Talamanca Large Mammal Study – Progress Report 2014 Prepared January 2015 Dr. Mike Mooring, Ph.D. Carol Williams, Dylan Poorboy, Jessica Fowler Department of Biology, Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, CA 92106 USA Email: [email protected]

Costa Rica Research Permit Nº 066-13 - ACLAP

Summary Our research group is conducting a long term survey of the large mammal fauna of the high elevation Talamanca Cordillera, the major cloud forest region of Costa Rica. The aim is to fill the gap in our understanding of jaguar (Panthera onca) and other cloud forest predators (6 species, of felids, coyote, tayra), and to determine the status of major prey species that these predators depend upon (e.g., peccary, deer, tapir). Although habitat loss from deforestation has largely stopped, illegal hunting from adjacent agricultural areas are producing an ‘empty forest syndrome’ in many of the region’s premier protected areas. Since 2010, we have investigated keystone predators and prey using camera traps, genetic scat analysis, and interview projects in order to support conservation actions by government, universities, and conservation organizations, and to promote community-based conservation among local residents. All of our activities involve the participation of local partners in national parks, private reserves, and biological corridors. The following report documents the progress made during 2014. The research team and study sites in which we worked are depicted on the following page. Highlights from the year inculde the following:

 Occupancy analysis based on interview data assessed the presence of jaguar in Tapantí N.P.  A new hair snare design was tested at the San Diego Zoo and field tested at Osa Conservacíon  Interviews in the Alexander Skutch Biological Corridor revealed that nutria (river otters) occur in the major rivers and that white-tailed deer and coyote are common in the agricultural zone  Camera traps were deployed on a new trail that cuts through the heart of Tapantí N.P.  The Rio Macho Forest Reserve in Villa Mills is now part of our camera trap network  We gave many presentations to communities in the region to explain our research project  Puma were frequently seen to investigate the scent stations by sniffing and rubbing  Examination of the unique rosettes of the jaguars photographed since 2010 reveal that at least 5 different individuals use an overlapping home range in our study region  We are training a scent-detection dog to find the scat of jaguar and other felids on the trails  A new collaborative study in the ACOPAC region will investigate the effectiveness of the Paso de las Lapas Biological Corridor in promoting wildlife movement among protected areas  Stunning new photos were taken of jaguarundi, tayra, ocelot, tapir, oncilla, and paca

Table 1 on page 31 lists the 26 mammalian species found by our camera traps since the project began. The table lists the common, Spanish, and scientific names and mass of each species in order of size.

Mammal study team 2014, photographed at the Osa Peninsula. From left: Dylan Poorboy, Carol Williams, Jessica Fowler, Dr. Mike Mooring, and Timmy Mooring.

Map of the Jaguar Corridor in Costa Rica with our study regions indicated by the red dotted line.

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Integrating occupancy modeling and interview data to assess threats to jaguar and their prey in Tapantí National Park

Honors Project by Eduardo Alvarez

National parks are critical elements in the long-term conservation of wide-ranging species within Costa Rica, including apex predators such as jaguar. Field assessments of species presence rely largely on camera trap surveys, but camera trapping is constrained by the need for an extensive trail system as well as the funding for equipment and staff time to monitor the cameras. Occupancy analysis is a new technique for assessing the presence of elusive mammals using detection and non-detection surveys. An advantage of interviews is that a retrospective survey can be conducted of species present in the past. By using local people knowledgeable about wildlife, well-designed interview studies can provide a cost-efficient alternative to large-scale field surveys of rare and elusive species. Because Tapantí National Park is understaffed and has a meagre trail system, I used interview data collected by the research team in 2013 to conduct an occupancy analysis of the factors influencing the presence of jaguar and their prey in Tapantí. Previous camera trap surveys have identified 10 large mammal species occupying Tapantí National Park, including Baird’s tapir, brocket deer, collared peccary, puma, ocelot, and jaguar.

