Current Projects

Permanent Plots for biodiversity Sampling Posted on Jul 17, 2007 by admin

New permanent plots are now been establish for biodiversity monitoring at long term. At the start, vegetation, dung-beetles and butterflies are the most representative groups to establosh them and get a general picture of the elevational changes in biodiversity composition on the pacific slope

Jaguar Monitoring Posted on Jun 03, 2006 by

The jaguar population in the Talamancas is the least understood in Central America. The population occurs in the La Amistad International Park and surrounding areas, however external threats such as hunting and habitat conversion have encroached to near the limits of the park. The effect of this encroachment is yet unknown, as is the status of the population. ProCAT will develop a monitoring protocol and baseline data for the jaguar of the Talamancas to estimate 1) how many jaguar remain, 2) where jaguar remain, and 3) the effect of external threats on the population. Measuring a cat track The result will be a baseline dataset for long-term population monitoring and a methodology for studying this threatened population. We will use infra-red motion sensing camera-traps to photograph jaguar (and other animals) across the Talamancas and use various wildlife survey techniques to assess the status of the prey species. In addition geographic information systems will be used with remotely sensed imagery to monitor habitat suitability and changes in land-use surrounding (and within) the park.

Wildlife Survey Posted on Jun 03, 2006 by

In the buffer zone surrounding La Amistad International Park we are monitoring the presence and use of other cats including margay, ocelot, puma, and their prey. Few jaguars remain in this region and we seek to assess the conservation status of the wildlife which still persist in this human dominated landscape. We are analyzing the effects of habitat conversion (fragmentation) and hunting on the presence of felids and their principle prey in order to make management recommendations for their long-term persistence and maintenance of habitat quality. We are working closely with local hunters and indigenous tribes to better understand subsistent wildlife use. ProCAT employs numerous local peoples to survey wildlife and interview residents.

Local Training and Capacity Building Posted on Jun 03, 2006 by

An overarching objective of the project it to train local people and build capacity concerning the significance of wildlife research and provide them the necessary tools and skills to use the techniques and equipment. This will not only give them marketable skills as researchers, but also allow them to be a part of the project and thus help collect the data necessary to understand the effects of hunting and fragmentation on wildlife populations. Training locals on safe trapping techniques The goal is to train local people to use the equipment and give them the opportunity to provide management recommendation to improve the use of wildlife for subsistence and sport. Many of the current local employees of ProCAT are ex-hunters - therefore excellent at tracking and counting animals, but also with an intuitive knowledge of the local circumstances which can improve wildlife management inside and outside of protected areas. Skills gained include use of camera-traps, GPS, mapping, survey techniques, transect techniques, etc.

Coral Reef Conservation Posted on Jun 03, 2006 by

The coral reefs along the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica are both a tourism attraction (and thus source of revenue) and a key area for marine biodiversity. As the coastal lowlands have gradually been developed into banana plantations and other monoculture crops, the use of pesticides, fungicides and other chemicals has increased dramatically. The result is a major effect on fish and other biodiversity in rivers and streams - but ultimately as well on the nearshore reef systems. Today the reefs suffer from siltation caused by deforestation, contamination caused by agro-chemical inputs, and over fishing. Much of the reef system lies within Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, which has catch limits and other mechanisms to control harvest, however there are few resources available to enforce these laws. Photo of coralProCAT is working with local governments to purchase signs along protected beached and increase education and awareness of the reef and laws associated with it. In addition we seek to develop a sediment and biological monitoring program for contaminants on the reef and attempt to identify the sources of these contaminants and their effect on reef and sea-grass species.

Freshwater Biodiversity Survey Posted on Jun 03, 2006 by

Freshwater Biodiversity Survey project information coming

Soil and Water Quality Posted on Jun 03, 2006 by

Soil and Water Quality information coming

Soil Biochemistry Posted on Jun 03, 2006 by

Soil Biochemistry information coming

Systematic Conservation Planning Posted on Jun 03, 2006 by

Systematic Conservation Planning coming