Large Mammal and Primate Monitoring Program

There are numerous project opportunities in the large mammal and primate program to accommodate volunteers and students. GoalsEstablish a comprehensive data on the presence and absence of the large mammals and each of the three primate species ranging in and inhabiting the lowland rainforest of the Caño Palma and Tortuguero region. ApproachVolunteers will follow a standardized protocol while conducting presence/absence data along the black water canals and established forest transects of Caño Palma. Project data provides an improved understanding of demographic parameters, distribution, habitat use, and foraging behaviour.  HighlightsThree Costa Rican primate species are found to inhabit the area, including; mantled howlers (Alouatta palliata), white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus) and spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi); other large mammals include the jaguar (Panthera onca), the tapir (Tapirus bairdii), and white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) and many others.