I divided the study area into 35 25-km2 sampling units (5 x 5 km grids), resulting in a total study area measuring 875 km2 covering the entire range of the park. Interviews were conducted for approximately three weeks during the month of August, 2013. Interviewees were local people with a variety of vocations, such as park guards, farm owners, and hunters. Before beginning an interview, I assured the interviewee that we were not from the government and that all information would remain anonymous. This helped prevent collecting biased data. The interviewee was asked to identify the various sampling units where they had seen large mammal species for the past year, two years, and greater than 2 years. We recorded detections based on direct sightings of the animal or direct observation of a sign (tracks, scat). Each site that had species sightings was analyzed using PRESENCE version 6.4. Because we could not assume a closed population, the parameter Psi (Ψ) represents “habitat use” (c.f., occupancy), i.e. the proportion of the area used by the species in question. I used a single-state model (only one species is analyzed at a time) and assumed that the more frequently a species or its sign was observed, the higher its relative abundance. Detection was assigned a value of 1, while no information (similar to “no detection”) was assigned a value of 0.

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We conducted 25 interviews over a three-week period. Residency of the interviewees in the study area ranged from 3-76 years, with a mean residency of 38 years. Twenty-four of the interviewees were male, and only one was female. Interviewee age ranged between 25-77 years, with a mean age of 53 years old. Twenty-three percent of interviewees were park guards, 17% were hunters, and the others were classified as residents (Fig. 1L). Of the interviewees, 73% own land and move through the forest to get to their farms. Most interviewees (72%) indicated that the abundance of mammals in the forest is less than in the past, 24% said that abundance has stayed the same, while 4% reported an increase in abundance (Fig. 1R). Interestingly, the interviewees that reported wildlife abundance was the same or had increased from the past were all hunters. The primary threat to species was reported to be deforestation (52%) and hunting (34%); “other” (14%) included species leaving the area to find better resources, or becoming more elusive to avoid predation by hunters (Fig. 2).

Figure 1. (Left) Occupation of interviewees; residents owned farms outside the park. (Right) Change in abundance of species from the past reported by interviewees.

Primary threat to species

Figure 2. The primary threat to wildlife species reported by interviewees. 4

Seventeen percent of the interviewees reported sighting a jaguar either directly or by correct identification of the track. Overall occupancy of jaguar is 0.26, while the conditional occupancy is 0.23. The proportion of area occupied by jaguar is 23%, where eight of the sampling units out of the thirty-five had positive detection (Fig. 3).

Figure 3. Jaguar occupancy in Tapantí National Park based on interview data. Green grids indicate a detection of 1.0, yellow grids depict the conditional occupancy of 0.23.

Of prey species, only collared peccary and red brocket deer were analyzed. Occupancy analysis revealed that collared peccary had overall occupancy of 0.61 and conditional occupancy of 0.38. The proportion of the area occupied by collared peccary was 23% (Fig. 4).

Figure 4. Collared peccary occupancy. Positive detections are shown in green with an occupancy value of 1.0, and conditional occupancy of 0.38 is shown in yellow.

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Red brocket deer occupancy analysis revealed an overall occupancy of 0.64 and a conditional occupancy of 0.39. The data suggests a higher prevalence of red brocket deer compared with collared peccary. The proportion occupied by red brocket deer was 29%, slightly higher than both jaguar and collared peccary (Fig. 5).

Figure 5. Red brocket deer occupancy analysis. Positive detection is shown in green with an occupancy value of 1.0, conditional probability is shown in yellow, with a conditional occupancy value of 0.39.

The occupancy results are a cause for concern. Overall occupancy for jaguar and collared peccary was 0.23, and for red brocket deer was 0.29. This suggests small populations of both predator and prey species, reminiscent of the empty forest syndrome. However, these results are inconclusive due to our small sample size and small replication for each grid.

Information gathered from interviews suggests that species decline within protected areas is due to hunting. Last year, a new law was implemented in Costa Rica that prohibits all sport and recreational hunting, with stiffer fines for violators. Many hunters interviewed did not agree with the new law because it steps into cultural areas that were not regulated in the past. Only one of the hunters admitted to trying to kill a jaguar, but he did not report a successful killing. The main species hunted is paca, a small rodent. Hunters reported killing collared peccary on occasion, but that game is often avoided due to its elusiveness and the difficulty of transport. Both hunters and park guards mentioned the need to provide incentives for conservation. One hunter suggested that the government should hire hunters such as himself to manage the park because hunters have extensive knowledge of the area and how the animals move throughout the park.

