Volunteer handbook - Kids Saving the Rainforest

VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK
Revised 2/16
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LETTER FROM CO-FOUNDER
..................................................................................................................
3
INTRODUCTION TO KIDS SAVING THE RAINFOREST
..................................................................................................................
4
WILDLIFE SANCTUARY PROPERTY
..................................................................................................................
5
PROTECT YOUR
SAFETY………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..6
RULES FOR HANDLING THE ANIMALS
................................................................................................................
..7
PROTOCOLS FOR PREVENTING BITES AND ESCAPE
................................................................................................................
..8
Letter of Responsibility Release to
KSTR……………………………………………………………………………………10
MEET THE MONKEYS
................................................................................................................
10-12
ANIMAL
ACTIVITIES……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..13-23
ACTIVITY 1: Housing and Cleaning
ACTIVITY 2: Preparing Food and Feeding Monkeys
ACTIVITY 3: Distributing Food to the Animals
ACTIVITY 4: Production and Processing of Larva
ACTIVITY 6: Health Check
ACTIVITY 7: Animal behavior observation
ANIMAL OBSERVATION ASSIGNMENT FOR INTERNS
FIVE ANIMAL WELFARE FREEDOMS
Ethogram Key
Ethogram Chart
CONSERVATION
ACTIVITIES……………………………………………………………………………………………………………24-25
ACTIVITY 1: Reforestation
ACTIVITY 2: Educational Stations
ACTIVITY 3: Making Crafts for Sale
ACTIVITY 4: Make Natural Soap
Safety
Protocol
for
Venomous
Snake
Bites……………………………………………………………………………………26-34
How to prevent snake bites
First Aid: What to do if bitten by a snake
Symptom Checklist
Snake Photo Gallery for Identification
Marmoset Family
LETTER FROM CO-FOUNDER
Welcome to Kids Saving The Rainforest (KSTR).
It is a great privilege to have you as a volunteer. Over the past several years KSTR
has grown from being a local organization to an international non-profit NGO with
members in over 20 countries. We believe that your help will help us grow into an
even larger and more impactful organization.
Our mission is to raise consciousness about the inter-connectivity between nature
and humankind, and to help protect the flora and fauna of Costa Rican
rainforests.
We believe that the rainforest is a storehouse of treasures. We vow to do
everything we can to save it, and to save the future of our generation! We must
save the rainforest, as it is our FUTURE that must be protected. With the
vanishing rainforest go our future and our planet. We have to be the generation
that makes a difference.
We appreciate the diversity each and every volunteer has to offer, bringing us
closer to our goal to protect the environment.
We are committed to helping you find what you are looking for throughout your
time with us.
Tropically yours,
Janine Licare
Co-founder and Spokesperson
INTRODUCTION TO KIDS SAVING THE RAINFOREST
KSTR Mission Statement
Our mission is to raise consciousness about the inter-connectivity of nature and
human kind, and to help protect the flora and fauna of Costa Rican rainforests.
Our Pledge
The rainforest is a storehouse of treasures. If it continues to disappear, life on this
planet as we know it will vanish as well. We vow to do everything we can to save the
rainforest because it is our future. We will be the generation that makes a difference.
Goals
•
•
•
•
To educate people about the rainforest, it’s destruction, and empower them to
save it
To ensure the survival of the critically endangered Titi (Squirrel) monkey, Saimiri
oerstedii citrinellus.
To care for abandoned, sick or injured animals and to return them home if
possible.
To preserve and protect rainforests by planting trees and using analog forestry.
Background
Kids Saving the Rainforest (KSTR) is a non-profit organization that was founded in
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. It was started by two school children, Janine Licare and
Aislin Livingstone and Janine’s mom, Jennifer Rice, in February 1999. Janine and Aislin
sold painted rocks at a roadside table with hopes of raising enough money to save the
rainforests and the Titi monkeys of Manuel Antonio, where they lived.
Since 1999, Kids Saving the Rainforest (KSTR) continues to communicate, educate and
inspire kids and adults around the world. We offer tours to teach people about the
rainforest, its destruction, and empower them to save it. We have published 5
children’s books with a rainforest message.
With only minimal resources, we take measurable steps towards our conservation goals
each year. We have installed over 130 aerial monkey bridges, planted more than 7,000
rainforest trees and raised money to purchase 5 acres of rainforest property. The
wildlife rehabilitation center treats and releases close to 300 wild animals each year
and we have a Wildlife Sanctuary so that animals no longer fit for life in the wild will
always have a home at our wildlife sanctuary.
Education, conservation and research are the keys to alleviating human pressure on
delicate rainforests. KSTR has thus far been enormously successful at bringing together
an international group of scientists, students, volunteers and local residents. Our
continued success relies strongly on the generosity and involvement of those who care.
Some of KSTR’s funding is from purchases at the KSTR Gift Shop, online donations and
tours. The shop, located in Quepos @ Blue Banyan Inn, sells local and indigenous crafts
and artwork, as well as artwork created by kids—100% of the proceeds fund KSTR
projects.
Online (www.kidssavingtherainforest.org) visitors can give to one of a
few sponsorship programs:
Plant a pair of Rainforest Trees
Provide Monkey Bridge Maintenance for a Year
Sponsor a Small Mammal or Bird
Sponsor a “Titi” Squirrel Monkey
Sponsor a Spider Monkey or White Faced Capuchin Monkey
Sponsor a Sloth or Tropical Mammal
WILDLIFE SANCTUARY PROPERTY
On the property of Blue Banyan Inn, we operate a Wildlife Sanctuary and Rescue
Center. Here, we provide a safe, healthy and happy life for animals that are no
longer fit to survive in their natural habitat. The sanctuary is also a resource to
scientists and individuals who wish to study the behavioral ecology of these captive
animals.
Within the sanctuary, there are currently many mammals:
-Brazilian Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus, Common Marmoset)
-Panamanian Tamarins (Saguinus geoffroyi, Red-crested Tamarins)
-Spider Monkeys (Atelles geoffroyi, or “Mono Araña” in spanish)
-Capuchin Monkeys (Cebus imitator, White Face Monkeys or “Carablanca”)
-Titi Monkeys (Saimiri oerstedii citrinellus, Squirrel Monkeys or “Mono Titi”)
-Kinkajou (Potos flavus, or “Martilla”)
-Coati (Nasua narica or “Pizote”)
We also have many rescued Parrots and other birds that we have added to wildlife
sanctuary:
Red Lored parrot (Amazona autumnalis, “Lora frentiroja”), Yellow naped parrot
(Amazona auropalliata, “Lora nuca amarilla”), Parakeets, orange-chinned and
others (Brotogeris jugularis, “Pericos”).
