Dear Crocodile fanatic
It’s here! Your opportunity to participate in ongoing research of the legendary American Crocodile! Join us in our explorations of the far-flung corner of southwestern Costa Rica with the objective of conserving this magnificent beast
The American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) has been mercilessly hunted for the last seventy years or more for its particularly good skin. Throughout its Central and northern South American range the American crocodile has diminished hugely in number, prompting CITES to place it on Appendix 1 (Endangered), and the IUCN on its Red List: VU (Vulnerable). The survival of the species lies in a few secure, scattered populations in its range; in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Belize and Florida. Costa Ricas excellent institutional infrastructure and conservation record since the early 1970’s has allowed the American crocodile to recover in number. The Osa area has some of the most extensive wetland habitats in the country suitable for the American crocodile.
The region within which our research takes place encompasses the mangrove laden estuaries of the Rio Sierpe, the rivers draining into the Golfo Dulce from both the eastern versant of the Osa Peninsula and the mainland and the Pacific coastal lagoons and rivers of the Osa Peninsula north to the Rio Terraba
Michael Boston (Principal Investigator) began surveys of the American Crocodile in the ACOSA (Área de Conservación Osa) region of southwestern Costa Rica in September of 2004 and has completed a number of surveys since. The possibility of a robust and healthy population of this crocodilian inhabiting the wetlands of the Osa area has been noted. However, very little data is available on the American in the region. This is where you come in!
We are seeking field-research adept individuals to partake in this crucial monitoring program. While here, you will play two roles essential to the project:
- Being actively involved in surveys gathering data vital to this species’ conservation and
- Acting as the core source of funding while participating
Due to the very inconsistent nature of research grants this project, vital in assessing the top predator of the region, cannot be consistently fueled without your help!
We have room for 2-4 dutiful individuals to work on our day and night croc surveys for 10 day periods at a time. You will fill important roles associated with croc monitoring; assistant spotter, data logger, measurements of captured etc. With your aid, the continued monitoring of sites and the inclusion of others will provide us with a baseline density count for future assessment. Sheer necessity will direct us into little explored reaches of the region, through winding coastal estuaries, open lowland swamps and expansive flooded forests dominated by the raffia palm (Raphia taedigera) among others.
During the 10 days you are here we will strike a balance between comfort and roughing- it, exploration and relaxation, repetitive scientific protocol and the unexpected. So seize this chance to partake in a worthy cause and some serious exploration!
Sincerely,
Michael Boston
Principal Investigator
Gareth Blakemore
Investigator
American Crocodile Survey Specifics
Introduction
American Crocodile Survey 2009 Research Proposal (PDF document)
Survey Itinerary
Volunteer Training
Waiver of Liability
Suggested Reading and References
Please contact Gareth Blakemore at gareth@osaaventura.com for tour specifics and any questions.