concern
Eyelash Palm Pitviper Bothriechis schlegelii Not Yet assesed
Fer-de-Lance Bothrops asper Not Yet assesed
Four-lined Whiptail Holcosus quadrilineatus Least concern
Golden spectacled lizard Gymnophthalmus speciosus Least concern
Green Basilisk Basiliscus plumifrons Least concern
Green Iguana Iguana iguana Not Yet assesed
Green Parrotsnake Leptophis ahaetulla Not Yet assesed
Green Tree Anole Anolis biporcatus Not Yet assesed
Green Turtle Chelonia mydas Endangered (A2bd)
Ground Anole Anolis humilis Not Yet assesed
Halloween Snake Pliocercus euryzonus Least concern
Hawksbill Eretmochelys imbricata Critically endangered (A2bd)
House Gecko Hemidactylus frenatus Least concern
Leatherback Dermochelys coriacea Vulnerable (A2bd)
Lemur Anole Norops lemurinus Not Yet assesed
Lichen Anole Anolis pentaprion Not Yet assesed
Lichen Coloured Snaileater Sibon longifrenis least concern
Litter Gecko Lepidoblepharis xanthostigma Least concern
Litter Skink Sphenomorphus cherriei Least concern
Loggerhead Caretta caretta Vulnerable (A2b)
Many-banded Coralsnake Micrurus mipartitus Least concern
Narrow-bridged Mud-turtle Kinosternon angustipons Vulnerable (B1, 2c)
Neotropical Chameleon Polychrus gutturosus Least concern
Northern Bird-eating Snake Pseustes poecilonotus Least concern
Northern Cateye Leptodeira septentrionalis Not Yet assesed
Orange-bellied Littersnake Urotheca guentheri Least concern
Orange-Bellied Swamp Snake Tretanorhinus nigroluteus Least concern
Pug-nosed Anole Anolis capito Not Yet assesed
Red Coffeesnake Ninia sebae Least concern
Red-ringed Snaileater Sibon annulatus Least concern
Reticulated Crowned Snake Tantilla reticulata Least concern
Rugose littersnake Nothopsis rugosus Least concern
Salmon-bellied Racer Mastigodryas melanolomus Least concern
Satany Parrotsnake Leptophis depressirostris Least concern
Slender Anole Anolis limifrons Not Yet assesed
Speckled Racer Drymobius margaritiferus Not Yet assesed
Spectacled Caiman Caiman crocodilus lower risk/ least concern
Stream Anole Anolis oxylophus Not Yet assesed
Striped Basilisk Basiliscus vittatus Least concern
Talamancan Galliwasp Diploglossus bilobatus Least concern
Tiger Ratsnake Spilotes pullatus Not Yet assesed
Tropical Night Lizard Lepidophyma flavimaculatum Least concern
Tropical seep snake Hydromorphus concolor Least concern
Tropical Slider Chrysemys ornata unknown
Turnip-tailed Gecko Thecadactylus rapicauda Not Yet assesed
White-lipped Mud-turtle Kinosternon leucostomum Not Yet assesed
Yellow Blunt-Headed Vinesnake Imantodes inornatus Least concern
Yellow-headed Gecko Gonatodes albogularis Least Concern
Yellow-lipped Parrotsnake Leptophis nebulosus Least concern
Yellow-tailed Dwarf-gecko Sphaerodactylus homolepis Least concern