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Hair Snare Study at the San Diego Zoo

The jaguar (Panthera onca) is the largest felid in the Americas and is currently ‘near threatened’ throughout its distribution. For this reason, conservation groups are conducting monitoring programs using a variety of survey methods primarily focused on non-invasive sampling techniques such as camera trapping and genetic analysis of scat. Camera trapping is the most commonly used method to survey jaguar populations, but cannot provide genetic data. Alternative methods such as hair snares have been successfully employed to survey canids and ursids, thus offer an innovative addition to the conservation toolbox. In addition to taxon identification through morphological analysis, recent advances in DNA extraction offer a means to sample population genetic diversity and identify individual animals. Conventional hair snares are constructed with materials (carpet squares and tacks) that quickly degrade or rust in the tropical environment and may injure animals. In addition, Neotropical predators are elusive and difficult to survey without use of an attractant to draw them to the hair snare. This project was initiated to explore the promise of a new hair snare design to survey cryptic and endangered species such as jaguar. The goal is to compare the effectiveness of rubber hair snares made from a ‘slicker brush’ design (photo below) to survey jaguar populations in comparison with camera traps.

The hair snare design was initially tested on captive Neotropical felids at the San Diego Zoo prior to deployment in the field. The goal was to design a hair snare that would attract animals to the snare using a scent attractant, stimulating it to rub against the bristles of the snare in such a way that some hairs with follicles are collected. Hair snares were deployed with Calvin Klein’s Obsession as a scent attractant with captive felines: female jaguar ‘Nindire’ and male jaguar ‘Guapo’ at the Elephant Odyssey exhibit at the San Diego Zoo; female ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) ‘Annowre’ at the Condor Ridge at the Safari Park. A Bushnell TrophyCam camera was positioned to photograph the animal as it used the hair snare. The response to the hair snare was directly observed, and indirectly recorded by camera trap (Fig. 6).

We performed one 24-hr observation session each with Nindiri and Guapo, and one 72-hr observation session and one 24-hr session with Annowre. Nindiri showed interest in the hair snare when she initially entered the exhibit, and later that night she rubbed against the bristles, leaving 10 hairs (Fig. 6). Guapo also showed initial interest but did not subsequently approach the hair snare. Annowre showed a high level of interest in the hair snare. During the first observation session, she rubbed so vigorously against the snare that she tore down, leaving 10 hairs in the bristles. After the hair snare was screwed into a log, Annowre continued to be highly attracted to the snare and attempted to remove it multiple times throughout the night, leaving about 25 hairs on the brush. When morphometric analysis was conducted using mineral oil immersion and a compound microscope at 40x magnification (Fig. 7), hair samples from successful trapping sessions gave us a positive confirmation of species identification when compared with the samples registered in “Atlas and Key to the Hair of Terrestrial Texas Mammals”.

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Figure 6. Female jaguar Nindiri rubbing against the hair snare at the San Diego Zoo.

Figure 7. Jaguar Nindiri on left and ocelot Annowre on right at 40x magnification.

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Hair Snare Study at Osa Conservación, Costa Rica

This year the research team ventured outside of our primary study site in the Talamanca mountains to conduct a short term study designed to field test the hair snares that we experimented with at the San Diego Zoo earlier in the summer. Dr. Martin Main (University of Florida, Gainesville) collaborated with us on this study by donating the hair snares, loaning 31 Bushnell TrophyCam cameras, and assisting in the field. Also providing logistical and field assistance was the research team of Dr. Leslie Hay (Northwest Nazarene University). Our research team was augmented by Dr. Main (Marty) and Timmy Mooring, and assisted by guides Agustin and Javier Mendoza (Fig. 8), From June 24 to July 4, we set up and monitored camera traps and hair snares on the trails of Osa Conservacíon, a private research and conservation center located to the east of Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula. Our objective was to investigate whether wild felids would respond to the hair snares in the same way as the jaguar and ocelot did at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park by rubbing against the brush and leaving their hairs. We planned to collect any hair left on the snares and subject it to morphometric analysis at Osa Conservacíon’s lab, with hair samples sent to the University of Costa Rica for genetic analysis.

