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Introduction: calcium intake is fundamental over the whole life cycle; despite this, the world consumption of calcium is deficient. In Central America, there is little data on calcium intake. Objective: to evaluate daily calcium intake in the adult population of Costa Rica and Panama. Methods: an adult's population (> 18) survey was conducted in both countries. A questionnaire specifically design for the study was applied to subjects that were willing to participate after they signed of the informed consent form. The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) calcium calculator was used to quantify their calcium intake. Results: the study included 1189 participants, 50 % were men. The median calcium intake was 862 mg/d (IQR, 650.5 to 1115) in Costa Rica and 825.5 mg/d (IQR, 579.75 to 1029.2) in Panama. Significant differences were found between calcium intake and age group in Costa Ricans, while in the Panamanian population differences were found in calcium intake according to educational level. Conclusion: this study is the first one conducted in Central America using the IOF calcium intake calculator. The study shows that calcium intake is deficient in Costa Rica and Panama. It is necessary to establish educational campaigns in both countries to correct this deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The rocky intertidal constitutes a dominant coastal seascape in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, harboring highly diverse and functionally complex biological communities. The knowledge about the diversity and the diverse biological processes that occur in such environments is, however, quite limited on a regional scale. Objective: Quantify, describe and compare (on a regional scale) the ichthyological diversity associated with the rocky intertidal zone of the Guanacaste Conservation Area (ACG), Costa Rica, as well as to evaluate and discuss some biogeographic and ecological patterns. Methods: A total of 49 tide pools were sampled between 2014 and 2019, at seven locations within the ACG. Data on absolute diversity (presence/absence of species) were obtained, in addition to some ecological data (residence status, development stage (s), trophic guild, aggregation and cryptic habits and generalized geographic distribution), these data were compared with published records from other surveys/inventories carried out at various locations (20) along the Eastern Pacific coast. Through a similarity analysis, both possible clustering patterns between localities (according to their species composition) and previous hypotheses of regionalization, under a biogeographic perspective, were evaluated. Results: A total of 67 species of bony fish were recorded in the rocky intertidal area of the ACG, being this the most diverse locality (with published data) in the Eastern Pacific. The components/categories "transitory" with 30 species (44.8 %), "juveniles" with 38 species (55.9 %), "carnivores" with 47 species (70.1 %), "solitary" with 32 species (47.8 %) and "endemic to the ETP" with 66 species (98 %), were dominant (in terms of the total number of species) within the ACG. The results of the similarity analysis supported the biogeographic division scheme, defined a priori; with the localities within the Californian, Cortez, Mexican, Panamic and Peruvian-Chilean provinces recovered as highly consistent groups. This structure is consistent with the effect of barriers such as the sandy gaps of Sinaloa and Central America, among others, limiting the flow of species between biogeographic units. Conclusions: The ACG has a high ichthyological diversity associated with its rocky intertidal zone, which is product of a unique combination of factors at the regional level. The results of this study reinforce the need to carry out more basic and applied studies with the aim of helping to better understand and know different key aspects of the dynamics and physical-chemical-biological processes occurring in intertidal zones, of its associated biological diversity, of its importance within the marine-coastal landscape as a continuum and of the possible effects that these environments could suffer due to the impact of human activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Bahía Salinas, on the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica, is a seasonal upwelling area. Sea temperature in Bahía Salinas could be modulated by synoptic and other large-scale systems. This region belongs to the Central American Dry Corridor (CADC), a sub-region in the isthmus that is relatively drier than the rest of the territory, which extends along the Pacific littoral from western Guatemala through northern Costa Rica. Objective: To study the warm and cold events that could be inferred by studying the sea subsurface temperature in Bahía Salinas, and also analyzing the large-scale conditions and synoptic systems of the historical sources when they occurred in order to identify the atmospheric mechanisms that favored their appearance. Methods: A Sea Subsurface Temperature Index was calculated using hourly data from seven stations located at three different points in Bahía Salinas. Records range from June 19, 2003 to December 5, 2017. Additionally, six meteorological stations, with hourly wind records, were used to create two wind indices. The Sea Subsurface Temperature Index was used to identify the warmest and coldest events in the bay. Wind indices and monthly meteorological bulletins were used to analyze the large-scale conditions and synoptic systems in which cold and warm events occurred in Bahía Salinas. Results: Mean sea temperature in Bahía Salinas is 25.2°C. Colder temperatures were observed in February-March, below 21°C. There were two maxima in May-June and August-October with temperatures