The venomous lionfish is being spotted more and more frequently along the Caribbean coast. The non-native fish is native to the Pacific but has somehow made the jump into the Caribbean and has been spotted all up and down the Central American Caribbean coast.

The red lionfish was only noticed for the first time by scientists in Costa Rica’s Caribbean waters a year ago but already the fish has now been spotted all up and down the coast.

Another species of lionfish, the Fire Fish, has not so far been spotted in the Caribbean waters. But it is actually one of the only predators of the red lion fish which has few predators in the Caribbean.  It’s only other predators are grouper and sharks but due to it’s recent introduction it is so far remaining mostly untouched.

The fish has venomous spikes which can be very painful when stung although very rarely fatal. The symptoms could also include headaches, vomiting, and breathing difficulties. A common treatment is soaking the afflicted area in hot water, as very few hospitals carry specific treatments. However, immediate emergency medical treatment is still advised, as some people are more susceptible to the venom than others.

But this is not the only problem with the lionfish. It is also a voracious eater which can decimate other fish populations.

Local divemasters have been killing the fish on sight. In some jurisdictions, such as Cozumel in Mexico, a bounty has been placed on the fish to aid in its control but not so far in Costa Rica.

More information:

• La Nación: Pez venenoso de acuario acecha arrecifes del mar Caribe
• Wikipedia: Lionfish

The Recycling Alliance has expanded the types of solid waste that it is collecting on the Caribbean Coast. Nearly everything can now be recycled. Recycle for a safer community and environment!

The following clean and separated items are now accepted:

• Glass bottles (topless)
• Aluminum and clean metal cans
• Plastic Bottles Pet (#1)
• and all other plastics; separated and CLEAN: jugs,gallons, food containers, bags from the super markets,
• Tetrapak! AKA Wine boxes or juice boxes and that metal-plastic bags examples: bags from coffee, powered milk, cookie and potato chip wrappers if they are that shiny metal!
• Cardboard, dry, separated, and broken down
• Office paper, dry separated packed in plastic bags, remove staples please
• Newspaper and magazines! Dry and separated
• Car batteries
• Used cooking oil

Collection Schedule:

Mondays: From Cahuita to Hone Creek

Tuesdays: From Manzanillo to Rockin’ Jay’s on the edge of Puerto Viejo

Wednesdays: Puerto Viejo to Black Beach

Thursdays: Collections from Banana Farms

Fridays: 1^st and 3^rd of the month: BriBri, 2^nd of the month: Gandoca, 4^th of the month: to the Indigenous Territory including Volio, Rancho Grande, Shiroles, Suretka, Bambu, Chase

Businesses and individuals can bring their recyclable materials to the Solid Waste Transfer Center in Patiño any time. The Center is open during normal business hours.

The Recycling Alliance is sponsoring an event on Saturday, the 31^st of July at the Super Hone Creek starting at 9AM. The event is the first of several called “Talamanca Reciclando por la Vida” Or “Talamanca Recycling for Life”. It’s a grand opening of a community recycling deposit at the Super in Hone Creek. There will be music and information. Bring in your clean, separated recyclables and learn more about what’s going in with recycling in Talamanca.

Due to the new Integrated Waste Management Bill passed in Costa Rica in May, 2010, separation of solid waste is required for households as well as businesses (see article below…) The Recycling Alliance encourages other communities and community members to create their own community recycling points or “Puntos Verdes.”

More information is available on all these initiatives at www.greencoast.com.

While on the Pacific side, the El Nino effect is expected to bring much more rain than average (40% higher than average for the Central Pacific, 45% higher for the North Pacific and 20% higher for the South Pacific), the South Caribbean side will get about 15% less rain than normal and the North Caribbean side (Tortuguero) about 5% below normal.

The INM forecast for June, July and August by region of Costa Rica. The first number in the parenthesis is the expected deviation from the normal rainfall, the second number is the maximum deviation possible. Puerto Viejo and Cahuita are in the brown area expected to be in a dry (seco) pattern.

The community sent an expedition of 8 persons to investigate after the community noticed a helicopter entering the area. They found evidence including a landing zone for the helicopter, a camp and core samples taken. A second expedition returned to the area with cameras and three policemen from Bri Bri.