We deployed a paired hair snare and camera trap along the Osa Conservacíon trail system, specifically using the Descubriendo, Ajo, Ocelot, and Cerro Osa trails (Fig. 9). Each hair snare was strapped to a tree (Fig. 10) and baited with a scent attractant (Calvin Klein’s Obsession for Men) sprayed onto sponges behind the snare backing (Fig. 11). The scent attractant was intended to stimulate investigation behavior by felids and thereby encourage them to rub their cheek against the brush and leave hair samples. We placed 31 hair snares and paired cameras along the trails (Fig. 12) and subsequently monitored them every other day for the duration of the study. We observed 11 species on our camera traps (Fig. 13), of which agouti was by far the most commonly sighted. Three species of felines (puma, ocelot, margay) were sighted as well as tayra, making 4 predator species (Figs. 14-15). Although we did not sight jaguar on our cameras, the Leslie Hay cameras obtained some photos of jaguar (Fig. 16), and we photographed collared peccary, armadillo, and paca, species frequently preyed upon by jaguar. However, our results were inconclusive because the hair snares were not used by any species. Although jaguar and ocelot rubbed against the hair snares at the San Diego Zoo, and we have often observed puma investigate our scent stations in Costa Rica, no animal left hairs on the brush or investigated the scent. We believe this is due to the short time the snares were deployed. It appears that the hair snares must be left out for a longer period of time. We are therefore continuing the project by deploying hair snares and cameras , scented with Obsession, along the trails of the Savegre Valley and Quetzal National Park, where they will be monitored for the next year.

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Figure 8. Research team from left: Carol, Dylan, Javier Mendoza (guide), Mike Mooring, Jessica, Martin Main (University of Florida) and Timmy.

Figure 9. Location of the trail system at Osa Conservación.

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Figura 10. Hair snare for the collection of mammilian hair for morphometric and genetic analysis.

Figure 11. Deploying the hair snare and anointing the sponges with scent attractant.

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Figure 12. Location of the network of camera traps and hair snares deployed on the trails of Osa Conservación in July 2014.

Figure 13. Pie chart of Relative Abundance Index of species photographed by camera traps at Osa Conservación, June 2014.

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Figure 14. Camera trap photos of puma.

Figure 15. Camera trap photos: (a) ocleot, (b) agouti, (c) crab-eating raccoon, and (d) armadillo.

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Figure 16. Jaguar captured at Osa Conservacíon on one of Leslie Hay’s camera traps.

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ASBC Interview Surveys 2014 Summary

On July 23, the research team traveled to the Alexander Skutch Biological Corridor (ASBC) to conduct interviews with local residents knowledgeable about the wildlife present in the area. The interview project aimed to complement data on species presence collected by camera traps in the corridor. Luis Angel Rojas, the local environmentalist who coordinates the camera trap project, arranged the interviews with local community members and accompanied us. We were especially interested in collecting information on the presence of Neotropical river otters or nutria (Lontra longicaudis), a threatened species that has been sighted within ASBC.

We interviewed a total of 9 persons, all males between the ages of 39-64 years old. The interviewees were all farm and agriculture workers, some owners of their own land, who live in the area year round. Most individuals lived in the Montecarlo area (Fig. 17), and have lived there a maximum of their entire life and a minimum of 2 years. All are outdoors every month of the year, with time in the field ranging from <10 days to >20 days of the month. These men observed wildlife while working or fishing, and traveled through the area either on foot or by boat.

All interviewees have seen river otter on one or more of four local rivers: Rio Peñas Blancas, Rio Peñas Blanquita, Rio Caliente, and Quebrada Chonchos (Fig. 17). The number of sightings in the past year ranged from once a year to once every month, probably depending on how often they are on or near the rivers. Most persons saw river otter between 2-10 times in the past year. Usually they saw one or two otters together, although two interviewees have seen a larger group of 3-4 otters at the same time. The otters were observed swimming and/or fishing.

Other animals sighted in the ASBC include puma, ocelot, collared peccary, white-tailed deer, and coyote. While the felids were observed 2-4 times in the past year, most interviewees reported sighting coyote very often, and white-tailed deer and collared peccary multiple times in the past year. It was reported that tapir descend from Chirripó in the spring (dry season) when there is little water available at higher elevations. No sightings of jaguarundi, margay, oncilla, tayra, or paca were reported in the past year. Aside from the above species (which we asked about), interviewees also volunteered sightings of kinkajou, monkeys, tamandua, coati, armadillo, grison, tapir, opossums, agouti, sloth, and raccoons.