above 27°C. In four of the five cold events studied, Northeasterly wind anomalies were observed in the Costa Rican North Pacific, associated with trade wind reinforcements; meanwhile westerly anomalies were observed in all the warm events, associated with weaker trade wind conditions. Conclusions: The main seasonal climate driver in Bahía Salinas is the North Atlantic Subtropical High because its latitudinal migration is associated with the strength of the trade winds over Central America. Seasonal upwelling is modulated also by two synoptic scale climate features, the boreal winter arrival of cold front outbreaks and the winter maximum of the easterly Caribbean Low-Level Jet. El Niño-Southern Oscillation is also an important modulator of the sea temperature variability, since warm and cool events are related with positive and negative sea temperature anomalies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The family Carapidae includes about 40 species of marine fishes distributed in coastal habitats worldwide. The family includes some free-living species, however, most of them are found as commensal inquilines or parasites of marine invertebrates, including several echinoderm species. In the Eastern Tropical Pacific, the biology and host use of the representatives of the Carapidae is relatively poorly known. Objective: The present study reports the occurrence of the Star pearlfish Carapus mourlani within three previously unknown hosts in the region: the sea stars Nidorellia armata, Phataria unifascialis, and the sea cucumber Stichopus horrens. Some ecological implications and considerations regarding such symbiotic relationships are raised and discussed. Additional morphometric and meristic data for the fish and the echinoderms are also provided and discussed. Methods: Echinoderms were collected, from 25 localities along the North Pacific coast of Costa Rica, and were carefully examined searching for commensal/parasitic fishes. Echinoderms and fishes were identified and characterized in accordance with the specialized literature. Results: A total of 497 echinoderms, including about 60 species, were collected and examined. Commensal/parasitic fish (a single species represented by 13 specimens) were found in three echinoderm specimens/species. Conclusions: The list of echinoderm hosts for this carapid fish, through its whole distribution range, rises to 12 species (six sea stars and six sea cucumbers) and that could be a consequence of its wide geographic distribution, its generalist feeding habits and opportunistic commensal behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are few studies about how social-ecological context is linked to actor perceptions in environmental governance, although it is evident that resource use behavior, participatory processes, rule compliance, and cooperation are influenced by actors' perceptions. We apply and combine Ostrom's social-ecological systems framework (SESF) and Bennett's (2016) perception framework to identify the contextual variables influencing different perceptions in a case study of small-scale fisheries co-management in Costa Rica implementing a marine protected area. Analytically, we use network analysis tools to analyze qualitative interview data in a way that links the two frameworks, and content analysis to provide contexutally meaningful descriptions of those network patterns in practice. Our findings suggest Bennett's perceptions framework can be expanded and that the SESF is useful to identify how perceptions relate to more social and ecological variables than prior research suggests. Our findings demonstrate the importance of understanding perceptions and context in environmental governance analyses and practice. We conclude with reflections on local policy challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Latin American & Caribbean Anthropology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This interview highlights, while events are unfolding, some ethical and social struggles provoked by necessary changes in dynamics due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Every single decision, every single path, every single achievement and failure is preceded and mediated by contextual value judgments and constantly changing references. Information is provided on measures taken in Costa Rica and other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frankliniella invasor is an important pest of mango in Central America; however, information is limited concerning the activity of insecticides with different modes of action. Eight insecticides representing 5 different chemical classes were assayed for control of F. invasor in Costa Rica. The spinosyns, spinetoram, and spinosad were highly active, whereas malathion and α-cypermethrin were the least active. The neonicotinoids imidacloprid and thiamethoxam resulted in intermediate toxicity to this thrips pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven species of terrestrial isopods are recorded from the coasts of the Pacific and Caribbean sides of Costa Rica. Three species (Buchnerillo neotropicalis, Hawaiioscia nicoyaensis and Trichorhina biocellata) are described as new and two species (Tylos niveus and Armadilloniscus cf. caraibicus) are newly recorded from the country. The poorly known species T. niveus is also illustrated. At present the total number of terrestrial isopod species recorded from Costa Rica is 30. Interestingly four typical littoral halophilic species (Ligia baudiniana, Tylos wegeneri, T. niveus and A. cf. caraibicus) are present on both the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and on the coasts of the lands encompassed by the Caribbean Sea. With the sole exception of A. cf. caraibicus, no morphological differences could be detected from the Pacific and Caribbean populations of