Reventazon Tropical Research Station
Costa Rica
The Reventazon Tropical Research Station (RTRS) is a privately owned field research and education facility. Established in 2012, it is part of Tierra Serena, located several kilometers from Lake Cachi in Costa Rica's Cartago Province. The property, which also contains a coffee farm, lies in the Reventazon River watershed. The station is a voluntary nonprofit that does not raise nor use funding. The Station's mission is to support and collaborate in Costa Rican tropical field research, education, and economic and community development. Key goals include:
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expand the regional biodiversity information base and expertise
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advance appreciation and conservation of regional wildlife, plants, landscapes, and natural resources
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facilitate sustainable regional economic development; and
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support early-career Costa Rican researchers who are devoted to preserving tropical biodiversity in their country
The Tierra Serena bird count now stands at 209 species. This represents a significant jump since last year, attributable to more field time and improved trail management. Ten of our trails were mapped using GIS and the location of prime birding spots identified. Trails have been color coded with stakes to facilitate movement by birders and research staff through the property.
Among other birding activities at Tierra Serena, RTRS participated in the Audubon Christmas Bird Count. In addition to enumerating species during the Count, individual bird identification sites on the Finca were mapped. RTRS recently joined the Union of Costa Rica Ornithologists.
It is anticipated that with fixed night vision cameras now in use on Tierra Serena trails, the bird count will grow.
The bird count list can be found here.
Sample RTRS bird photos taken at Tierra Serena are here.
Jan Gillia, Cristhian Urena and Judy Krieg in the Tierra Serena Cloud Forest
Birdcount Exceeds 200 Species
Christhian Urena, Manuel Mora, Carolina Seas and Manuel Contreras stop on the trail during the Chirstmas Bird Count
Click on image to download a pdf copy for lamination and posting
Downloadable No Bird Hunting Signs
By far, the biggest threats to Costa Rican bird populations are pesticides and habitat loss. The country deserves credit for enacting changes to its Wildlife Conservation Law several years ago. These no-sport hunting provisions were heralded worldwide and were a first for Central America. However, the bill contained significant loopholes which enable people to hunt in rural areas. There is little enforcement when it comes to most animals, and none for songbird hunting.
Bird traps are sold in local markets and are often home made. Baited with female songbirds, they are sometimes placed on private finca properties without owner consent.
The economic motivation for this type of bird capture is clear given high prices that these birds fetch in local markets. In addition to song bird poaching, large birds such as guans are hunted for food.
Minimally, no-bird hunting signs can spark local conversation about the importance of biodiversity and ecotourism.
After a search, RTRS was unable to find any Spanish language signs focusing on bird capture. In order to fill the gap, we developed such a sign. It is laminated in plastic and has been distributed locally. The sign was presented at a meeting of the Central Talamanca Volcanic Biological Corridor, of which RTRS is a member. At the meeting, a number fo people expressed interest in the sign, so it is provided here for download in pdf format (click on image to left). We are interested in hearing about the experience of people who laminate and post the signs on their properties.