All persons interviewed indicated that they had either seen coyote in the last year, or had heard them at night on a regular basis. Coyotes were usually seen in groups of up to 10. It is believed that the coyotes arrived in ASBC sometime between 10-20 years ago, with their population steadily increasing over time. The coyotes are found in the farmland and open spaces, not in the mountains. One interviewee who knows much of the surrounding area said that coyotes came into ASBC around 1990; however, the others all indicated that they arrived more recently (from 3- 10 years ago), at the same time that white-tailed deer started to increase in numbers. Several men indicated that coyotes had recently invaded the Montecarlo area, about 3-5 years ago. All of the men who work on the Bernina Finca said that white-tailed deer were very common and are regularly seen there. All individuals interviewed were in favor of conservation of wildlife.

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Figure 17. Communites of the Alexander Skutch Biological Corridor (ASBC) and the four rivers where Neotropical river otters were sighted by the interviewees (river names in red).

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Expanding the camera trap network at Tapantí National Park

On July 17, the research team collaborated with Tapantí National Park to deploy cameras on a seldom-used and very rugged trail that cuts through the remote central region of the park where we previously have been unable to survey wildlife. Joining us from the park staff were Fabricio Carbonell (director of research), Mauricio Hernandez (park guard), and our guide on the trail, Rigoberto Granados (Rio Macho Forest Reserve). We hiked the Torres Trail (a.k.a. “Diablo Trail”) from the Pan American Highway on the southern boundary of the park to Camino Destierro in the central heart of the park near park headquarters. Our objective was to deploy up to 4 camera trap stations of 2 cameras each along the 11 kilometer length of the trail. In the end, we were able to deploy 7 cameras (Fig. 18). Two cameras were deployed on an electrical tower support pole at kilometer 5 in páramo habitat, while the other 5 cameras were deployed singly in primary forest. Three of the camera stations (T101, T103, T104) were equipped with scent stations. Due to the absence of trees in the páramo, and the absence of two trees opposite one another on the trail through the primary forest, we could not deploy paired cameras as planned. The trail was very muddy, steep, and difficult to negotiate due to lack of maintenance and recent mud slides, but the team persevered and succeeded in their mission (Figure 19). Because the trail is very remote and rarely used by human beings, we have great hopes that these cameras will obtain new photos of felids, including jaguar and puma. We saw abundant tracks and scat of tapir along the trail, so we expect to obtain many photos of tapir as well.

Figure 18. The new camera deployed on the Torres Trail in the heart of Tapantí National Park.

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Figure 19. The research team on the trail, hiking and deploying cameras.

The camera trap network at Tapantí now has 27 cameras (6 cameras on Destierro, 14 cameras on Esperanza, and 7 cameras on Torres). Adding to that the 11 cameras located outside the norrthern boundary of the park in Pejibaye (7 cameras in Refugio La Marta, 4 cameras in Reserva El Copal), we now have a total of 38 cameras located in and around the western and northern zones of the park (Fig. 20). We hope in the future to deploy cameras in the eastern zone of the park (perhaps via the Rio Macho Forest Reserve) to investigate the large mammals that move among Tapantí, Chirripó, and Quetzales national parks.

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Figure 20. Camera trap network in the western and northern zones of Tapantí. The new cameras deployed on Torres Trail are in the box.

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New camera traps deployed at the Rio Macho Forest Reserve

Five cameras were deployed at the Rio Macho Forest Reserve station in Villa Mills (Fig. 21) prior to our arrival in Costa Rica for summer research 2014. Adrián Ugalde, the administrator of the Villa Mills station, obtained camera trap equipment and training from Jordan Young at the QERC field station on April 24. Subsequently, 5 cameras were deployed in the forest reserve with the assistance of Rigoberto Granados and Roberto Delgado (Fig. 22-23). Mike Mooring visited the station on July 23 to hike the trails, monitor the cameras, and confer with the staff. We hope in the future to deploy cameras in the remote western zone of Tapantí National Park through Rio Macho Forest Reserve, where a previous research transect was established (Fig. 24).

Figure 21. The Villa Mills station of the Rio Macho Forest Reserve.

Figure22. Roberto Delgado (left) and Rigoberto Delgado (right) of the Rio Macho Forest Reserve.

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Figure 23. Camera trap network at Rio Macho Forest Reserve. Four cameras are currently deployed, the fifth camera will be re-deployed soon.

Figure 24. Camera traps at Rio Macho Forest Reserve (in box) in relation to the camera trap network in the Savegre valley, Quetzales National Park, and Las Vueltas Biological Reserve, with Tapantí N.P. to the north.

