Mammals of the Esquinas Rainforest
Mammal Species
BATS With 53 different species bats are the richest mammal group in the Piedras Blancas National
Park. Bats are more than 50 million years old and have developed various special adaptations like
nocturnal flight, ultrasonic echolocation and different feeding habits. Most of the species are fruit eaters
like Artibeus watsoni (left) and Carollia perspicillata (centre). The Vampire Bat Desmodus rotundus
(right) is a real blood feeding animal and was found foraging in open habitats near La Gamba and along
pristine forest fila trails.
SLOTHS & ANTEATERS Although these animals are externally
dissimilar, they share certain skeletal characteristics and sometimes they
are called edentates, which means without teeth. Sloth like the Hoffmann´s
Two-toed Sloth Choloepus hoffmanni (right above) are rare in the
Esquinas forest but are more often found in the coastal areas around
Golfito. Sloths are the only mammals that can be seen hanging motionless
below a branch. They are specialists at existing on a low-energy diet of
leaves. Around 20 years ago the Giant Anteater Myrmecophaga tridactyla
was seen for the last time around La Gamba by local hunters, but it is
extinct today. The Northern Tamandua Tamandua mexicana (right below)
and the Silky anteater can be observed in primary and secondary forest,
where they feed mainly on ants. Most sightings of Tamandua refer to the
Fila trails, whereas the Silky anteater was recorded from the Mangroves
near Golfito.
In 1991, the Esquinas forest in southern Costa Rica, one of the last unprotected lowland tropical
rainforests on the Pacific coast of Central America, was declared a national park by presidential decree. In addition to an incredible diversity of plants and animals, a preliminary mammals species list
contains more than 100 species! Together with neighbouring protected areas like Corcovado National Park, Golfito Forest Protected Areas and some private sites, the Esquinas forest plays an important role as refuge area and corridor site in the framework of the “Paseo Panthera” concept, the
transcontinental Pan-American-biological corridor.
Mammal Detectives
Although the most Mammal species are nocturnal and very secretive animals,
with silence and patience one can observe mammals in the wild. Here are some
tips for Mammal Detectives investigating the Esquinas forest and neighbouring
sites.
HUMAN SETTLEMENTS: Starting watching
mammals with a fresh beer in the Bar of the Esquinas
Lodge! You will at least find the Greater White-lined
Bat. Check the roof of your bungalow and detect the
Proboscis Bat (right above). In the Lodge
Garden prospect for Coatis (right below) or
Tayra.
OUTDOOR: Without an experienced guide direct observations of wild mammals are sometimes difficult in deep
primeval forests. Check sludgy trails, forest edges and river
shores for tracks and scats of Cats, Raccoons, Coatis and
Peccaries.
MONKEYS Four species of monkeys survey the region, but are
difficult to detect. In contrast to other apes of the world, the New
World Monkeys have a prehensile tail which they use like a fifth
extremity while climbing through the canopy. The White-face
Capuchin and the Squirrel Monkey are omnivores species, whereas
the Howler Monkey feeds exclusively on leaves and the Spider
Monkey eats mainly fruits.
OPOSSUMS In the region five species of American Opossums were
recorded, from the small Mexican Mouse Opossum (40 g), the medium sized
Gray Four-Eyed Opossum (right) to the large Common Opossum (2 kg).
Opossums are nocturnal and run, climb and swim very well. In the Esquinas
region Opossums are seldom seen due to their secret live style. The Mexican
Mouse Opossum and Gray-Four-Eyed Opossum were found only in primary
and secondary forests.
Many thanks to
METHODS : Track stations (left), infrared–cam-trackers (centre), life traps (right) and mist nets
are necessary to record mammal species. Together with local assistants and guides all species of
mammals were documented during a six month field study based at Field station La Gamba.
CARNIVORES Among the 14 species of Carnivores Raccoons, Coati,
Kinkajou, Olingo, Skunks, Grison, Tayra and five species of cats are
recorded. Most of these species are restricted to forests in the area whith
the highest species richness in primeval forests and forest edges but
avoiding open areas. While coati, tayra and kinkajou are relatively often
seen along trails or in the garden of the Esquinas Rainforest Lodge, all the
cat species are very shy and cautious. Sightings are rare but most species
can—with some experience - be identified by their tracks.
RODENTS & PECCARIES Rodents like Agouti Paca (left) and this Spiny Pocket Mouse (centre)
as well as Collared Peccaries (right) are forest dwellers.
Mammal Research
LOCATIONS White-Faced Capuchin and Howler Monkeys are best seen in natural forests
along the coast. Scan the canopy with your binoculars! The endangered Squirrel Monkey , one of
the Worlds most threatened Mammals, is found in the Golfito area in Mangrove and coastal forest
habitats. You can survey bats by investigating caves and hollows along riverside habitats. For cave
excursions ask the experts from the Field Station La Gamba for security and healthy reasons. Along
sludgy trails in the whole region you can find scats and tracks of larger mammals like ocelot ,
Peccaries , Coatis or Red Brocket. Marine Mammals like Bottlenose Dolphins can be found in all
Golfo Dulce waters, most easily in the Esquinas River delta.
Ecotone - Vorauer & Walder OEG
Eschenweg 6, A 6064 Rum
Austria/Europe
[email protected]
Impressum:
Fotos: Gestaltung & Text: Christoph
Walder; A. Vorauer, C. Walder, M.
Helmstädter. 3D Karte aus Maptak/Internet.
CONSERVATION Our results
showed the importance of natural
forest habitats for the Mammal fauna.
Large open areas function as barriers.
Investigating Mammal species
richness along two transects crossing
the La Gamba valley showed that
species numbers and number of
individuals (tracks per station) rapidly
decline in disturbed open habitats.
(from Emser (2004)).
Esquinas Rainforest Lodge
Field Station La Gamba
La Gamba