Rehab Center and Veterinary Clinic
KSTR has a full-time onsite Veterinarian and Vet tech with a “Regente” who makes
regular visits.
There are currently several animals receiving treatment and
rehabilitation as well as orphaned baby animals receiving intensive care. The
Rehab Center is an isolated set of outdoor enclosures with limited human contact.
The Vet Clinic is set up onsite to provide medical treatments in a clean, safe,
indoor space, also with human contact kept at an absolute minimum.
Blue Banyan Inn
The Blue Banyan Inn Bed and Breakfast is owned by Chip Braman and his family.
There are currently 3 separate cottages available for guest rentals. There is also a
Volunteer Center, where the volunteers stay in bunkrooms.
There is a pool available for everyone, including volunteers, a lounge area and a
dining area. Food is available for the volunteers to cook meals, and lunch is
prepared for volunteers and staff on a daily basis. The property has many fruit
trees, a meditation labyrinth, trails and beautiful landscapes.
PROTECT YOUR SAFETY
As a volunteer with KSTR, your safety is our utmost concern. Working with nondomestic animals presents unique challenges. The following rules and guidelines
are set forth to minimize the risks of handling wild animals in the tropics. It is
essential that these rules be regarded as the bare minimum pre-requisite for your
work as a volunteer. However, it is not possible for any manual to anticipate ALL
off the possible dangers. Each individual must use common sense and respond
to each circumstance with proper caution. YOU are the key to a safe and
successful experience with us!!!
Before volunteering at the KSTR sanctuary volunteers MUST:
-Tetanus vaccine (TT) is MANDATORY. Proof needed prior to arrival.
-Rabies vaccine is advised.
-TB testing is not mandatory but recommended.
-Have proof of medical/travel insurance
-If you have Herpes Simplex, you must makes us aware and have minimal contact
with our marmosets due to the risk of passing it on to them and possibly causing
death to them.
-Read volunteer handbook taking special note of Rules, Safety and Protocols
Health concerns for volunteers
Even though the animals at the Sanctuary have annual physical exams and fecal
exams they may still get sick. Transmission may occur via air, food, contact with
other animals or people, or fomites (microbe carried in shoes, new enrichment
device, etc.).
There are diseases that can be transmitted by animals to people (these are called
zoonotic) and from people to animals (antropozoonotic). They can transmit virus,
bacteria, parasites and fungi, such as: bacteria like Salmonella, Yersinia, E. coli,
tuberculosis, fecal parasites, fungi, papilloma virus, herpes virus, etc. Please
make sure not to touch them and wash your hands thoroughly after having been
in their cage.
Humans can transmit disease to the monkeys. If you feel any symptoms of
sickness please stay away from the monkeys until you feel completely better.
Humans with viral infections cannot work with the monkeys, even if symptoms of
the virus are not present. Measles and the Herpes Simplex virus (the virus that
causes cold sores) can be fatal to monkeys. Humans infected with HIV or other
immune suppressing diseases risk transmitting to the animals and must not work
directly with the animals.
RULES ABOUT HANDLING THE ANIMALS
The monkeys and wildlife on the property need to be enclosed. Legally, we cannot
have them loose or anywhere other than their enclosures. If you observe that an
animal is sick or acting abnormally, please let someone of the staff know
immediately so we can check it and rehabilitate it. We may take it out from the
enclosure and bring it into the clinic.
1.
Do not enter the Sanctuary by yourself or allow others to enter without
permission.
2. If you are giving a tour and have to go inside a cage, make it quick and please
do not interact with the animal. No one else is allowed inside the cage. No one is
allowed to pet the animal. This is dangerous for the person and for the animal,
and it is also illegal.
3. Do not enter the Clinic or Rescue Center without vet approval. These animals
should have very little human contact.
4. Photos can be taken from outside the cage without flash. The experienced
volunteer can enter the cage with the camera and take several pictures from inside.
5. If a professional crew wants to videotape or take photographs of the animals
inside the cages, we will discuss each individual case separately and it could be
done under supervision of KSTR Staff. There is a fee for this, a location fee,
normally about $150 a day.
6. Leave cell phones, personal listening devices and cameras outside the
enclosures (except in above circumstances). Voices and other noise should be
minimized.
7. Tie back long hair and remove all accessories and jewelry. This could cause
injury and could also encourage the animals to climb on you (which should be
avoided).
8. We should not address monkeys as people, “my babies” or pets. They are wild
animals and should be addressed as so, and we don't want to encourage the pet
trade.
9. Do not smoke or drink while doing your job.
10. Chemicals with strong odors (cleaners, disinfectants or detergents) should never
be used inside the cages, or on items you will place in the cages.
11. Refrain from wearing perfume or scented personal hygiene products. Many
animals, especially mammals, have a highly developed sense of smell. The smells
could be distracting, unpleasant or initiate an unwanted behavior. If you are
wearing bug repellent, ensure that the animals are not in contact with your skin.
12.
If you feel any symptoms of sickness please stay away from the monkeys
until you feel completely better as you can transmit illness to them. Let
someone know to cover your shifts.
13. Wash your hands before, between cages, and upon completion of your task. Also
wash clothes and shoes accordingly. This helps reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases
between animals, from the animals to you, and from you to others.
PROTOCOLS FOR PREVENTING BITES AND ESCAPES
Remember that when you enter an animal’s cage, you are essentially a visitor in
their home. Be respectful of the animal’s space and aware of their body language
and vocalization.
These monkeys are used to humans and in general their first instinct will not be to
fight, but they will be curious about you. They are individuals and even if they are
really friendly one day they may wake up on the other side of the bed the next day.
Remember, all monkeys bite! Females in estrus or with offspring and males during
the breeding season may be more aggressive. Always approach every animal as if
you expect it to be aggressive.
Follow these rules before entering or approaching the cages:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Do not go to the sanctuary by yourself. Always go with an experienced
partner.
Bring a walkie-talkie with you. Be calm and confident.
Count and identify the location of the animals and make sure they are away
from the door.
When entering cages with smaller animals, one can enter and the other can
watch from outside, ready to help if necessary.
When entering cages with larger animals, carefully use the shift cage,
making sure it’s secure.
Enter and exit as quickly as possible, using quiet, slow, efficient
movements. Make sure to keep door secure at all times and lock behind
you when leaving.