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Community outreach

Every year the research team gives presentations (“charlas” in Spanish, literally “chats”) in different communities to explain our research project and promote community-based conservation (see Fig. 25). This year we did a tour of the new community associations that have been established to support Chirripó National Park. The charlas were organized by Enzo Vargas, who is coordinating the camera trap surveys in the park. Association members will work with Enzo to monitor the camera traps in their area, which the park staff have not been able to do consistently in the past. At each charla, in addition to an overview of the project and current findings, we provided training in camera trap monitoring (e.g., checking cameras, switching out SD cards). We started the day by speaking to the SINAC staff for the ACLA-P (Conservation Area La Amistad Pacific) in San Isidro de General. We then travelled to San Jeronimo, where association members are establishing the ecotourism infrastructure to support an alternative trail to Base Crestones, the staging area for climbing to the summit of Mt. Chirripó, the highest mountain in Central America (3820 m). The San Jeronimo trail is about the same length as the traditional route, but our camera traps established in 2013 indicate there is much more wildlife. From San Jeronimo, we travelled to San Gerardo de Rivas to speak to members of that association and complete our tour. The following week, we gave our annual charla at QERC to the Savegre Valley community, including the Chacón family and staff from Quetzales National Park. As always, we had over 40 people packed into the QERC laboratory to find out the latest news on the large mammal research and to enjoy fresh-brewed coffee, cake, and stimulating conversation!

Figure 25. Community meetings (“charlas”) to discuss the large mammal research with local residents in: (a) Quizarrá, Alexander Skutch Biological Corridor, (b) QERC, San Gerardo de Dota, (c) Pejibaye, buffer zone of Tapantí National Park, and (d) San Jeronimo, adjacent to Chirripó National Park.

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Pumas attracted to scent stations

Starting in 2012, we have been pairing scent stations with camera traps to stimulate passing mammals to stop and investigate the scent, thus enabling us to obtain better quality photos without the blurring caused at night when animals are on the move. The scent stations consist of a clear tube mounted on a pole, within which is a sponge impregnated with Calvin Klein’s ‘Obsession’ cologne, reputed to be attractive to jaguar and other felids. Initially, coyotes were the only animals we observed investigating the scent stations (Fig. 26a), but over the past two years we have observed several other species investigating the scent (Fig. 26b-d). Most notably, puma are frequently observed to sniff and even rub against the scent poles as we had hoped (Fig. 27), enabling us to obtain some high resolution photos of this important felid.

Figure 26. Species other than puma observed investigating the scent stations by sniffing: (a) coyote, (b) tapir, (c) collared peccary, and (c) red brocket deer. Coyote are the species most commonly observed to react to the scent stations (by sniffing, rolling, and attempting to rip off the scent station). Tapir often investigate the scent stations; investigation by peccary and deer is uncommon.

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Figure 27. Camera trap photos of puma investigating the scent stations, usually by sniffing the sponge anointed with the scent (a,b,c,e) or by rubbing against the pole (d,f). Puma are from: (a,c) El Copal Reserve, (b,d,f) Las Vueltas Reserve, and (e) Tapantí National Park.

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Individual identification of jaguars

From the initiation of the large mammal project in 2010, we have obtained 6 sightings of jaguar in the high elevation region of the Talamanca Cordillera (Fig 28 on next page). Unfortunately, because we use infrared cameras and most sightings have been at night with the jaguar moving rapidly, the photos have not been very clear. Nonetheless, all but one (Fig. 28c) of the photos were clear enough for us to compare the pattern of rosettes on legs, back or side (the melanistic individual with the cut tail was of course unique). The analysis indicated that at least 5 of the 6 jaguars were different individuals. This trend suggests that although jaguars occur at low density in our study area, there are multiple individuals with overlapping ranges in the high elevation Talamancas. The montage of the 6 jaguar photos (Fig. 28) are arranged in chronological order, with the most recent sighting (Fig. 28f) being the best of the lot. In the future, we hope to obtain genetic data from scat or hair that could enable us to identify individuals definitively.

