Baja
Desert & Coastal Ecology
Students conducted marine invertebrate censuses in the Gulf of California and
collected water samples for environmental DNA (eDNA) researchers to help
create a more efficient way of censusing marine species’ populations. Students
also partnered with the San Diego Natural History Museum to conduct terrestrial
reptile and amphibian studies, contributing to abundance and diversity baselines,
and a better understanding of the ecology of these key desert species.
O ur 2018 P rograms
Through EPI Mexico’s Eco Club, the Californios Verdes, alumni spent more than
4,000 hours leading environmental education and service activities. Californios
Verdes also conducted public education outreach to help achieve a ban on the
most common single-use plastics in Baja California Sur .
Belize
Marine Ecology
At Payne’s Creek National Park, students worked with the Toledo Institute
for Development and Environment (TIDE) to record and classify sightings
of the threatened West Indian manatee. Roost counts of yellow-headed
parrots were also conducted to monitor recovery of this endangered
species and the health of the ecosystem. Inland, at Cockscomb Basin
Wildlife Sanctuary, students assisted researchers in setting camera traps to
track mammals. EPI groups also snorkeled at the Port Honduras Marine
Reserve to measure cover and density of seagrass—an important nursery
ground and food source for many species, including sea turtles and manatees.
This season, EPI Belize partnered with the World Bank-funded Marine
Conservation and Climate Adaptation Project (MCCAP) to deliver a suite
of alumni and outreach activities, including field visits to protected areas,
community conservation service, and internships.
Costa Rica
sea turtle Ecology
At EPI’s Pacuare Reserve on the Caribbean coast, students conducted
nightly censuses of nesting sea turtles, helped improve nesting habitat,
protected nests and eggs against human and environmental threats,
and released sea turtle hatchlings. Students collected population and
behavioral data on three monkey species, and set camera traps and
analyzed photos of felines. On the Pacific coast, students assisted
researchers on an in-water project to collect data on sea turtles feeding
in the Gulfo Dulce. By collecting seeds and planting seedlings, youth
also helped restore the critical mangrove forests of the Osa Peninsula.
For the sixth consecutive year, EPI Costa Rica hosted “Manos Unidas por
el Maria Aguilar,” a community river basin clean-up effort in San Jose, and
collected over 15 tons of garbage. EPI Costa Rica also led their seventh
Biociencia exhibition, where students presented more than 110 science
and technology projects and conservation-themed art and media works
to more than 450 community members.
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