Avoid prolonged eye contact, loud noises, sudden movements, or openmouthed smiles.
Do not let the monkeys jump on you. If it happens, try to lure them off
with food, or gently try to
nudge them onto a branch or grab the
scruff of their neck to remove them.
Do not let a monkey pull your hair, hit or scratch you, from within, or
reaching through a cage. When possible, walk away, turn your back, or
spray with water if needed to dissuade.
If an animal gets aggressive:
10.
Try to create or maintain a good distance.
11.
Try to exit the cage right away.
12.
Have your partner twist the hose and spray water between you and the
animal
If you are being bitten or otherwise attacked:
13.
14.
Your partner should use the water hose
Call the Vet or Zookeeper right away so that she can properly treat the
animal and/or you. She is trained and the best person to assess and
handle the situation.
If an animal escapes:
15.
Get away from the animal.
16.
Use your walkie-talkie to call for help from a KSTR Staff member.
17.
While you are waiting, keep your eyes on the animal but keep a safe
distance.
18.
We will attempt to trick them back into the cage with food.
19.
If necessary, the animal may be grabbed with gloves, towels, blankets, nets
or a trap.
Do not try to do this yourself, as they are very fast and will bite.
Letter of Responsibility Release to KSTR
I______________________________________ (Name) acknowledge that
entering the cages of Kids Saving the Rainforest can be dangerous and that I
am informed of risks. I understand what may happen to me if something goes
wrong and I am willing to take this risk. If I am attacked by an animal I will
decide with my doctor if I need a post-rabies vaccine and I will not hold KSTR
responsible. If anything does happen to me, I accept full responsibility for my actions and
Kids Saving the Rainforest should not be held responsible. I agree not to pursue
legal proceedings if something goes wrong. I agreed to obtain my own insurance
to volunteer with KSTR, in part for this purpose.
By signing this I am accepting that I must be healthy, if I am to be in direct or
indirect contact with the animals. I do not have any communicable disease or
illness. I also attest that I am not herpes simplex positive. If I do get sick, I will
promptly inform the staff and they will assess what I am able or not able to do.
I hereby discharge Kids Saving the Rainforest from any related liability they
have to me,
_______________________________________ (Name), in regard to me
entering the cages on these dates:
From: ____/____ /20____
To: ____/_____ /20_____
Signed By: _____________________________________
Witnessed By: __________________________________
Date Signed : ___________________________________
MEET THE MONKEYS:
Their story and how they came to Kids Saving the Rainforest
Even though these animals differ in some ways from their wild counter parts, they
still share many of the same traits and personalities. Learning some basic facts
about the animals is important before you begin your volunteer work.
Understanding the animal’s background and general habits will help you treat
each animal with the care and dignity they deserve, as well as protect everyone's
health and safety.
Brazilian Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus, Common Marmoset) & Panamanian
Tamarins (Saguinus geoffroyi, Red-crested Tamarins)
In 2007, we received the first monkeys, the Marmosets and Tamarins, from Dr.
Muller, a renowned primatologist living in Alajuela, Costa Rica. He had been
studying endangered monkeys since 1960. The information he learned about the
animals’ reproductive habitats helped to increase populations of these rare animals
in the wild. As he grew older, Dr. Muller was no longer able to properly care for his
animals and he entrusted them to KSTR.
The marmosets here represent the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh generations in
captivity. These monkeys are not shy at all, but can be aggressive.
They are accustomed to people and rely on humans for food. They have lost most of
their safety instincts, so they are not sharp in detecting predators or hiding from
them. Without the instincts they need to survive in the wild they, along with any
offspring, must remain in captivity.
Several of the monkeys were hand raised by one of our animal caretakers. They
had been dropped or rejected by the parents within the first 72 hours after birth.
Some died but some survived after a lot of intensive, constant care. We are
constantly trying to assess the best way to deal with breeding or neutering animals
in captivity and how to address issues with offspring, but at this moment, we have
neutered or separated any un releasable monkeys capable of breeding in captivity.
These monkeys have very complicated and ever-changing social structures and
parenting habits that are still not fully understood.
Titi Monkeys (Saimiri oerstedii citrinellus, Squirrel Monkeys)
Squirrel monkeys (affectionately known in Costa Rica as “Titi” monkeys) are a
special cause for us at KSTR because they are endangered and have limited
populations left in Costa Rica, but have a high concentration in the Manuel
Antonio area.
One of our specific projects, building monkey bridges, was
developed mainly to serve them and protect them from the increasing rates of
electrocutions. Most of our rescues are “Grey Crowned” squirrel monkeys from
this area.
After rescuing a number of Titi monkeys, originally thought to be unreleasable due
to histories as pets, or being orphaned at a very young age, we have made new
assessments. The monkeys were able to bond and become a small ‘troop’ or their
own, and practice wild skills in a huge outdoor enclosure.
After thorough
assessment with various professionals, we have identified a few with sufficient
skills for living in the wild, and a good chance at successful releasability. We are
currently pushing a release project forward to introduce them to a larger wild
troop, and track their progress!
Our Titi’s Stories
Nibbles and Peeta entered the rescue center about 2 weeks apart but they were
very much the same age and grew up together. For almost a year we tried to raise
them with as little human influence as possible. We tried bringing these babies to
every juvenile or adult Titi monkey that arrived to the rescue center, as soon as
they were well. We hoped that one would adopt the babies, but unfortunately they
did not. Probably they were too stressed about their own well-being to care for the
babies. Therefore we could not release the babies in the past.
Nibbles was found by a Tico in the rainforest. She had been attacked by other Titi
monkeys. The man took her back home and his daughter brought her to us. She was
a newborn who was badly bitten and bruised. We don’t know why the monkeys
would do this. After a few years practicing monkey behaviour with her new captive
troop, Nibbles is a great candidate for release.
Peeta was rescued in the main street that goes from Quepos to Manuel Antonio. Her
mom decided to cross the street and a car ran over her. The baby was able to jump
away, but quickly came back to the dead mom. Other Titis were also trying to
revive the mom. Someone saw this and picked the mom up out of the street. The
rest of the Titis continued on their way, but the baby stayed with the mom, so they
brought her to us. She has a super small birthmark on her lower eyelid. Peeta made
a sneaky escape one day and joined a wild troop passing through. We believe she
visits with that troop on a regular basis, and acts like a normal monkey!
