Overview of my PhD research
School of Environmental Studies at Queen's University
Monkey Business:
The Lives of Primates in Costa Rican Wildlife Rescue Centres
Costa Rica is a leading wildlife tourism destination, known for its magnificent landscapes which boast beaches, mountains, jungles, and contain 6% of the world’s biodiversity.[1] Tourists seeking closer wild encounters than offered by a jungle trek can visit one of the country’s numerous wildlife sanctuaries[2]. In a global survey of 24 types of wildlife tourism, only 6 had positive impacts on the welfare and conservation of the species in their care, of which 5 were wildlife sanctuaries.[3] Thus, sanctuary tourism offers an exciting opportunity for ethical wildlife encounters. Yet, in Costa Rica they receive no government funding despite their importance to conservation; typically relying on income from volun-/tourism. To my knowledge, this form of wildlife tourism in Costa Rica has never been published on. Monkeys require rescue as a result of deforestation, electrocution, road collisions, conflict with humans/non-humans, or the illegal wildlife trade. At this moment, 75% of primate species are declining globally, including 36% neotropical species (Estrada et al. 2017).[4] Sanctuary/rescue centres are tasked with (1) providing good welfare for animals in captivity for life, (2) contributing to the conservation of species by rehabilitating and releasing wildlife, (3) doing community outreach, and (4) educating tourists. My PhD research is interdisciplinary in nature. In 2019, I visited 8 sanctuaries across the country, and observed differences in animal welfare, enclosures, husbandry and rehabilitation protocols. As a result of my data collection and interviews, I have learnt that I am the only person the ministry knows of who is researching this topic in Costa Rica,[1] and that while sanctuary regulations are strict, their enforcement across operations is inconsistent which can lead to sub-standard animal welfare and conservation outcomes. It has been indicated that my research is valued by stakeholders since they have long needed ‘ground-proofing’ of sanctuary operations, as well as an understanding of the tourist experience they offer. |
There are four main focuses of my research, as outlined below.
Monkey Welfare
While sanctuaries must follow governmental regulations,[1] there are no standardized protocols for nutrition, rehabilitation, release, or raising orphans– which means centres vary greatly in their success at safeguarding welfare and improving conservation, often relying on ‘trial and error’. I performed in-depth welfare and conservation assessments at three key sanctuary sites. This included creating behavioural ethograms of capuchin monkeys[2] (Cebus imitator) during daily tours to gauge their response to tourist presence. I assessed the environment and enrichment provided in primate enclosures, reviewed health and nutrition records, observed staff-primate interactions and daily maintenance.
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Monkey Conservation
I evaluated the conservation outcomes of the three centres by synthesizing information from archives and records on monkey intake and release, meeting with parks’ authorities, and accompanying them on releases.
For a more comprehensive understanding of primate conservation and tourism at sanctuaries, I investigated social perspectives on this topic across three levels: experts, tourists, and locals.[1] I interviewed 37 key informants involved in primate care, conservation, research, and the Ministry of the Environment[2]. |