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Osa
Sea Turtle Study (OSTS)
Community monitoring of endangered
speciess
As a result of research and monitoring efforts on
Costa Rica's Atlantic coast and the subsequent formation of Tortuguero National
Park, sea turtles are nowr recognized as an important natural resource in Costa Rica.
However, until recently, there has been little or no
information on turtle nesting activity along the southern Pacific coast of the
country, and in particular, the beaches of the Osa Peninsula. Studies undertaken by
TUVA indicate that there are four endangered species of turtles that actively nest
on the 20 kilometers of undeveloped beaches southeast of Corcovado Park. They include the
Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), Hawksbill
(Eretmochelys imbricata), and the Black (Chelonia agassizi) turtles. |
ADECORO association: local training and
capacity building
In 1992, TUVA initiated the Osa Sea Turtle Study in
an attempt to build a base of information and engage the local communities in monitoring,
conservation and management efforts. Currenly the Pro-Turtle Comittee manages project
decisions, with the participation of the local Municipality, ACOSA and INCOPESCA. The
project provides training and educational facilities and is slowly succeeding in bringing
together knowledgeable residents who, in conjunction with TUVA support, have provided the
first comprehensive data on predation of endangered turtle populations breeding on the
Osa. This data suggests that as much as 80% of all nest predation is caused either
directly or indirectly by humans, and the comittee is working with the National
Conservation System to declare these beaches a protected multiple-use wildlife area
managed with the help of local residents.
Future promise: a co-managed "Rio
Oro Wildlife Refuge"
Future activities of OSTS include: continued
monitoring of sea-turtle nesting success and predation rates; establishing a turtle
facility and a nursery in Rio Oro to conduct outreach activities and to manage Aturtle
tours for visitors to provide a source of revenue for the project. |
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