A Census of Mammal Populations in Punta Leona Private Wildlife Refuge, Costa Rica

Abstract

Population sizes of six mammal species were estimated using the King method during the late dry season (March) of 1996 in the Punta Leona Private Wildlife Refuge, Costa Rica. The white-faced monkey (Cebus capucinus), coati (Nasua narica) and nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) with 148, 46, and 8 sighted individuals, respectively, demonstrated the largest populations in the refuge. The Central American spider monkey ( Ateles geoffroyi), tamandua anteater (Tamandua mexicana), and variegated squirrel (Sciurus var - iegatoides) were also included in the census. Population densities are calculated, habitat types are described, and habitat use and activity periods are discussed.