Costa Rica Big Cats, Primates & Turtle Conservation

Set between its tropical Caribbean and Pacific coasts, Costa Rica is one of the most breath-taking countries in the world. Even though it covers just 0.03% of the world’s landmass, it is home to an incredible 500,000 species including jaguars, spider monkeys and five types of turtle. This is the highest density of species of any country in the world.

Check out our Costa Rica Forest volunteer interview video

Frontier volunteers are carrying out groundbreaking survey work, exploring Costa Rica's remote habitats and helping to combat the effects of global warming by establishing a baseline against which future protected area management can be assessed.  On this project you will live in a wilderness camp set in dense tropical forest on the shores of the Pacific Ocean next to pristine turtle beaches.

You'll live and work with other enthusiastic and energetic volunteers at a basic research camp near some of Costa Rica's most impressive protected areas. You'll carry out crucial surveys that are being used to find out how climate change is affecting endangered species and threatened habitats. Jaguars, sloths, Howler Monkeys and Harpy Eagles are just a fraction of the species here that are under threat; it is your job to help find out how to best protect these species and preserve their environment.

Join this incredible project to discover a world of fragile beauty and help safeguard Costa Rica's precious wildlife and exceptional habitats for future generations.

Read the latest science updates from this project on SeeConservation

Check out all the latest updates, videos, pictures and articles
from our Costa Rica project on the Gap Year Blog:

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

• Develop lifelong friendships
• Visit this tropical paradise
• Work with some of the world's most endangered species

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

• High level of fitness and stamina needed: conditions can be arduous and trekking strenuous
• Vocational qualification available

Please note: there are no turtles in the area between December and April

Location	Costa Rica
Activities	Biodiversity surveys Walking transects through rainforest Patrolling beaches Tracking big cats Behavioural studies Insect and amphibian collection
Transport	Pick-up from the airport (provisional on arrival date) Escorted on the local bus (provisional on arrival date) Fare not included
Accommodation	Camp

Before you go	Pre-departure support & documentation Travel & medical advice & documentation Advice on visas & equipment Discounted medical kit Free Frontier t-shirt UK residential briefing weekend including food, accommodation and training FREE for 10 week+ volunteers (US$128 per person for those participating for less that 10 weeks)
In-country	Accommodation Food (on camp) Project orientation and training   Airport pick-up (if arriving on the first or third Monday of the month) In-country emergency support 24-hour international HQ backup BTEC and CoPE qualifications available

 

What Next? Apply Now!

WHAT WILL I BE DOING?

You will be working in the Pacific rainforests and beaches near Corcovado, one of the most remote parks in the country. Home to one of the largest tropical primary lowland rainforests in the world, the Corcovado National Park is also the habitat of a large range of endangered plant and animal species. Dense rainforest creates a dramatic habitat for hundreds of bird and mammal species, along with a high population of marine turtles nesting on the beaches each year (please note there are no turtles at this site from December to April).

You will be carrying out extensive biodiversity surveys. Work will include walking primate transects to spot the White-faced Capuchin Monkeys, Squirrel Monkeys, Jeffries Spider Monkey and Mantled Howler Monkey which thrive in these biologically rich forests.  You will also be surveying populations of exotic birds, insects and amphibians, patrolling turtle nesting beaches (remember, there are no turtles in this region from December to April), or tracking big cats.

You will be working to compose complete species lists and to advance management plans for the primary rainforest and species found here. Components of the work programme include zoological work focused on observational methodologies such as:

Sea turtle monitoring

Volunteers patrol two beaches close to camp. The patrols not only help to gather valuable population data of the endangered marine turtles, but also serve to discourage poachers and predators trying to raid nests and collect eggs. The two species of turtle most frequently observed are the Olive Ridley and the Pacific Green Turtle. During peak nesting season (July-November), turtles found nesting on the beach at night are tagged and given a health check. In the afternoon we conduct nest cleanings which involve checking the hatched nests to assess reproductive success after the hatchlings have emerged. Total clutch size, number of successfully hatched eggs and the number and stage of development of un-hatched eggs are recorded. Any hatchlings that might have remained trapped in the next chamber are freed and placed on the beach to allow them to reach the sea.  