Berry the scat-detection dog

To assist the genetic aspect of the large mammal research project, we are in the process of training a scent-detection dog (Fig. 29a) to find felid scat on the trails of the Talamanca mountain range and elsewhere in Costa Rica. ‘Berry’ is a young, Mini-Aussie (miniature Australian shepherd) with all the right qualifications to become a top scat-detection dog – she is energetic, very smart, highly focused on smells, and obsessive about play (fetch ball or tug-of-war). We are currently training her using the scat of jaguar, puma, and ocelot obtained through the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park (Fig. 29b). As with other working dogs, she works for a reward, which is to be allowed to fetch a ball (and sometimes a treat). One of us hides the scat and the other trainer takes Berry out to let her find it. When she finds felid scat, she is trained to sit down to signal she has found the target. She is then thrown a tennis ball a couple of times and allowed to fetch. Berry has not only been successful in finding felid scat, but she is also able to find small amounts of felid hair. What a dog! Berry will be deployed on the trails of Costa Rica once she is certified as a working scent-detection dog. We are now looking for the right organization to help us with final training and certification.

Figure 29. (a) Berry, our mini-Aussie scat detection dog; (b) Berry and handler on the trail.

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Figure 28. Camera trap photos of jaguar taken since the project began: (a) Savegre Valley 2010, (b) Savegre Valley 2012, (c) Tapantí National Park 2012, (d) El Copal Reserve 2013, (e) Chirripó National Park 2013, (f) La Marta Wildlife Refuge 2014, 1 = right side, 2 = left side. Based on unique markings (rosettes, melanism), we believe these photos represent at least five different individuals.

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New camera trap study in Paso de las Lapas Biological Corridor

This year we began a new camera trap survey outside of the Talamanca Cordillera. In this case, we are collaborating with staff from ACOPAC (Pacific Conservation Area) to the northwest of ACLA-P (Conservation Area La Amistad Pacific) where most of our work is done (Fig. 30). Our collaborators will do all of the field work, while we have provided cameras, some supplies, and will handle the data analysis. Our collaborators are Leonel Delgado Pereira (La Congreja National Park), Julio Bustamante (ACOPAC Research Coordinator), and Adrián Arce Arias (ACOPAC Wildlife Coordinator). Leonel spearheaded this effort and is a longtime collaborator, having coordinated the camera trap study at Tapantí National Park prior to his transfer to La Congreja. The purpose of the study is to compare the abundance of large mammals in Carara National Park, La Congreja National Park, and the Paso de las Lapas Biological Corridor that connects the two parks. Our goal is to assess the effectiveness of the biological corridor in facilitating the movement of large mammals between protected areas, with a focus on felid predators and their prey. This project links wildlife management and research monitoring to assess the effectiveness of conservation activities and promote environmental education in communities.

Carara N.P. consists principally of primary forests and is one of the few areas in the central Pacific that still contains large forest areas (>40 ha). Eight species of mammals are considered on the brink of extinction due to illegal hunting for meat and skins, loss of appropriate habitat, and the hunting of prey species. The mammals that are most threatened are felids (puma, ocelot, jaguarundi, ocelot), primates (howler and spider monkeys), and large herbivores (collared peccary, white-lipped peccary, red brocket deer, white-tailed deer). These mammals serve critical ecosystem functions, such as regulation of herbivory, seed dispersion, and mesopredator control. At the same time, these mammals provide economic benefits to local communities by attracting tourism. Despite these benefits, there are currently no conservation actions aimed at protecting these large mammals. La Congreja N.P., located 15 km to the east of Carara (Fig. 2), is a small park that contains the last remnant of evergreen humid forest that used to extend to the Osa Peninsula. The mammalian species inhabiting the park may be limited due to the small area, which is located in a traditional hunting zone. There is currently no official biological monitoring program here, although sporadic volunteer monitoring efforts have been made. Paso de Las Lapas Biological Corridor (“Path of the Macaws”) was established to create connectivity among Carara, La Congreja, and 7 other protected areas (Fig. 31). The most important economic activity in the private lands within the corridor is cattle ranching and farming. There are reports of depredation of cattle by felids, and jaguar may move through the corridor from the north.

To assess the effectiveness of the Paso de las Lapas Biological Corridor in facilitating movement of large mammals between protected areas (thus protecting biodiversity and ecosystem functions), we have established a network of camera traps, with 4 cameras in each park and corridor (Fig. 32- 33). We aim to compare species richness, diversity, and relative abundance of mammals to determine if species found in the parks are moving across the corridor. In particular, we will track the felids and their prey as being of primary importance for maintenance of ecosystem functions, attractions for tourism, and potential threats to cattle ranchers. At this point, we have photos documenting the presence of ocelot, tayra, collared peccary, and tapir among others, as well as numerous puma tracks (Fig. 34).

