Make a Difference with GVI

Since 2012 ‘Coastal Jaguar Conservation’ has been working in partnership with GVI at their ‘Jalova Biological Research Station’ in Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica. This collaboration aims to monitor the jaguar (Panthera onca), other wild felids and their prey species populations in an effort to support future management plans for the area.

Some of the main aims of the project are to asses jaguar population trends in the coastal habitat of the Park, study the predator-prey interaction between jaguars and the four species of marine turtles (Chelonia mydas, Dermochelys coriacea, Eretmochelys imbricata and Caretta caretta) that nest in Tortuguero beach, as well as to describe the social and feeding behaviour of jaguars as a result of this interaction.

The partnership with GVI has been of great benefit to the project, and collaboration efforts such as this one are essential in supporting conservation efforts in the area, with each partner bringing their own unique strengths and resources to the project.

Costa Rica Tortuguero National Park

GVI and Coastal Jaguar Conservation have joined efforts with the ‘Wild Cat Genetic Program’ of Panthera to gain a better understanding of the jaguar population in Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica. Since 2012 jaguar scats have primarily been collected, but recent advances in genetic analysis techniques have allowed us to diversify into the collection of saliva samples from the carcasses of marine turtles predated by the jaguar as well. This information will be essential for future management plans, and to secure the conservation of this emblematic species throughout its geographic range.

Costa Rica Tortuguero National Park

“GVI’s presence at Jalova generates a positive effect in many ways. The rangers around the station learn from GVI staff whilst they generate information for the national park management (aquatic birds, reptiles, amphibians, turtles, etc). With GVIs help, it’s easier to achieve Tortuguero’s National Park goals”

Tortuguero, Costa Rica

GVI’s research and conservation has been of great benefit in raising awareness and providing data towards the conservation of marine mammals in Kenya. By providing WWF Kenya marine programme staff with training and scientific advice we have been able to get a head-start in our current efforts.

Mike Olendo, Marine Projects Manager

GVI’s Research Programme has been instrumental in the research-based management efforts of KWS such as; the ecological basis for the KWS Shimoni area long term management plan, the protection of marine wildlife by awareness raising and education such a tour-operator workshops and primary school level environmental education and the coordination of primate and marine mammal research along the Kenyan coast. Besides, GVI actively collaborated with KWS to produce dolphin watching code of conduct for dhow operators so as to enhance sustainable tourism.

I would highly recommend GVI as a partner for any conservation and wildlife management focussed organisation and in addition a platform for development of nationals in developing countries.

Jillo Katello Wato, Research Scientist

I would like to thank the GVI Water Security Project for reaching out to help communities where they are most vulnerable and where it matters most.

Filipe Nainoca – Director General

GVI’s dive safety standards are exemplary.

GVI through their very well structured volunteers program has supported WWF to disseminate the whale shark tourism good practices campaign.

Judith Morales

We choose GVI to help us run our volunteer program due to their field structure and excellent reputation.