those species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seagrass meadows are declining worldwide, mostly attributed to anthropogenic disturbances. Understanding the dynamics of these meadows is urgent in order to establish adequate management and conservation strategies. Here, we analyzed the current knowledge on the seagrass meadows in the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Costa Rica, Central America. Current knowledge was based on literature searches, herbarium collections, informal interviews, and personal observations. We report a total of five genera and seven species for Costa Rica: Thalassia testudinum, Syringodium filiforme, Halophila decipiens, Halophila baillonis, Halodule wrightii, Halodule beaudettei, and Ruppia maritima. Six species are reported for the Caribbean, and four species for the Pacific. Thalassia testudinum, S. filiforme, and H. decipiens have only been reported for the Caribbean. Halodule beaudettei has only been reported for the Pacific coast. Halophila baillonis, H. wrightii and R. maritima have been reported for both coasts. Seagrasses were found at a total of 31 locations in Costa Rica, most from the Pacific coast; 16 of which are reported here for the first time. Seagrass meadows from both coasts are vastly different. Along the Caribbean coast, meadows are often dominated by the robust T. testudinum, they are extensive and stable, persisting for decades. In contrast, the meadows along the Pacific coast are more dynamic and are dominated by pioneer and smaller ephemeral species, such as H. baillonis and H. beaudettei. The number of studies on Costa Rican seagrasses is scarce but has been increasing over time, and mostly concern taxonomic reports and basic descriptions of the dynamics of T. testudinum meadows from the Caribbean. Research, conservation and management efforts on Costa Rican seagrass meadows would benefit from continued monitoring and research on associated fauna and flora, incorporating ecosystem resilience and services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Neotropical Biology & Conservation is the property of Pensoft Publishers and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Although the wider Eastern Tropical Pacific has been systematically surveyed during summer/fall, relatively little effort has focused on shelf and slope waters of Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Such data are useful for establishing baseline information and assessing potential changes in cetacean occurrence and distribution relative to natural (e.g., El Niño-Southern Oscillation, climate change) and anthropogenic factors. A visualacoustic survey for cetaceans occurred as part of a monitoring and mitigation program during an academic geophysical seismic study off Nicaragua and Costa Rica, during November-December 2004. Approximately 2 067 cetaceans representing at least seven species were seen in 75 groups during 373 h (3 416 km) of daytime observations from the seismic research vessel (R/V) Maurice Ewing. The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) and the pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata) were the most frequently sighted species (30 % of all groups sighted); both were seen in shelf waters < 100 m deep and in slope waters. The bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus; 10 % of sightings) was the third most frequently sighted species and was only seen in water > 100 m deep. In addition, sightings were made of spinner dolphins (S. longirostris), short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus), short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus), and unidentified dolphins and whales. Unconfirmed sightings of a minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and a pod of false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) were also recorded. An additional six groups of dolphins (50 % confirmed to species, all pantropical spotted dolphins) were made during 187 h (1 549 km) of observation effort during darkness, two of which were detected within 30 m of the vessel bow using a night vision device. A total of 217 cetacean detections occurred during 633 h of passive acoustic monitoring. A small concentration of 12 humpback whales was seen in eight groups, and two humpbacks were recorded singing in the Gulf of Fonseca on 9 December 2004. To our knowledge, such concentrations of humpback whales, particularly singing humpbacks, have not been previously reported in this specific area. In addition, a humpback mother-calf pair, likely from the Northern Hemisphere population, was seen off Northern Costa Rica on 25 November 2004. Although cetacean sighting rates were significantly different during seismic and non-seismic periods even when corrected for differential detection probability related to sea conditions, our survey results do provide information to address previous data gaps on cetacean occurrence in shelf and slope waters off the Pacific coast of Central America during late fall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Costa Rica has successfully planted various forestry species for wood production. However, the use of their wood is limited, due to poor knowledge about their chemical properties, air-dry, preserved and workability performance. The present study details information of these properties for the species: Alnus acuminata (Aa), Acacia mangium (Am), Bombacopsis quinata (Bq), Cupressus lusitanica (Cl), Swietenia macrophylla (Sm), Terminalia amazonia (Ta), Terminalia oblonga (To) and Vochysia guatemalensis (Vg). Among the results obtained, it was found that the wood of these species is in general slightly acidic, except Bq, which presented tendency to be basic. Different species show considerable variability in the content of holocellulose, lignin and extractable