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Figure 30. Study area in relation to the Talamanca region (Tapantí and Chirripó national parks).

Figure 31. Map of Paso de las Lapas Biological Corridor (“Path of the Macaws”), with Carara National Park (PNC) to the west and La Congreja National Park (PNLC) to the east.

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Figure 32. Leonel and volunteers deploying camera on the trails of Carara National Park.

Figure 33. Location of new camera trap stations at Carara National Park.

Figure 34. Puma tracks from Carara National Park.

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Best photos from the past year

Over the past year, we have obtained several top quality photos worth noting (Fig 35). The photo of the tayra and jaguarondi (Fig 35a and 35c) are by far the best photos we have obtained of these elusive species. The photos of the oncilla, paca, and ocelot (Fig. 35b, d, f) are certainly some of the best of those species we have, while the tapir (Fig. 35e) is not only a great photo but is one of many photos of tapir that we have obtained from the remote El Uran cameras in Tapantí National Park. In addition, Figure 28f on the previous page is the best jaguar photo to date.

Figure 35. High quality camera trap photos from the past year: (a) tayra at La Marta Refuge, (b) oncilla at El Copal Reserve, (c) jaguarondi from Los Cusingos, (d) paca from Osa Conservacíon, (e) tapir from Tapantí National Park El Uran trail, and (f) ocelot from La Marta Refugio.

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Table 1. Large mammal species documented in the Talamanca high-elevation study site, 2010-2014

Common Name Latin Name Spanish Name Mass (kg) Predator Species Jaguar Panther onca Tigre 80.0 Puma Puma concolor León 50.0 Ocelot Felis pardalis Manigordo 12.0 Coyote Canis latrans Coyote 10.0 Tayra Eira barbara Tolomuco 5.0 Jaguarundi Herpailurus yaguarondi Yaguarundi 5.0 Margay Leopardus wiedii Caucel 3.5 Oncilla Leopardus tigrina Tigrillo 2.0 Prey Species Baird’s Tapir Tapirus bairdii Danta 250.0 White-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus Venado 30.0 Red Brocket Deer Mazama temama Cabro de monte 25.0 Collared Peccary Tayassu tajacu Saino 19.0 Paca Agouti paca Tepezcuintle 10.0 White-nosed Coati Nasua narica Pizote 5.0 Northern Tamandua Tamandua mexicana Tamandua 4.5 Northern Raccoon Procyon lotor Mapache 4.0 Nine-banded Armadillo Dasypus novemcitus Armadillo 4.0 Central American Agouti Dasyprocta punctata Guatusa 3.0 Striped Hog-nosed Skunk Conepatus semistriatus Zorro hediondo 2.5 Kinkajou Potos favus Martilla 2.5 Mexican Hairy Porcupine Coendou mexicanus Puercoespin 2.0 Common Opossum Didelphis marsupalis Zorro pelón 1.5 Central American Cacomistle Bassariscus sumichrasti Cacomistle 1.0 Dice’s cottontail Sylvilagus dicei Conejo de monte 1.0 Common Gray Four-Eyed Opossum Philander opossum Zorro de cuatro ojos 0.5 Red-tailed squirrel Sciurus granatensis Ardilla 0.4

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Acknowledgments

We are very grateful for the partnership and assistance of the following persons. Pura vida!

 Jordan and Meghan Young and Nancy Rayo of QERC  Don Efrain Chacón and his family of the Savegre Mountain Lodge  Marty Main of the University of Florida, Gainesville  Leslie Hay and her team of Northwest Nazarene University  Manuel Ramirez, Larry Villalobos, Agustín Mendoza, Javier Mendoza, Juan Carlos Cruz Díaz, Annia Barrantes, and Emilia Morales at Osa Conservacíon

 Arsenio Aguero and the staff of Los Quetzales National Park  Meryll Arias and the staff of Tapanti National Park  Manuel Viquez of Refugio La Marta  Beto Chavez of Reserva El Copal  Leonel Delgado of Carara and La Congreja National Park  Bernal Valderramos and Enzo Vargas of Chirripó National Park  Luis Angel Rojas and Felipe Montoya of Las Nubes Project  Marisol Rodriguez of SINAC ACLA-P  Julio Bustamonte and Adrián Arce Arias of SINAC ACOPAC  Alex Balmeceda of VAMOS Rent a Car

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