Boomers Abroad

Description

You will be working in the Pacific rainforests and beaches near Corcovado, one of the most remote parks in the country. Home to the largest and only tropical primary lowland rainforest in the world, the Corcovado National Park is also the habitat of a large range of endangered plant and animal species. Dense rainforest creates a dramatic habitat for hundreds of bird and mammal species, along with a high population of marine turtles nesting on the beaches each year (please note there are no turtles at this site from December to April).

You will be carrying out extensive biodiversity surveys. Work will include walking primate transects to spot the White-faced Capuchin Monkeys, Squirrel Monkeys, Jeffries Spider Monkey and Mantled Howler Monkey which thrive in these biologically rich forests. You will also be surveying populations of exotic birds, insects and amphibians, patrolling turtle nesting beaches (remember, there are no turtles in this region from December to April), setting sand traps or tracking big cats.

You will be working to compose complete species lists and to advance management plans for the primary rainforest and species found here. Components of the work programme include zoological work focused on observational methodologies such as:

* Sea turtle monitoring

Volunteers work in groups to conduct turtle patrols along nearby beaches (when in season). The patrols not only help to gather valuable population data, but also serve to discourage individuals trying to raid nests and collect eggs. The two species of turtle most frequently observed are the Olive Ridley and the Pacific Green Turtle. Nests that are situated under the high tide line are relocated to higher points near the original nest site. We also conduct afternoon nest cleanings which involve checking the nest chambers to assess reproductive success after the hatchlings had emerged. Total clutch size, number of successfully hatched eggs and the number and stage of development of un-hatched eggs are recorded. Any hatchlings that might have remained trapped in the nest chamber are freed and placed on the beach to allow them to reach the sea.

* Primate (and other mammal) surveys

Mammals are social animals and frequently travel in pairs or groups. The most abundant mammal species found in the area are the four species of monkey: Squirrel Monkey, Mantled Howler Monkey, Jeffries Spider Monkey and White-faced Capuchin Monkey. A variety of other mammal species are commonly seen in the area and their presence is also recorded through the range of prints found on the muddy forest trails. Forest walks are regularly conducted during which all species are recorded to create a species list. When groups of mammals are encountered, group size is also noted as well as their behaviour.

* Big cat monitoring

Pumas, jaguars and Ocelots are also present in the region. These species are elusive and sightings are rare however they can still be monitored by studying their tracks and faeces. Any signs are recorded in order to better understand the abundance and distribution of big cats in the area. This data is crucial in order to assess the effectiveness of conservation measures, and in particular whether the extent of wildlife corridors between protected areas is sufficient to ensure the long term survival of big cat populations in Costa Rica.

* Forest amphibian surveys

Costa Rican amphibians are a diverse group and are amongst one of the most sensitive to climate change due to their use of small microhabitats and the porous nature of their skin. Declines have already been seen amongst amphibian groups due to reductions in pool sizes, shortened rain fall seasons and increased temperatures increasing bacterial growth and disease transmission. The sensitive nature of amphibians to altered climatic variables makes them an excellent indicator group for studying the effects of changing climates. The primary forest blocks where the Frontier camp is situated have a range of leaf litter frog species. As these groups lay their eggs in leaf litter, increasing decomposition rates due to increasing temperature can eliminate their breeding habitat to the point that reproduction of an entire population can be threatened. Our survey study aims to determine the species composition across an altitudinal gradient. In the long term, the effects of rising temperatures on forest amphibians could be assessed.

* Behavioural studies of Hermit Crabs

Hermit Crabs are a poikilothermic indicator species that occupies a habitat profoundly affected by climate change. Changing forest structure, reduction in beach size, rising tides and changing sea levels all influence these omnivorous scavengers. Hermit Crab transects and point counts are primarily run in the early morning and late afternoon; the heat during the midday period meant that very few crabs were active during this time. Data recorded includes date, time of day, sector number and each crab is measured individually. The aim of this study is primarily to determine shell preferences based on the measurements of the crabs and to draw correlations between the specifics of shell size, shell type, fit and damage.

* Point surveys for bird species

Bird counts are a commonly used method of identifying avian species composition in an area. A pilot study was recently initiated to carry out bird call counts along trails throughout the forest in order to get a better idea of species diversity and abundance.

* Canopy insect collection

Canopy insect captures are a well known method of gathering samples and data on canopy dwelling insects. Minimal work has been carried out on the insect fauna around this area of Costa Rica which recently prompted the trialling of canopy data collection.

As well as working on projects to monitor some of these fascinating species you will also carry out general biodiversity surveys and may have the opportunity to contribute towards a vital local reforestation project that is taking place in the area.

The long term goal of this project is to investigate and provide data for models of ecosystem migration and species displacement due to climate change and the subsequent implications of climate change upon Costa Rica's network of protected areas. The project addresses four important questions in order to safeguard the future of Costa Rica's economically and biologically important natural heritage:

1. What effect is global warming having on the biodiversity within Costa Rica's system of protected areas?
2. What future effect is global warming likely to have on the biodiversity within Costa Rica's system of protected areas?
3. Is there adequate existing connectivity between habitat blocks within Costa Rica, and within the Mesoamerican hotspot as a whole, to allow ecosystem migration?
4. What conservation efforts can and need to be put in place to ensure the continued existence, where possible, of the ecosystems which typify the natural habitats of Costa Rica?