Skittles was confiscated from the pet trade. She was weaned and separated from
her mom too early and has developed the habit of sucking her thumb. This is seen in
many orphans from many species. It’s a difficult issue to resolve. The best is with
time and enrichment. She does it when nervous, stressed and bored. Because of her
history, and too much time and exposure with humans, Skittles is too imprinted, and
sometimes aggressive, and therefore not suitable for release.
Alvarito was found as a pet south of Perez Zeledon . He was a great nurse when
he was part of the rescue center. Every Titi monkey who was starting to get better
from an injury would be placed with Alvarito, who had the best enriched cage.
Alvarito makes friends easily and would help the injured Titi get better sooner,
since they are such a social species. Despite the fact that Alvarito has great
monkey skills, he is a “Black Crowned” squirrel monkey, which is a different subspecies than the other “Grey Crowned” squirrel monkeys here. This means that
his inclusion in the release program could upset the balance of a natural troop and
is too risky to potentially affect the reproduction of the wild species in this area.
He has been neutered to avoid creating a hybrid, so this also means he cannot be
released elsewhere. We will continue to offer him a fulfilling and enriched life in
captivity with his other unreleasable friends.
Clyde was orphaned after his mother was killed and came to us with his umbilical
cord still attached. Being so young, made it very difficult for him to develop as a
wild monkey would. He has always been very timid and needy, and displays some
signs of nervous or excitable behavior. Unfortunately, after many efforts, he has
not progressed to be suitable for release.
Harley was also orphaned young and came with his umbilical cord attached, the
same week as Clyde.
He was naturally a much bolder monkey, and very
independent. He made a sneaky escape one day also, and joined the passing wild
troop, along with Nibbles. We believe he also makes brief visits and displays
normal behaviour!
Charlotte was another young orphan who came around the same time as Clyde &
Harley, with her umbilical cord.
Although she is quite timid, she is very
independent and displays great wild monkey behavior, and is another great
candidate for release!
Serena came from another sanctuary, where she had come in from the pet trade.
After being housed in a tiny enclosure in the past, she really thrived when she
joined our other Titi monkeys in their expansive environment. She is very timid
around people, but with great monkey skills, and so she is also on the list for
release!
Capuchin Monkeys (Cebus capucinus imitator, White Faced Monkeys)
We currently have 2 Capuchin monkeys, also known as White Faced or White
Headed) who were part of the pet trade as well. They were brought at different
times from different locations in Costa Rica to the rescue center. There, we
assessed that their imprinting was strong. They, as the marmosets, rely on humans
for food and protection. They are used to people and not afraid, although they
can be aggressive if threatened.
Hugo is KSTR’s only female and Hector is the only male. They are both strong and
unpredictable and incidents have happened with them reaching outside through
the cage, so do not stand too close and be wary.
Hugo's story
Hugo is the female with a blackish facial birthmark in the shape of an L. She was
originally thought to be a male when named. She was found in a busy town in
Quepos, on top of home roofs. The environmental agency just opened the kennel
and she went inside. It was very clear that she was domesticated and used to
people. She was probably let out of the cage where she was kept, when she
started biting and lost her “baby cuteness”.
Hector's story
Hector is the male, and still the smallest, and has learned most things from Hugo.
He comes from Guanacaste, after being confiscated from a family that had him as
a baby as well.
Spider Monkeys (Atelles geoffroyi, Mono Araña)
We currently have 2 Spider Monkeys, an older adult female, Nina, and a much
younger male, Darwin. Their bonding period took over 3 months before we could
have them in the same enclosure together.
You need to know that spider monkeys are VERY INTELLIGENT and you will see this
as you get to know them. If they want to escape or be mean they will. But if they
want to be nice and cute, they can be that way too. Be very careful when using
their shift cage. Always go with someone to help you.
(NO VOLUNTEERS ALLOWED IN THEIR ENCLOSURE). FOLLOW PROTOCOLS.
Nina's story:
Nina is the older, redder and smaller spider monkey. She was received in November
of 2010. As you will see, she is an amputee and lost one of her arms, but we are not
sure how.
Nina had been in captivity for at least 15 years when she got here. She was first in
a circus, then as a pet in Manuel Antonio, and then was given as a gift to a family
in Londres, Naranjito (about 45min away from BBI). The last family kept her
chained to a tree in their yard. It seems they had a lot of animals (ducks, dogs, titi
monkeys, etc.) but she did not have a conspecific with her. So, we can assume that
she had not seen or touched another spider monkey in at least 15 years. She had
escaped and been confiscated from this family, after being caught by the
environmental department.
She is very used to people, highly dependent on them and can be very
demonstrative. With certain people, she has been known to be very affectionate,
but you never know when something might trigger a change in attitude for a
monkey.
Darwin's story:
Darwin arrived 2 months after Nina. He was also a product of pet trade, having
lived with a Costa Rican family in Puntarenas since he was a baby. In this case, he
was chained and placed in a small, roofless metal cage. He got wet when it rained,
and did not receive the proper food or attention. He became very sick, filled with
parasites, anemic and lost almost all of his fur. They then decided to give him up.
He was taken to a small private zoo where there are other spider monkeys.
However, the big dominant male at that place did not accept this small male into
the troop. So they had to keep him separate and by himself.
When we transferred him here, he seemed to adapt very quickly to his big, new
cage, nutritious, balanced and varied diet. He does not trust people as well as Nina
and he does not trust other spider monkeys either. He is super intelligent and
escaped several times in the past (we have fixed the ways he used), but it is every
time more difficult to catch him again. Last time we had to dart him and that is a
very traumatic situation that we do not want to repeat.
Darwin has also become very affectionate and demonstrative with certain people he
trusts, but since he has reached sexual maturity and can be unpredictable, caution
and a delicate approach is necessary whether on the inside or outside of the
enclosure.
ACTIVITY 1: Housing and Cleaning
Every animal needs to live in a healthy, clean environment. Their home is their
enclosure and their hiding box is their bed. Our animals are active and require a
cage large enough for them to jump and play, but also stimulation to keep the
interest. Our cages have live plants, dead branches, bamboo swings, poles, ropes,
hammocks, etc. They also have at least one hiding box, one empty platform, and
one food platform.
Primates in captivity demand a lot of our attention and if we don’t give them
what they need, they will find ways to let us know we are not meeting their
needs. Abnormal behavior patterns and destructive behavior are a result of
stress and/or boredom. Our captive primates have a lot of time on their hands,
and if they are not provided an outlet for all of that energy and intellect, they
can resort to destructive behavior patterns. It is up to us to supply them with
new, entertaining and challenging activities to take up all of their extra free
time. This is called enrichment.