micronutrients. Regarding micronutrients, and in relation to other species it was found a high percentage in Vg. The use of boron as a preservative, may be applied in the 8 plantation species. The presence of heartwood in some species made it not possible to be preserved by the vacuum-pressure method, but the sapwood was possible to preserve in all species. The drying rate increased with increasing board thickness and drying time was different among species. The fastest drying rate was found in Ta and Am, followed by Sm, To, Aa and Cl with intermediate values and Vg with the slowest air-drying rate. Am, Bq, Cl, Sm and To present from excellent to good planing, sanding , drilling and molding, but Ta, Bq, Aa and Vg, especially Aa and Vg, in the workability operations were catalogued as poor or very poor quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Mexicana de Biodiversidad is the property of Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Instituto de Biologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

During the last decades, knowledge on biodiversity of freshwater decapods has increased considerably; however, information about ecology of these crustaceans is scarce. Currently, the freshwater decapod fauna of Costa Rica is comprised by representatives of three families (Caridea: Palaemonidae and Atyidae; Brachyura: Pseudothelphusidae). The present study aims to describe the species diversity and distribution of freshwater crabs inhabiting the basin of the Rio Grande de Térraba, Pacific slope of Costa Rica, where the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) plans to implement one of the largest damming projects in the region. Samples were collected in 39 locations at an altitude ranging from 20 to 1,225 m. Sampling was carried out during several months in 2007, 2009 and 2010. We collected a total of 661 crabs, comprising eight species of Pseudothelphusidae of three genera, representing 53% of the 15 pseudothelphusid crab species currently recorded from Costa Rica. The most common species was Ptychophallus paraxanthusi followed by P. tristani. Freshwater crabs were more frequently encountered in the middle-low region of the basin (between 311 and 600 m) and less frequently in the medium-high basin (between 601 and 1,225 m). Ptychophallus paraxanthusi showed the widest distribution and was collected in altitudes ranging from 20 to 700 m. The Rio Grande de Térraba region can be considered as a relatively small, but highly diverse system. Therefore, any alteration of the basin of Rio Grande de Térraba, and especially the possible construction of a hydroelectric power plant, needs to be carefully analyzed to mitigate the damaging effects of this project on the freshwater crabs. More ecological information about freshwater crabs from Costa Rica and the Central American region are needed to reach a first reasonable overview on the ecological role of these decapods in freshwater systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Mexicana de Biodiversidad is the property of Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Instituto de Biologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Lobster fishery (Panulirus argus) forms an important part of the fishing activities along the Caribbean coast of Central America. The present study provides information regarding the seasonal abundance and distribution of postlarval P. argus in Parque Nacional Cahuita, Costa Rica. During the study period (March 2004-February 2005), a total of 1907 pueruli were obtained from GuSi collectors. Postlarvae were present during all months, with a pronounced peak in January-February 2005 (CPUE of 21.82 and 22.18, pueruli/collector/month, respectively), and minor peaks in May and October 2004. The abundance of postlarval P. argus in the study area was comparable to locations which support important lobster fisheries, e.g. Mexico. A majority of the postlarvae (1027 ind.) was collected during the first quarter moon, the remaining pueruli (880 ind.) during new moon; these results are in general agreement with similar findings for P. argus in the Caribbean area. Based upon our results, we recommend introducing a local or regional monitoring program, studying spiny lobster migration and distribution patterns, and evaluate the introduction of artificial shelters for P. argus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Mexicana de Biodiversidad is the property of Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Instituto de Biologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article focuses on a study which described the freshwater sponges Trochospongilla variabilis, Radiospongilla craterformis, Spongilla cenota and Corvoheteromeyenia heterosclera found in a benthic filter feeding community at the Guanacaste Dry Forest in Costa Rica. Study findings revealed that the species were found in lentic and lotic environments by small proportions, restricted to the area and characterized by water temperatures of 23° Centigrade (C) and pH of 5.5. It notes that the sponge specimens collected led to the re-description of the species.

In 1890, Frank Vincent published a book on Central America titled In and Out of Central America and Other Sketches and Studies of Travel. Not anthologized in either Ricardo Fernández Guardia's Costa Rica en el Siglo XIX or in Miguel Ángel Quesada's Entre Silladas y Rejoyas: Viajeros por Costa Rica de 1850 a 1950, the chapter on Costa Rica is made available here in translated form to Central American readers of North American travel writing. Vincent, who toured Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, and El Salvador in 1887, lands at Puntarenas and makes his way through Esparta and Atenas to San José and finally Cartago, detailing the places that he visits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]