Research
Pacuare Reserve
Pacuare Reserve is the protected home of over 2700 species of wildlife (more than 200 species of birds). Pacuare beach is one of the most important leatherback turtle nesting beaches in the world. Pacuare Reserve’s coastline is hugged by dense jungle forest. What was once logged for timber or grazed by cattle is now a protected home for a wide variety of wildlife – more than 32 species of mammal, including jaguar, ocelot, and three species of monkeys, and many reptiles call Pacuare Reserve home.
With coastal, forest, and freshwater habitats, the Reserve is also home to a wide variety of birds – we currently have 211 species listed! The rare and beautiful agami heron nests in a small lagoon within the Reserve. It is the only nesting site in Costa Rica and one of only a few accessible nesting sites in the world.
Camera Trap Project
Pacuare Reserve protects 800 hectares, it is located in the lowlands of the north and central Caribbean of Costa Rica and there are several sightings of wild cats, the jaguar (Panthera onca) being the most common. For a better understanding of the conservation needs of jaguars and their prey, Pacuare Reserve has a camera trap monitoring program.
This monitoring project is developed in partnership with a group of experts from Panthera, and together we have identified key priorities to develop in the near future:
- Estimating the current density of jaguars, other wildcats and their prey in the Reserve.
- Estimating the abundance of other mammals in the Reserve.
- Understand the biological corridor used by the jaguars and propose activities to protect it.
How are you doing it?
Researchers at the Reserve have installed a set of camera traps in areas with a high probability of jaguar and prey presence, and in other areas with biodiversity or conservation interest. Every few days, we check the devices and download all the pictures and videos taken and then we analyze the information with researchers,students, and now the Zooniverse volunteers!.
Location of camera traps