In general, your job is to keep the cage orderly, free of potentially
dangerous items, sanitary and comfortable. As a volunteer, you will be
assisting an animal caretaker in cleaning the enclosures as well as foraging
for branches and leaves to provide enrichment.
For additional enrichment ideas, check out
http://enriquecimiento-ambiental.gowildpanama.org/
Khoshen_Enriquecimiento_Ambiental.pdf
https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/primates/enrichment/default.cfm
ACTIVITY 2: Preparing Food for the Animals
Animals in captivity are dependent on their caretakers to provide a complete,
healthy and interesting diet. Because of their high intelligence, monkeys need a
rotating, diverse meal plan that stimulates their curiosity and intellect and
prevents boredom.
With the assistance of an animal caretaker, you will collect, prepare, and in some
cases cook certain foods in the kitchen and then take them down to the
sanctuary. This will involve chopping fruits and vegetables in different sizes for
different animals. Once the food is prepared, you will accompany the animal
caretaker into the sanctuary and assist with the feeding of the animals.
ACTIVITY 3: Distributing Food to the Animals
Animals in captivity are dependent on their caretakers to provide their food.
Since they are motivated by food, and this is generally a positive time, they will
normally focus on that rather than on you. They may even look to you happily
and gratefully, BUT, there is also a chance that they will consider you a threat,
intruder, or an otherwise negative visitor. You must be cautious and sensitive
with your approach, as you will interact and deliver their nourishment for the
day.
You will be accompanying an animal caretaker into the sanctuary and distributing
food and water to the animals. It is important to follow the instructions of the
animal caretaker, as they have your safety in mind and know the general
behavior of each animal.
General instructions for each species in the sanctuary:
Marmosets & Tamarins: Enter quickly and close door behind you OR guard the door
as the Zookeeper enters. Be alert and report any serious fighting.
Birds: Enter and close door behind you. Watch your head for branches or any
birds who may be keen to peck at it. Make sure there is a separate bowl for each
bird and they are hung apart from each other, ideally near a good perching spot
and out of the rain. Be alert and report any serious fighting or flying accidents/
injuries.
Kinkajous: Guard door or distract kinkajous away from door as the Zookeeper
enters. You must be very experienced and have a partner for backup to feed this
cage. They are very keen to sneak out the door or climb onto you for food or play
(which can easily result in injury, due to their teeth and claws).
Titis: Attract monkeys into the shift cage and securely close the pass-through
window. Enter each side of the main cage and distribute food according to
current procedures (KSTR sanctuary staff). Open the pass-through window and
release them into the main cage when ready.
Capuchins: Make sure they are out of the shift cage. Carefully close the passthrough window and make sure it is secure, leaving yourself or your partner to
carefully guard the lever. Don’t allow them to try to poke or grab at you. A hose
should be accessible. Open the main door to the shift cage. And place the food
throughout. Close the door, secure both latches, and re-open the pass-through
window. Make sure there is nothing near the outside of the cage that they could
reach.
Spider Monkeys: Make sure they are out of the shift cage. Close the pass through
window. One person should guard the lever while the other put food into bowls in
the shift cage. Close and latch the door and then re-open the pass-through
window. Make sure you keep your distance as you walk past them in the cage.
Rehab, Clinic, or Special Cases : Ask for current specifications and instructions
ACTIVITY 4: Production and Processing of Larva
Description
Insects are a major part of the marmoset, tamarin and white face diet in the
wild. In an effort to provide this food source on a regular basis, we generate our
own supply of larva (tenebrionids or meal worms) on site.
Tenebrionids have four distinct phases of their life cycle beginning as tiny little
eggs. The eggs hatch and become larvae, very miniature worms. As they eat and
grow the worms get bigger and fatter and eventually are called pupa. The pupa
hatches into the adult form, the beetle. The beetles lay eggs and the cycle starts
again. The monkeys eat the larva form.
How to do it:
●
●
●
●
●
Collect the larva production bins from their current location (ask staff)
Sift through each bin and examine the larvae
Clean and change to fresh substrate
Shift larva according to the attachments
Put some appropriate mealworms aside in a container for the next monkey
feeding (along with some substrate), and leave in the sanctuary kitchen.
Take care of the larva production once a week.
ACTIVITY 5: Health Check
Description
Wild animals get sick to, however they are designed to mask it. Predators
and conspecifics may attack at the moment they see a weak animal.
Therefore, it is more difficult to see signs of disease and it is very important
to know what to look for. It might be lifesaving to detect disease earlier
rather than later. Please take a couple of minutes each day to examine each
individual. As you get practice it will become easier because you will start
learning to differentiate normal from abnormal behaviors.
These are the most basic things to watch for:
•
•
•
•
•
•
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
In general a healthy monkey is bright, alert and active. It eats plenty
of everything. It’s very curious and attentive. It has the reflex of flee
or attack under aggression. They love to play!
If they drink a lot of water or seem to urinate more than usual, this
should be reported
The inside of their mouth should be pink and moist.
They should not look lethargic, weak or without appetite.
Their poop is well formed, not liquidy or bloody. However certain
foods will taint the color.
The following are signs of sickness
Discharge from eyes or nose
Sneezing or coughing
Diarrhea or soft stools
Bloating
Weight loss
Parasites on their fur or body
Limping
ACTIVITY 6: Animal behavior observation
When animals are being moved to a different enclosure, are being
introduced to other animals, or have been displaying concerning behavior,
volunteers will be asked to perform animal observations.
Describing a behavior: The two main ways that behaviors are described are
in terms of structure or consequences.
Structure: What does the behavior look (or sound, or smell) like? How is the
animal positioned and what motions is it going through? If you had built a
robot version of the animal, what instructions would be necessary for it to
execute the behavioral movements?
Consequences: What effect does the behavior have? This can include
effects on the animal subject, another animal, or the environment. Some
examples of describing a behavior in terms of consequences are “feeding”,
“a threat display”, or “collecting nectar”.
ETHOGRAM:
An ethogram is a description of the main types of behaviors for a given
species. It breaks behavior down into categories and provides a description
for each category. This is useful both for understanding the behavioral
repertoire of a species and for making recording behaviors easier. Since an
animal’s behavior is naturally a continuous flow from one event or state to
another, breaking it down into categories allows a researcher to make
measurements and comparisons.
ANIMAL OBSERVATION ASSIGNMENT FOR INTERNS
OVERVIEW:
You will have an assigned animal to observe. You need to take notes on its
behavior and ask yourself if it has a good quality of life and what can be
done to improve it.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR OBSERVATIONS:
Observe the animal (or animals) and take notes on its behavior for at least
1hour.