The area is very difficult to access, with no roads, only footpaths used by the indigenous Bri Bri.

Analysis of the photos by experts has confirmed that a exploratory visit by miners was the point of the visit.

The area has been known since the 70s to have high potential for mineral exploration. But the Asociación de Desarrollo de la Reserva Indígena Bribri–Talamanca (Aditibri), which owns the land, is opposed to mining.

Source, photos and video: La Nación: Indígenas descubren minería clandestina en Talamanca

Has anyone ever sidled up to you, eyes darting furtively left and right and offered you a baby frog, iguana, parrot, or snake for a ‘very cheap price’ ?

Illegal trade in wildlife is rampant in many corners of the world – and we’re not talking about just off the beaten track here. In countries where there is extensive wildlife and low wages the temptation to resist can be too great for the seller. If you can barely make enough to feed your family you are exactly what illegal exporters are looking for.

It works like this: these exporters turn to local indigenous and low income families to obtain wild animals/reptiles for a few dollars, organise the smuggling for a few dollars more and then sell the remaining creatures that survive the inappropriate transport for a handsome profit. And the end result? ‘Silent Forest Syndrome’, communities bent on capturing wildlife to eke out an inadequate wage and exporters banking the proceeds.

If we can assume that the industry in wildlife will always exist, due to demand coupled with global wealth inequalities, how can the damage to the environmental wildlife populations be contained?

Enter John Brickel and Tom Snyder, founders of Project Green Jungle, a non-profit conservation organisation intent on changing the current picture. With zoological backgrounds and extensive experience these two environmentalists share a passion for conservation through education and responsible commercialisation.

Wildlife and commerce is a connection most of us don’t feel comfortable with. It smacks of caged animals, lack of natural habitat, neglect, cruelty even … after all it’s just plain unnatural isn’t it?

But what if controlled breeding programmes of certain amphibians and reptiles:

• Increases numbers of certain species by reintroduction programmes.
• Benefits indigenous communities financially through capacity building programmes.
• Preserves more natural habitat for wildlife that would otherwise be ruined through traditional agriculture.
• Educates children, locals and tourists on conservation methods.
• Promotes cross cultural communication in pursuit of a common goal.

Then the picture begins to look significantly different.

The advantages of a captive breeding programme of this type are significant and far reaching.

If, for instance, an indigenous community is taught how to breed a certain snake such as the dwarf boa (Ungaliophis panamensis), just one of these snakes will net the community around a years worth of wages when legally sold to a zoo. This means that the community does not need to clear rainforest or jungle to make a meagre living from bananas or maize. Obviously it also makes poaching and the illegal trade of wildlife redundant in that area.

In a captive breeding programme reptiles/amphibians are healthier, transport is less stressful, control is exercised on who they are sold to and not unimportant, price is regulated. The initial investment is minimal, the profit made goes to the local community breeders and up to half of those bred in captivity will be released into the wild.

The educational and cross cultural communication aspects of such a programme are just as significant and may even help determine the future of a large area. If schoolchildren, tourists and locals living in this area become interested and/or involved, the opportunities to exchange knowledge on conservation methods and much more between differing cultural groups are legion. By learning from each other about each other we remove a barrier of ignorance and assumption that will have an important impact on our lives.

Project Green Jungle hopes to achieve all of the above and more! As a non-profit organisation they are concerned with integrating various factors to achieve a goal that is long term and pervasive. And that goal is ultimately a symbiotic relationship between humans, wildlife and the environment.

As Tom put it, “Puerto Viejo and its surrounds is an area dependent on its natural environment and its environment is dependent on degrees of conservation.”

Project Green Jungle believes that this area is “ripe for traditional progress” so that by promoting ecological, social and cultural conservation and preservation the community will create a balance between it and the environment.

To that end, Project Green Jungle are busy on a number of fronts.  Whilst interviewing John and Tom it became clear that this is not a quick ‘flash in the pan project’, but a way of life.

But it could be said that this project does not belong to just John and Tom, the committed and dedicated founders, but to all of us: those who visit this area and those who live in this area, whether indigenous, foreigners or locals. As John said, “ the social aspect of this project is as significant as the conservation aspect, as one is dependant on the other. We are all involved in the development that happens here just because we are here.”