Primate (and other mammal) surveys

Mammals are social animals and frequently travel in pairs or groups. The most abundant mammal species found in the area are the four species of monkey: Squirrel Monkey, Mantled Howler Monkey, Jeffries Spider Monkey and White-faced Capuchin Monkey. A variety of other mammal species are commonly seen in the area and their presence is also recorded through the range of prints found on the muddy forest trails. Forest walks are regularly conducted during which all species are recorded to create a species list. When groups of mammals are encountered, group size is also noted as well as their behaviour.

Big cat monitoring

Pumas, jaguars and Ocelots are also present in the region. These species are elusive and sightings are rare however they can still be monitored by studying their tracks and faeces. Any signs are recorded in order to better understand the abundance and distribution of big cats in the area. This data is crucial in order to assess the effectiveness of conservation measures, and in particular whether the extent of wildlife corridors between protected areas is sufficient to ensure the long term survival of big cat populations in Costa Rica.

Tracks and scats

In addition to the surveys which use direct observations, we also record indirect evidence of mammals through the identification of tracks and scats. Frequently sighted prints include those of pumas, agoutis, peccaries, armadillos, coatis and the rare Neotropical river otter. These walks take place both along the forest trails and along the river. The GPS location, size and abundance of the tracks are recorded and this information can then be used to map the presence of many mammals which are elusive and thus rarely observed in the forest. This also contributes to our knowledge of the use of the area as a biological corridor for mammals with large ranges, such as pumas.

Forest amphibian surveys

Costa Rican amphibians are a diverse group and are amongst one of the most sensitive to climate change due to their use of small microhabitats and the porous nature of their skin. Declines have already been seen amongst amphibian groups due to reductions in pool sizes, shortened rain fall seasons and increased temperatures increasing bacterial growth and disease transmission. The sensitive nature of amphibians to altered climatic variables makes them an excellent indicator group for studying the effects of changing climates. The primary forest blocks where the Frontier camp is situated have a range of leaf litter frog species. As these groups lay their eggs in leaf litter, increasing decomposition rates due to increasing temperature can eliminate their breeding habitat to the point that reproduction of an entire population can be threatened. Our survey study aims to determine the species composition across an altitudinal gradient. In the long term, the effects of rising temperatures on forest amphibians could be assessed.

Point surveys for bird species

Bring your binoculars and set your alarm early and you can join in our bird surveys which take place at the lagoon on Pejeperro beach. Many of Costa Rica’s beautiful birds can be found here, as well as several migratory species. Frequently sighted are pink Roseate Spoonbills, several species of herons, egrets, scarlet macaws and, if you’re lucky, ospreys!

Bird counts are a commonly used method of identifying avian species composition in an area. A pilot study was recently initiated to carry out bird call counts along trails throughout the forest in order to get a better idea of species diversity and abundance. 

The long term goal of this project is to investigate and provide data for models of ecosystem migration and species displacement due to climate change and the subsequent implications of climate change upon Costa Rica's network of protected areas. The project addresses four important questions in order to safeguard the future of Costa Rica's economically and biologically important natural heritage:

1. What effect is global warming having on the biodiversity within Costa Rica's system of protected areas?
2. What future effect is global warming likely to have on the biodiversity within Costa Rica's system of protected areas?
3. Is there adequate existing connectivity between habitat blocks within Costa Rica, and within the Mesoamerican hotspot as a whole, to allow ecosystem migration?
4. What conservation efforts can and need to be put in place to ensure the continued existence, where possible, of the ecosystems which typify the natural habitats of Costa Rica?

What Next? Apply Now!

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE?

If you arrive on the first Monday of the month you will be greeted at Puerto Jimenez Airport or bus station by your local Frontier staff member and escorted by bus to the project site (the bus fare costs $5 and is not included). There are two airlines which fly to Puerto Jiminez or if you're up for it there is also a bus service from San Jose to Puerto Jiminez.  If you are arriving at any other time you will need to arrange your own transport to the project site, your project coordinator will give you further information about this journey. You may have to organize your own transport back to the airport after you have completed your project depending on your project end date, which is quite straight forward. If you finish at the end of the month a staff member will escort you back to the airport at Puerto Jiminez but again you need to pay for the bus fare. If you have to stay in Puerto Jimenez on the night of your arrival please allow about $18 or US$19 for one night food and accommodation in a hostel.   

Like many of our worldwide conservation projects our Costa Rica project camp is set in a remote and beautiful location, so you should be prepared for a fairly long journey out to camp.

WHERE WILL I BE STAYING?