You need to stay outside the enclosure as far as possible (you need to be
able to see). Give the animals 5-10 min to adapt to the fact that you are
there and let them behave normally (as if you weren’t there). Start your
watch.
You will use a Focal Animal Sampling method with the aid of an ethogram,
which means you will use an ethogram key and a chart to record events. You
will be doing a descriptive behavioral study based on Consequences and
Spatial Relation. Therefore you will record events (actions) and the place it
was done.
Once the animals have adapted to the fact that you are observing them and
there are no human distractions, every 2 minutes you will take a snapshot
of the animal (in your mind). You will describe the action it was doing and
where it was doing it in your chart according to the key chart. Repeat every
two minutes.
It is very important to be consistent. Ethograms must be done to the same
animal, at the same time in the same place always. Actions recorded need
to be the ones done in the 2 minute intervals, other actions are not
recorded. If an action is not in the key chart and you think it’s a relevant
action in the animal’s life then include it. The same goes with the place,
include it if it’s not in the chart provided.
FIVE ANIMAL WELFARE FREEDOMS:
1. Freedom from hunger or thirst, by having ready access to fresh water
and a diet to maintain full health and vigor.
2. Freedom from discomfort by providing an appropriate environment
including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
3. Freedom from pain, injury or disease by prevention or rapid diagnosis
and treatment.
4. Freedom to express normal behavior by providing sufficient space,
proper facilities and company of the animal's own kind.
5. Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions and treatment
which avoid mental suffering.
At the middle of your internship, along with the Vet, you may analyze
your findings. Compare what is normal and what is not. What is lacking in
this animal’s life and what can be done to improve their quality of life.
Next step: do it. More enrichment? More hiding places? More trees?
Improve feeding sites? More interactions between mates? Etc.
Then continue with your observations and ethograms and evaluate if the
improvements made actually helped promote what you wanted.
At the end of the internship we want you to present your findings.
Please give us a written report and a presentation. Your notes should
include:
1.Date and time
2.Location where you observed animal
3.Description of Animal observed (name, brief history resume)
4.Description of animal’s social environment (Alone? With another
individual? Who?)
5.Your behavioral observations. The actions and places observed and
recorded. Count the number of times each action was done versus the
total to give you a percentage.
For example: Romeo spent 30% of its time searching for food, 40% grooming,
20% playing with Halle and 10% resting. Since it is not normal for a
marmoset to spend so much time grooming, I decided to enrich their cage
and encourage play among themselves and exploration. After the
improvements were done, Romeo spent 40% of its time searching and
exploring, 15% grooming, 35% playing with Halle and 10% resting.
6.Give us recommendations for the future of this animal.
7.Give a brief description of this animal’s personality so that other
volunteers and tourists visiting will know how each animal is an
individual.
8.Describe any problems or challenges you had in observing the animal.
The ethogram key and chart are next.
Ethogram Key
Type of
Conduct
Individual
Feeding
Social
Aggressive
Antagonists
Location
Conduct
Grooming
Ke Description
y
G Cleans its own fur with tongue, hands or feet
Sleep
S
Observation
O
Locomotion
L
Exploration
EX Examines an object or a place
Eats
EF Eats food
Drinks
DK Drinks water in enclosure
Grooming
SG Grooming among individuals
Breeding
BR Reproductive Behavior
Play
PL Games among individuals
Fights
F
Stays in the same position and external factors do
not alter it
Stays in the same position but external factors do
alter it
Moves from one place to another
Steals Food
Fights with physical contact with bites, scratches,
etc
SF Forcibly taking food away from cage-mates
Stereotype
ST Behavioral repetitive patterns without a purpose
Auto-mutilation
AT Injury to itself like pulling hair, scratches, etc
Vertical Ropes
VR Climbing upwards or otherwise using rope
Horizontal
Ropes
Vertical Branch
Platforms
H Climbing across or otherwise using rope
R
VR Climbing upwards or otherwise using branch or
bamboo
H Climbing across or otherwise using branch or
B bamboo
H
M
P
Ground
G
Basket
B
Hiding
H
Horizontal
Branch
Hammocks
BEHAVIOR
Other Social
Behaviors
Sniff/Nuzzle
COD
E
DEFINITION
SN
Orient face against or toward partner's body so that all four limbs are on
partner
Orient face against or toward anogenital region of partner, or use hands
or mouth to investigate anogenital region of partner; includes anogenital
groom
Use hands and/or mouth to pick through fur and/or mouth of partner,
excluding anogenital region
Stare at partner with ear tufts flattened and eyes slit
Anogenital
inspect
AI
Groom
GR
Sexual Solicit
SS
Mount
MO
Climb on partner's back from behind and grip partner around waist and
legs; may be established by pelvic thrusting
Initiate Huddle
IH
Establish passive, torso-torso body contact with partner, with both
animals remaining stationary and in passive contact for at least 3 sec
Leave Huddle
LH
Terminate huddle after 3 sec of passive, torso-torso body contact, during
which both partners remained stationary
Object Steal
OS
Take any non-food object from hands or mouth of partner
Attempt Object
Steal
Food-associated
Behaviors
AO
Attempt but fail to take non-food object from hands or mouth of partner
Food Steal
ST
Take any food from hands or mouth of partner
Attempt Food
Steal
Share food
AF
Attempt but fail to take food from hands or mouth of partner
SH
Eat from a food source from which partner is simultaneously eating or
occupying without removing any food from partner's mouth or hands
New Food
NF
Eat from a food source which no other animal is currently holding, eating
from, or occupying
Bristle Strut
BS
Arching posture and/or strut locomotion and/or general piloerection
Scentmark
SM
Genital Present
GP
Rub or drag anogenital, suprapubic, or sternal region along substrate,
object or partner
Raise tail to expose genitals
Object
Manipulation
OM
Individual
Behaviors
Sniff, bite, chew, gouge, handle, pounce on, grapple with, or otherwise
manipulate inanimate object, excluding food items and water bottle, for
at least 1 sec
Ethogram Chart
Cage #:
Species:
Individuals:
Date:
Time:
Done by:
Obsv/2
mins
Animal 1
Condu Plac
ct
e
Animal 2
Conduc
t
Place
Animal 3
Conduc
t
Place
Conservation
ACTIVITY 1: Reforestation
At KSTR we plant trees to provide food for wildlife, both from the fruits of
the trees, but also from the insects that come to the tree, for the wildlife
to eat. We also plant trees to create a corridor for the monkeys to pass
through since it is not good for them to go to the ground. This provides
the monkeys with the ability to travel further distances.