To leave a ‘positive footprint’ means getting involved.   During Earth Days from April 5th to April 22nd,  various activities will take place in Puerto Viejo, ‘from the Reef to the Beach to the Jungle’ to elevate environmental consciousness and have fun while you’re doing that!

There will be:
• Tours to watch a bio survey in progress.
• Tours to Kachabri to meet the people involved and share in some traditional celebrations.
• Kayak tours to Sixaola.

And on Saturday April 17th 2010 there will be a community day where there will be:
• A Beach Clean-up by our younger members followed by a party especially for them and awarding of prizes to the ‘most effective rubbish collectors’!
• Talks by local experts on various environmental aspects of this area.
• An Earth Day party for adults including live bands, food and a raffle with seriously good prizes.

Green Jungle is a project of a non-profit-making zoological organisation and their efforts will benefit us all. So spread the word and be part of Earth Day in April.  Donate, Volunteer or simply Attend and do your bit for our community!

If you would like to make a donation or to offer a prize for the raffle, do contact John or Tom through their website  www.greenjungle.org.

Article by Zoë Courtier. Zoë along with her husband Tom Keller are the proprietors of Geckoes Rainforest River Lodge. Two luxurious holiday houses with private plunge pools in a magnificent rainforest and river setting minutes from Playa Cocles. More information at www.geckoeslodge.com

Photos by David Langs, founder/editor of www.packcamera.com and www.greenphototours.com.

Courtesy of the folks over at Greencoast, here is the new schedule for recycling pickup:

Monday:
From Playa Negra to Cahuita

Tuesday:
From Manzanillo to Rockin’ J’s

Wednesday:
Puerto Viejo

Thursday:
A day to catch up on routes that were too big to finish on the other day’s of the week.

Friday:
The first and third Friday’s of the month to BriBri

Please recycle your

• squished aluminum cans,
• clean and squished #1 and #2 plastics and
• clean topless glass

Contacts:
Tirza: Cocotir2@hotmail.com
Noemi: zequynoe@hotmail.com
Sonia: soniet4@hotmail.com

ReciCaribe provides a valuable service and cannot survive without community support.

Please Support Recycling in Talamanca by making a donation:

Asociación de Reciclaje del Caribe Ced. Jur. 3-002-356594

Banco Costa Rica colones AHORRO (Savings): 399-638-6

A judge of the administrative court has ruled that the Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación (SINAC) is responsible for the eviction and demolition of Hotel Las Palmas located inside the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge at Punta Uva.

The decision was rendered by the court yesterday after a period of apparent inaction by the Ministry of Environment and SINAC to act on previous orders for the eviction of the hotel.

The judge, Lorena Montes de Oca, absolved of responsibility the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Telecommunications (MINAET) and its chief, Jorge Rodriguez. The information was confirmed by MINAET spokesmen and the Comptroller General of the Republic, which brought the suit.

The judge ruled that SINAC must coordinate with all institutions to ensure that “the demolition of the property proceeds as soon as possible”.

According to the MINAET spokesman, Ricardo Arias, the eviction order was scheduled for last week, but there was “a problem” in coordination with security forces.

The case dates back to 1985 when the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mines (MIRENEM) granted an occupancy permit for the Resort Punta Uva, SA. Eight years later MIRENEM withdrew the permission from the owner of the complex, Jan Kalina.

In 2004, the Sala I court ordered the eviction and demolition of the hotel. However, since then a series of legal moves and lawsuits have held up the eviction order.

More: La Nación: Jueza ordena demoler hotel dentro de área protegida

Puerto Viejo’s diving community and local residents are being called upon to celebrate International Cleanup Day on Saturday, 19 September.

Keeping the beach clean keeps the birds, fish and people happy!

Local dive shop Crocodive Caribe is organizing volunteers to target underwater and shoreline debris in the Parquecito area of Puerto Viejo. Project AWARE Foundation coordinates underwater clean up events and urges divers and volunteers to jump in their wetsuits, pull on their gloves and make a splash for trash!

“Project AWARE is pleased to support Crocodive Caribe. Divers are the guardians of our underwater environments – they often see first hand the effects of marine debris on our delicate ecosystem. This event is the largest single day volunteer event on behalf of our underwater environment. It’s a fantastic example of how people can work together to take action.” said Jenny Miller Garmendia, Director of Project AWARE Foundation.