Life on camp is simple, environmentally footprintless and great fun! You will be sleeping alongside other volunteers of both sexes and arrangements will vary from tents to hammocks on our handmade deck, made from locally sourced materials. Our main camp is located a 20 minute walk from Playa Piro, with beach which stretches for over 15 miles.

You may also get out and about on smaller (satellite) camps close to the national park, deep in the rainforest or even down on the beach, depending on the work programme.

Be prepared for mosquito nets and open-sided living quarters, and you will have the luxury of a Western style toilet on camp too. Recently returned volunteers recommend extra socks and wellingtons which can be purchased in Puerto Jiminez.

WHERE WILL I BE STAYING?

Check out our video on Frontier Gap Year TV from Costa Rica, showing you volunteer life on the Osa Peninsula.

WHAT WILL I BE EATING?

We support the local economy by sourcing much of our supplies from the local community. This includes the staple food, as well as a selection of seasonally available fresh fruit and vegetables so get thinking about unusual and exotic dishes that you can prepare to impress everyone when it is your turn to cook.

You will be involved in catering for yourself and your camp mates and you will discover how to produce three delicious and nutritious meals a day that will provide you with all the energy you'll need for your busy schedule. Cooking and cleaning are carried out communally on a rotational basis. Costa Rican food is simple but delicious, with a focus on rice, beans and good quality fruit and vegetables. You could learn to make gallo pinto, the staple food of the nation, which is fried rice and black beans. Other favourites include light and crispy tortillas stuffed with delicious cheeses, vegetables and every now and then some diced meat.  

On account of the lush nature of Costa Rica's natural habitats, the range of fresh fruit and vegetables is vast and abundant, so make sure you sample some of the fresh market produce. Another thing to try is some Costa Rican coffee, famous the world over and representing the countries biggest export, its fragrant aroma is synonymous with the lush plantations found in Central America. Luxuries such as chocolate and packet soup are available in the local towns but are not readily available so it is worth bringing some of your favourite treats out with you as well as any herbs or spices to make rice and beans a little more exciting! Your food budget will only cover basic rations so bring some extra spending money if you want to treat yourself.

What Next? Apply Now!

UNFORGETTABLE  | 18 Jun 2013
Thank you so much for this opportunity. I have loved this place and had the most wonderful time a...

Read more

AN AMAZING SIX WEEKS  | 14 Jun 2013
An absolutely incredible experience! I’m really glad I decided to choose this Frontier proj...

Read more

A REAL JUNGLE EXPERIENCE  | 10 Jun 2013
I´ve just spent four weeks in the Costa Rican jungle and it was an absolutely amazing exper...

Read more

ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE EXPEREINCE  | 6 Jun 2013
I’ve been in the jungle camp for two weeks now, and the experience has been absolutely incr...

Read more

COSTA RICA - AT HOME WITH THE PRIMATES AND TURTLES  | 8 May 2013
My expectations were exceeded on the Costa Rica Big Cats, Primates and Turtle conservation; livin...

Read more

BEAUTIFUL PLACE AND BRILLIANT PEOPLE  | 7 May 2013
I was blown away by the diversity of the jungle that surrounded our camp and all the staff and vo...

Read more

A GREAT EXPERIENCE!  | 19 Apr 2013
I am enjoying my time so far. It’s been really easy getting along with everyone and the sta...

Read more

ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING LIFE EXPERIENCES I HAVE HAD  | 9 Apr 2013
I have been in Cost Rica a week so far and it’s already been one of the most amazing life e...

Read more

NEVER A DULL MOMENT!  | 8 Apr 2013
I have thoroughly enjoyed my first 2 weeks on camp so far. I have been made to feel welcome and a...

Read more

A WONDERFUL HANDS-ON LEARNING ENVIRONMENT  | 2 Apr 2013
Being a relative newbie to environmental conservation I was rather nervous before embarking on Th...

Read more

1 to 10 next >

HOW THE TURTLE GOT ITS SHELL  | 11 Jun 2013
An ancient fossil skeleton of an extinct South African reptile is helping scientists to bridge th...

INTERNATIONAL OTTER SURVIVAL FUND MAY NEWSLETTER  | 28 May 2013
Neotropical otters are solitary and only interact with other individuals during the breeding seas...

WHY IS PRESERVING BIODIVERSITY IMPORTANT?  | 23 May 2013
Biological diversity, commonly known as biodiversity, is a term used to describe the wide variety...