This activity will be conducted with several people going to plant together.
Each team will be 3 people, one who can dig the hole, another to place
the tree in the hole, another to place the fertilizer and then for all 3 to
put the dirt back in the hole correctly. We will provide for each team:
saplings, fertilizer, shovel, a measuring tape for those who need it to see
how wide the hole should be and how far between saplings to plant.
Volunteers will accompany or will be briefed by our biologist before
planting.
ACTIVITY 2: Educational Stations
Research, design and build educational stations at the Blue Banyan Inn to
enhance visitors’ experience of the rainforest. Volunteers with a strong
desire/passion to investigate and research a specific subject that he or
she would like to learn more about can share it with the rest of the world
in a highly visual, participatory experience. It requires gathering and
assimilating information from all sources including actual observations and
experiences that will be used in the project.
ACTIVITY 3: Making Crafts for Sale
The store was the first project of KSTR. It began in 1999 when Janine and
Aislin sold their artwork on the corner of the restaurant at Mono Azul. The
store is now in the lobby of BBI and is a successful gift shop that sells not
only the children’s artwork, but also the work of local artists and
craftspeople. In addition, KSTR sells its own merchandise including T-shirts,
postcards, and children’s books.
KSTR receives 100% of the profits from the store
Description: Make bookmarks, postcards, and jewelry to sell at KSTR Store.
How to do it: The bookmarks, postcards, and jewelry will all be kept in
an area behind the bar at BBI restaurant and anyone wanting to use
them will have to check them out through the volunteer coordinator.
The supplies have to be checked back in when the people are done.
Items can be purchased by the artists (postcards are $1, jewelry is $2 - $5)
or donated to the KSTR store.
Activity 4: Make Natural Soap
Description:
Make natural soap to sell in the KSTR store and use at BBI. (This activity is
not currently active)
Volunteers can purchase the soap (small $1, large $3) or donate the soap to
the KSTR store.
How to do it:
Making soap is a two-hour workshop. Jennifer will be the person in
charge until she has trained the volunteer coordinator.
OTHER POTENTIAL ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS
*MEDITATION LABYRINTH – Enhancing or expanding the trail.
*CREATING MAPS - Exploring the property for the locations of special fruit
trees, herbs, etc.
*HARVESTING - Seed planting, nurturing and harvesting from the organic
garden and property plants and trees.
*FORAGING - Collecting branches, wild fruit, buds, flowers, and leaves as
food or enrichment for the animals
*ENRICHMENT - Building structures, or ‘toys’, or food puzzles or treats for
the animals
*CONSTRUCTION - Building or repairing enclosures
*COMPOST SYSTEM - Working on the compost system, enhancing, and
turning over
Safety Protocol for Venomous Snake Bites
In our country it is estimated that about 600 cases occur annually due to poison
snake bites, from this between 2 and 5 people die due to the effect of the
poison and an undetermined number of people develop permanent injuries,
resulting in a serious problem from the standpoint of health.
Prevention
How to prevent snake bites?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Always protect your feet, for example boots which can be rubber, and
preferably to the level of the knee. The snakes will bite when
threatened; it is very common for people to step on them. That is why 50%
of bites occur on the feet and legs.
Do not enter your hands or feet directly in hollow trees, caves or under
rocks or branches. Use tools or sticks to remove debris and weeds because
snakes usually hide in these places.
Be careful when you harvest or touch trees. Snakes can be found in trees
and shrubs also.
If you see a snake in the field walk away, do not bother it and do not
try to manipulate it.
Remember that snakes are wild animals that may
try to bite, poisonous snake or not. Prevention is better!
Control rodent populations on farms and vacant lots. The snakes
feed on these animals; t h e r e f o r e , a n i n c r e a s e i n r o d e n t
populations favors the increase of populations of snakes.
Instruct children and young people about snakes, how to avoid a bite
and what are the possible consequences.
Do not kill, indiscriminately, snakes. Some species of nonpoisonous
snakes, such as commonly referred to as vultures (Clelia Clelia), are natural
predators that feed on poisonous snakes. Other animals like armadillos and
birds of prey are also predators of snakes, and thus help control their
population.
In Costa Rica, snakes are protected by law # 6919, Law of Wildlife
Conservation
Managing Health and Safety in Zoos
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/web15.pdf
Instituto Clodomiro Picado.
http://www.icp.ucr.ac.cr/index.php
What to do if bitten by a snake?
First Aid:
-Calm the person and help them rest.
-Clean the bitten area with an antibacterial soap and
water.
-Remove any tourniquet that has been made.
- Ke e p t h e p e rs on
hydrated.
-Immobilize the bitten
limb.
-And most important: Move the patient to the hospital or
the nearest health center in the area.
What NOT to do if there's a snake bite?
-DO NOT make any incision at the site of the bite, as the risk of
infection and bleeding are too high.
-DO NOT apply tourniquets. The tourniquet hinders blood flow and thus
cause muscle damage.
-DO NOT place ice packs, ice, because they could worsen local lesions.
-DO NOT administer an electric shock of any kind, this practice does not
work.
-DO NOT give any chemicals or extracts of plants or animals by any route
to the patient, because so far none has been proven scientifically to be
effective in treatment.
-DO NOT give alcoholic beverages.
-DO NOT ever siphon by mouth. This could favor infection at the site of
the bite and could be dangerous if you have any injuries in your
mouth.
While you are on your way to the hospital:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Three people in the car. One drives. The others are the Patient and
the Contact Person. Contact Person needs to be able to communicate
with the person bitten and with the hospital staff.
Allow the person to lie flat and avoid as much movement as possible.
If possible, allow the bitten limb to rest at a level lower than the
victim's heart.
Fill in the symptoms checklist and give the following info to the
medical staff.
Fill in this checklist. Snake-Bite Symptoms Check-List.
SYMPTOMS CHECKLIST
Important in order to help doctors know how severe the bite is, especially if
the patient loses consciousness.
-Pain (typically a severe burning sensation at bite area).
-Swelling & Redness (INITIALLY localized at the area of the bite But May
migrate up the limb or to other parts of the body).
-Colored Purple Area Bruised by Bite (ecchymosis).
-Nausea.
-Vomiting.
-Heart Rate Increase.
-Metallic Taste in the Mouth.
-Bleeding (from wound, nose, gums).
-Shortness of Breath.
-Dizziness.