“It’s not too late to get involved,” said Tania Dunkley, who is coordinating the event for Crocodive Caribe

“If you’re interested in participating, drop by our store or give us a call: 2750-0919 And you don’t have to be a diver to get involved. Bring your friends and family along and help make clean waters a reality.”

“We are working closely with local merchants and some San Jose based organizations to make it a family day with entertainment, education, certificates and lots of fun!” said Dunkley

Activities will start at 9 am on Saturday September 19 on the Parquecito beach, near the Puerto Viejo’s police station. Ground volunteers will be asked to collect and categorize debris on the shoreline, while divers will proceed with an underwater cleanup. Crocodive Caribe is providing for free all certified divers with the necessary equipment. For further information call the Site Organizer: Tania Dunkley at 2750-0919 or 8879-5548.

All divers need to confirm participation before the day and will be required to bring their diver certification card and sign an Underwater Liability Release Form.

Angelina Jolie stretched out a delicate hand and gripped mine tightly. I was enchanted. After all it’s not every day that you meet a star. Impressively beautiful but also graceful, her charisma was palpable.

As she wound her tail around my neck and swung upside down I wondered if her namesake has the same ‘star presence’… For the Angelina Jolie I met lives in Playa Chiquita, not Hollywood, but like her namesake, is surrounded by stars – of the Rainforest.

At Jaguar, Rescue Centre for the Protection and Conservation of Wild Fauna of Costa Rica, orphaned, mistreated, injured and confiscated animals are brought to heal and/or grow before being reintroduced where possible, back into their natural habitat in protected areas.

Young smiley sloths with Blanca, the famous ‘Barefoot Vet’

Angelina Jolie and friends are lovingly looked after by the owners of Jaguar, Encar & Sandro who are ably assisted by this coast’s own ‘Barefoot Vet’, Blanca, and enthusiastic volunteers. Encar & Sandro created Jaguar to fulfill a need and it has become their passion and indeed a way of life. Totally committed to conservation and rehabilitation, Encar & Sandro can be found surrounded by an ever changing ‘galaxy of stars’. For a guided visit please telephone 2750 0710 or you can book a tour online through Gecko Trail Adventures which includes transport and other area spots of interest.

Amanda, dreaming up some new seductive moves.

Your donation of minimum US$10 will go in entirety to caring for their stars of the rainforest.

Angelina Jolie may be one of the newer stars, but she shares the stage with an impressive cast. Amanda, a flirtatious kinkajou with an eye for a good looking man, is a permanent resident. With three feet instead of four, she lives at Jaguar and practises her seduction techniques on visiting men.

Hollywood stars often claim that working with children or animals is to sacrifice their share of the limelight and certainly the ‘baby stars’ at Jaguar steal the show.

The baby stars at Jaguar may be adorable but the ‘dangerous’ stars have an appeal all their own. Ever seen a Margay up close? Stunningly beautiful, fantastically feline and deceptively cute, try and resist the temptation to play with them…they’re wilder and stronger than they look!

Eyelash Palm Pitviper

And last, but certainly not least, are the creepy, slithery stars that can make the hair stand up on the back of your neck if you come across one unexpectedly…The Snakes.

Venomous and non-venomous, Jaguar’s snakes are reassuringly housed so that you can see them up close without fear. But perhaps after listening to Encar or Sandro you might feel quite differently about the Snaky Stars and applaud their efforts to breed endangered snake species to reintroduce into the wild.

So the next time you’re in the area, give Jaguar centre a ring and visit some of the ‘stars of the rainforest’… you’ll be helping to protect the wildlife of Costa Rica and enchantment is guaranteed.

Amanda enjoys a snack from a volunteer and Sandro	A baby raccoon cuddling up with brothers and sisters
Baby Ginger monkey with cool dude hairdo	Tigrili, the Margay, on the lookout for a game at Jaguar Centre
Gianni the owl at Jaguar Centre	Terciopelo / Fer de Lance at Jaguar Centre

All photos taken at Jaguar Centre and used by kind permission.

They will be used by a women’s group that weaves them into handbags and other products for sale and then further support of their activities.

Bags that look like this:

Will be transformed into this:

The finished product can also be purchased at ATEC.

Thanks to Greencoast News for the heads up.