SHARKS THAT USE 'LIGHTSABERS'  | 28 Feb 2013
A shark has been found to use glow in the dark spines on its back to scare away potential predators.

BUTTERFLY CANOPY TRAPPING  | 26 Feb 2013
One of our surveys involves baiting butterfly traps and then identifying and releasing them after...

COSTA RICA BANS HUNTING AS SPORT  | 11 Dec 2012
There has been good news for animal rights activists and conservationists as Costa Rica became th...

LEATHERBACK TURTLES IN TROUBLE  | 29 Nov 2012
The already critically endangered leatherback turtle is set to face even more problems as the cli...

PARROTS MIMIC OTHERS' CALLS  | 22 Nov 2012
Parrots use their calls to start conversations with others according to new findings published in...

PUMA CAPTURED ON CAMERA TRAP  | 28 Aug 2012
Costa Rica’s camera traps have captured four photos of a Puma concolor, commonly known as a puma, panther, cougar, mountain lion and mountain cat.

ECOTOURISM - A NEW APPROACH FOR SUSTAINABILITY  | 20 Aug 2012
Among today’s contending conservation and development strategies, Ecotourism is one of the most popular.

THE PALE GRASS BLUE BUTTERFLY  | 16 Aug 2012
A publication in the Journal of Scientific Reports this week has produced some prominent data for...

1000s OF TURTLE HATCHLINGS CRUSHED IN TRINIDAD  | 16 Jul 2012
As government work crews go about redirecting the Grand Riviere in Trinidad, thousands of leather...

CLIMATE CHANGE: AN UNEXPECTED BENEFIT?  | 25 Jun 2012
In the midst of climate change doom, some hidden benefits may be arising from the warming global ...

AMPHIBIAN PROJECT PROGRESSES  | 31 May 2012
Amphibians stand at the frontline of global biodiversity loss. More than one third of amphib...

NEW POPULATIONS OF SCOTTISH WILDCAT DISCOVERED  | 24 Apr 2012
Previously unknown populations of one of Britain’s most endangered species, the Scottish wildcat, have been found living in the Cairngorms National Park.

Rare palm threatened by demand from the global flower trade  | 20 Mar 2012
A study has suggested that the demand for an endangered palm, found in Central and South America, is posing a significant threat to the long term survival of the palm.

Tropical bird species on the decline  | 6 Mar 2012
Recent findings published in the journal of Biological Conservation show that by 2100, up to 900 terrestrial tropical bird species could become extinct due to climate change.

Pumas and Turtle sightings in Costa Rica  | 30 Jan 2012
Our Costa Rica volunteers have been treated to a number of puma, turtle and bat sightings this month whilst carrying on the good work from previous Frontier volunteers!

What will the dry season bring to Costa Rica?  | 5 Dec 2011
  The Costa Rica camp has continued to make excellent progress with their primate s...

Primates, turtles and even otters in Costa Rica!  | 29 Nov 2011
Recently on our Costa Rica camp on the Osa Peninsula, we've been busy with all different type...

Frogs are fighting back  | 10 Oct 2011
Many of you may already know about chytridomycosis, the devastating fungus which is causing global devastation to many amphibious species.

Wish you were here  | 29 Sep 2011
Findout what the fabulous team in Costa Rica are getting up to this week.

NEW PLANS TO CULL THE GREY WOLF  | 19 Sep 2011
Thousands of grey wolves are threatened with a cull in Canada, as part of the government’s new plan to protect caribou.

Gliding tree frogs in Costa Rica  | 15 Sep 2011
Find out what the team in Costa Rica have been up to!

Leatherback Turtles off the UK Coastline  | 22 Aug 2011
Recent sightings of leatherback turtles on UK coastlines spark conservation concern for the endangered species.

Living the dream in Costa Rica  | 21 Jul 2011
Find out about all the fun being had in Costa Rica this week!

Climate change talks begin ahead of UN summit  | 4 Jul 2011
Preliminary talks have begun to assess priorities of climate change legislation ahead of the UN summit later this year.

Positive news for primates in Costa Rica  | 30 Jun 2011
Data collected by volunteers on our project in Costa Rica has revealed promising results regarding the populations of primates on the Osa Peninsula.

