The Effect of Human Development on Mammal Populations of the Punta Leona Private Wildlife Refuge, Costa Rica

Abstract

Abstract:The effect of human development on six diurnal mammal species was studied using transects in the Punta Leona Private Wildlife Refuge, Puntarenas, Costa Rica during the dry season months of March and April 2006. Individuals/km was recorded for each species in more developed (MD) (near paved roads, buildings, construction, or deforested trees) and less developed areas (LD) (secondary forest). The white-faced capuchin monkey (Cebus capucinus) (n = 233), coatimundi (Nasua narica) (n = 46), and Central American spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi) (n = 36) demonstrated a preference for less-developed habitats. The nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) (n = 4), tamandua (Tamandua mexicana) (n = 2) and variegated squirrel (Sciurus variegatoides) (n = 5) were observed infrequently. White-faced monkeys avoided construction areas, but received artificial food daily in developed areas. Coatimundis also received artificial foods daily and showed aggression towards guests. Rev. Biol. Trop. 57 (1-2): 441-449. Epub 2009 June 30.

Howler Monkeys

“…This tiny Central American nation maintains approximately 25 % of its total territory as protected wildlife areas (Baker and Schutt 2005 ;Van Hulle and Vaughan 2009 ). The nation is known for its ecotourism, and over one-half of all international tourists visit at least one protected area during their stay (Horton 2009 ).…”

Ecotourism and primate habituation: Behavioral variation in two groups of white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus) from Costa Rica

“…At Punta Leona Hotel and Resort, located just North of Jacó in Puntarenas province, dozens of white-faced capuchins can be seen from the primary eatery of the hotel (van Hulle, & vaughan, 2009). The monkeys at Punta Leona have become habituated to the point that they have absolutely no fear of humans, which has resulted in their stealing of food directly from restaurant tables and closer interactions between humans and monkeys (van Hulle, & vaughan, 2009). in Manuel Antonio National Park, white-faced capuchins are, similarly, totally unafraid of humans, which has resulted in physical aggression towards humans, as well as theft of objects humans leave unattended (Hall, 2000).…”

“…They have a broad range from Honduras to Ecuador and can survive in a wide variety of habitats-from primary forests in the Neotropics, to highly fragmented secondary or successional forests, to semi-developed areas of human habitation (Hall, 2000;van Hulle & vaughan, 2009). Male capuchins range in size from 1.3-4.8kg ( =3.0kg) and females range in size from 1.4-3.4kg ( =2.3kg).…”

Mammalian Insectivores Exert Top‐Down Effects on Azteca Ants

“…, Guariguata et al . , Van Hulle & Vaughan ). Tamanduas are specialist predators of ants and termites, with prehensile tails that allow them to enter arboreal insect nests (Montgomery & Lubin ).…”

“…, 0.041–0.068/ha Brown ) are similar to other topical forest sites ( Tamandua mexicana : Costa Rica: 0.06/ha Guariguata et al . , 0.057/ha Van Hulle & Vaughan , Tamandua tetradactyla : Brazil: 0.004/ha Desbiez et al . , Venezuela: 0.06/ha Eisenberg et al .…”