-Impaired Mental Status or Motor Functions (confusion, slurred speech,
droopy eye-lids, Difficulty in holding head up, Difficulty walking or moving
arms or legs Otherwise).
Call-In Contact Person Duties:
Try to ID the species of snake that bit the person (NEVER try to catch) use
the pictures attached.
Hospital Treatment
At the hospital medical staff will diagnose and decide which treatment
is the best according to the symptoms the patient presents.
Four situations can occur:
The snake was not poisonous or the snake was poisonous but it did not
inject the venom. In these two cases the doctors will NOT apply antivenom.
If the Snake injected venom and belongs to the family Vipiridae or to the
family Elapidae, the doctor will give antivenom: Polyvalent serum for
Viperidae venom or Anticoral serum for Elapidae venom.
Important: If you ever encounter with a snake, look for a staff member
immediately, DO NEVER ATTEMPT TO CATCH IT even if you know it is nonvenomous.
Terciopelo (Fer-de-lance) VENOMOUS
Scientific name: Bothrops asper
Family: Viperidae
The Fer-de-lance is a large snake that can reach up
to 250 cm although average adults varies between
140 and 180 cm in length. Females are much larger
than males. The body is fairly robust, large head, and
clearly distinct triangular dorsal view. The dorsal
scales are strongly keeled. The background color is
dark gray, brown or olive green, with a distinctive
dorsal pattern consists of a series of triangular
designs on both sides of the body, dorsal view designs
reminiscent of a letter X, and therefore that much of
its the species distribution is also known as snake
equis. The velvet is also distinguished by the
presence of post-ocular band on each side of his
head. The species is viviparous and very fruitful, and
may give birth to 90 pups. The high fertility partly
explains why the velvet is one of the most abundant
snakes in the country. In addition, a species that is
adapted to disturbed environments, which explains
who is responsible for more than 50% of the
snakebite accidents in the region.
Lora VENOMOUS
Scientific name: Bothriechis lateralis
Family: Viperidae
The Lora pit viper is a small to medium snake, it can
reach 100 cm in length, but on average are between 60
and 70 cm as adults. In this species the males are slightly
larger than females. The body is slender, welldifferentiated head and muzzle neck has a rounded
profile seen dorsally. It is characterized by its background
color bluish green emerald green of varying intensity,
with a pair of yellow or cream lines along the body
between the dorsal and ventral scales. Newborns and
juveniles are instead light or dark brown, even red, with
the tip of the tail greenish yellow, but always with the
side lines clear. Both adults and juveniles may have a
number of small clear cross bars distributed along the
back. This species is arboreal, and as a common tree
species, usually bites by this species occur on the hands
and arms of agricultural workers.
Bocaracá; Oropel (Eyelash viper) VENOMOUS
Scientific name: Bothriechis schlegelii
Family: Viperidae
The Bocaracá is a small to medium sized snake, it can reach up to 95
cm in length, but adults are on average are 50 to 70 cm. Females
tend to be longer and more robust than the males. The body is
relatively thin and have a flat head, clearly distinguishable from the
neck with a sharp snout. Like others of its kind, has a relatively
short prehensile tail. The most important diagnostic feature for
identification is the presence of horn-like projections in
supraocular scale (the scale immediately above the eye).
From green to gray, brown, yellow, gold and even pink
and white. The color pattern also varies greatly and is
composed of complex designs. These designs allow even
identify different individuals based on their coloration.
Bocaracá some individuals who have yellow or gold are
popularly known as "snake Tinsel", are wrongly
considered as a distinct species. This is a mistake,
because the yellow is just one of many colors that can
make this species. The tree species Bocaracá is usually
active at night.
*The color is extremely variable in this species.
Coralillo (Coral snake) VENOMOUS
Scientific name: Micrurus nigrocinctus
Family: Elapidae
Serpent of small to medium size, which can reach 115
cm in length, although the average is between 50 to
75 cm in adult individuals. Relatively robust body with
medium head and little differentiated from the collar.
The choir is tricolor with complete rings that follow
the following sequence: red-yellow-black-yellow-red.
The red ring is slightly longer than the black. The
yellow can be substituted for white or cream tones. It
is a common snake found in pastures, coffee
plantations, gardens, abandoned lots and houses. This
snake naturally feeds on other snakes, as well as river
eels and small reptiles and amphibians.
NON-VENOMOUS
Bejuquilla verde (Vine snake)
Scientific name: Oxybelis fulgidus
Family: Colubridae
This snake is very slender, roughly 2 cm thick, and may
attain a total length of about 1.5–2 m. The tail is long
and very delicate, but mostly used to hold on while
reaching for prey. The head is aerodynamically shaped
and very pointy, the mouth is very large and extends
almost the whole length of the head. The tongue is long
and green; when in use it is kept outside the mouth and
moved up and down. this behavior is reflected in other
species of vine snake and it is believed that they are
using their tongues as sights the way a cat uses its
whiskers, as they move very quickly through branches
and brush. It is bright green dorsally, and yellowish green
ventrally and on the upper lip. There is a narrow
yellowish-white stripe along each side of the belly and
tail.
Boa (Boa constrictor)
Scientific name: Boa constrictor
Family: Boidae
The boa constrictor is a large snake, and can reach lengths
from 100 to 396 cm depending on the locality and the
availability of suitable prey. Clear sexual dimorphism is seen
in the species, with females generally being larger in both
length and girth than males. As such, the usual size of
mature female boas is between 2.1 and 3.0 m and 1.8 to 2.4
m for the males.
The boa constrictor is a heavy-bodied snake, and large
specimens can weigh up to 27 kg.
Boa constrictors generally live on their own, and do not
interact with any other snakes unless they want to mate.
They are nocturnal, but they may bask during the day when
night-time temperatures are too low. As semiarboreal
snakes, young boa constrictors may climb into trees and
shrubs to forage; however, they become mostly terrestrial as
they become older and heavier.
Boa constrictors strike when they perceive a threat. Their
bite can be painful, especially from large snakes, but is
rarely dangerous to humans.
Boa (Central American tree boa)
Scientific name: Corallus ruschenbergerii
Family: Boidae
Corallus ruschenbergerii is a non-venomous boa
species found in lower Central America and northern
South America. No subspecies are currently
recognized. This is one of the largest members of the
genus Corallus with adults reaching up to 2 m in
length. The colors are typically shades of yellow,
brown or gray, although populations on Trinidad and
Tobago are often a patternless pure bronze. The
primary diet consists on rodents and other small
mammals, as well as birds and bats.