Marine turtles biting off more than they can chew  | 14 Jun 2011
New research finds significant declines in marine turtle populations due to pressure from marine rubbish such as plastic.

We gotter save the otters!  | 9 Jun 2011
This week, our volunteers in Costa Rica have been collecting data on adorable river otters!

Easter!  | 27 Apr 2011
Easter has been and gone, the time of year where chocolate has no calories and we can guiltlessly munch on as many chocolate eggs as possible.

Good news for Florida’s leatherback turtle  | 11 Apr 2011
Since 1979 leatherback turtle nests in Florida have increased in numbers by over 10% a year. This is very encouraging news for the endangered species.

Carbon Capture Explained  | 4 Apr 2011
A guide to upcoming carbon capture methods

The early bird feels the burn  | 24 Mar 2011
The dawn chorus is not just there to tell us we should be going to bed. It plays an incredibly important part in mating and foraging behaviour amongst songbirds.

Time For Tapirs  | 3 Mar 2011
Volunteers in Costa Rica have been lucky enough to spot a tapir in the wild.

Animal magnetism or turtle pragmatism?  | 28 Feb 2011
Many species have been proven to be able navigate using the earths magnetic field longitudinally, but until now, evidence on latitudinal navigation has been hard to come by.

Stop deforestation for palm oil  | 7 Feb 2011
Deforestation for palm oil significantly impacts on Indonesia's forests and the orangutans who reside in the lush habitat.

Volunteers witness the start of the turtle egg hatching season.  | 27 Jan 2011
Volunteers protect and release baby turtles into the sea.

Rare Cat Reappears  | 5 Jan 2011
Exciting news from Borneo as the extremely rare Bornean Bay Cat has been caught on camera in one of the country's national parks.

Frontier Costa Rica on Air!  | 16 Dec 2010
The Frontier Costa Rica projects looks set for a busy year in 2011, as mentioned by the project's Principal Investigatir, Eoin Sheridan, on LA Talk Radio.

Global Climate Change Talks Resume at Cancún  | 29 Nov 2010
Representatives of 193 countries have met for the 16th conference to discuss strategies to combat climate change.

Turtles in Trouble  | 15 Nov 2010
Green turtles are suffering from tumours which have been linked to algal blooms caused by water pollution, according to a study conducted on the islands of Hawaii.

The Return of the Otter  | 1 Nov 2010
Otters are reappearing in the rivers of England, according to a survey by the Environment Agency. Meanwhile, our researchers in Costa Rica continue their search for the rare Neotropical river otter.

Monkey Madness  | 29 Sep 2010
Several species of monkey have been spotted by volunteers in the Costa Rican rain forest. As many of these primates are very rare, this is very promising news. Read on to find out more!

Frogs & friends in the forest  | 5 Aug 2010
The Frontier team have recorded many frogs, toads, snakes, and lizards. As many of these species are rarely found outside of Costa Rica, its importatnt that they are closely monitored.

Scanning the Skies in Costa Rica  | 8 Apr 2010
The latest phase of research in Costa Rica has seen Frontier’s volunteers scanning the skies for the abundant bird species that inhabit its south Pacific coast

Changing faces, changing places  | 11 Feb 2010
The start of the year held not only a brand new phase but also a brand new camp for our team in Costa Rica

Pumas in the Costa Rican Jungle  | 17 Dec 2009
This week two lucky Frontier-Costa Rica volunteers were fortunate enough to spot a rare puma on the beach close to the project base

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Costa Rica provides everything you could ever desire for an action packed and eye opening gap year or eco break. You may wish to explore some of the activities and unforgettable sights that are on offer here whether it is in your spare time, or even in a few extra days spent in this spectacular country at the beginning or end of the project. There are so many possibilities to explore – here are just a few suggestions! Try white water rafting, river kayaking, or even ocean kayaking – all activities that Costa Rica is famous for whether you are an expert or a compete novice.

If you have a head for heights see the landscape stretch out beneath you from above with a canopy tree top tour, or even an aerial tram! Other adventure activities that are on offer include biking, hiking, snorkelling and even bungee jumping! For something more sedate, there are butterfly and insect farms – fascinating for those with an interest in the natural world. Alternatively you may wish to visit the Frontier house in Puerto Jimenez ($7.50 per day, food not included). Costa Rica really does have something for everyone – you will never be short of ways to enjoy your spare time!

* Please note that you will need to cover your own costs for extra activities.