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

Michael Van Hulle,Christopher Vaughan

doi:10.15517/rbt.v57i1-2.11372

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.

Highlights

In 1996, Timmock and Vaughan (2002) conducted a mammal census in Punta Leona Private Wildlife Refuge (PLR), Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica by walking transects in forested areas and counting animals (Table 1)
Spider monkeys, variegated squirrels, and tamanduas showed no significant difference between more developed (MD) and less developed (LD) areas
Our research demonstrates that white-faced monkeys in PLR still prefer LD to MD habitats (Fig. 2)

Summary

Introduction

In 1996, Timmock and Vaughan (2002) conducted a mammal census in Punta Leona Private Wildlife Refuge (PLR), Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica by walking transects in forested areas and counting animals (Table 1). Much of PLR has been developed and some original transect areas are paved roads with houses and/or construction work in progress. It is important to quantify its impact on resident wildlife. Estimated Total Population of Specie in PLR 37 24 23 28 11 17 was to compare populations of six mammal species in more developed (MD) and less developed (LD) areas of PLR and do a limited comparison to the previous study

Methods

Results

Conclusion