AGP Executive Report

Wildlife Health Alert: The New World screwworm fly has been detected again in the U.S., with cases reported in Texas and New Mexico, raising alarms for livestock and even people/pets—linked by experts to illegal cattle smuggling that can reintroduce the parasite across borders. Biodiversity & Research: A new marine worm species was reported as discovered in Costa Rica, adding to the country’s still-unfolding biodiversity story. Conservation-Adjacent Climate Risk: Tropical storm and severe weather disruptions are already affecting major events in the region, a reminder that heat, humidity, and storms are becoming harder to plan around. Local Sustainability Spotlight: San José’s Juan Santamaría airport operator presented its 2025 sustainability report, highlighting governance and environmental performance efforts alongside record passenger volumes. Travel & Footprint: Southwest Airlines announced new winter 2027 routes, including a direct Nashville–Liberia, Costa Rica service—good for access, but a nudge to keep tourism growth aligned with environmental safeguards.

Biodiversity Breakthrough: Researchers working in Santa Rosa National Park (Guanacaste) have identified a new marine worm species, Sthenelais onca, discovered at Playa Naranjo after specimens first turned up in 2016 and were fully analyzed in 2024—its jaguar-like orange, gray, and cream coloring helped inspire the name. Wildlife & Climate Watch: With tropical systems building in Central America, Costa Rica is on rain alert as forecasters track possible impacts from Tropical Storm Cristina and related weather patterns. Coastal Pollution Alert: New reporting highlights microplastics showing up in Costa Rica’s beaches and even in fish and livestock—another reminder that ocean health is tied to food and water. Conservation Tech: TropiCam is being used to study canopy-dwelling tropical species with AI “looking up,” aiming to better protect arboreal wildlife that’s hard to monitor with ground cameras. Local Wildlife Protection: Costa Rica is pushing legal protections for howler monkeys after electrocution cases surge, targeting the power-line risks driving wildlife harm.

Storm Threatens Costa Rica Friendly: England’s pre-World Cup match vs Costa Rica in Florida is at risk of delay or abandonment as torrential rain and lightning hit Orlando, with stadium opening rules requiring long safety pauses after strikes. Wildlife Trade Accountability: Florida lawmakers and sloth experts tied to Costa Rica-based groups are pushing stricter rules after dozens of sloths died in the failed “Sloth World” attraction, including tighter import limits and bans on direct-contact encounters. Animal Safety in Costa Rica: Costa Rica is moving to legally protect howler monkeys from electrocution, highlighting how power lines can become deadly barriers for wildlife. Regional Climate Watch: Tropical Storm Cristina is putting Central America on high alert with heavy rain and flooding risk, while Costa Rica’s weather swings show up in Guanacaste’s severe drought alongside wet-season flood concerns. Tourism Regulation: Canatur is challenging ride-sharing promotion in official tourism campaigns, arguing transport apps must meet Costa Rica’s legal, safety, and sustainability standards. Conservation Science & Policy: A new seismic monitoring station on Isla del Coco aims to improve earthquake tracking—supporting safer management of a key natural area.

Wildlife Trade & Animal Welfare: Florida lawmakers and sloth experts are pushing the state wildlife agency to tighten protections after dozens of sloths died tied to the failed “Sloth World” attraction, including calls for a permanent ban on importing wild sloths, stricter reporting, and limits on direct-contact encounters. Biodiversity & Biosecurity: The New World screwworm is spreading in the U.S., with new cases confirmed in Texas and a dog in New Mexico, triggering quarantines and raising fears for livestock and wildlife health. Climate & Disaster Risk: Tropical Storm Cristina has formed and put Central America on high alert for heavy rain, flooding, and landslides, while Costa Rica faces a sharp regional contrast with Guanacaste drought pressures alongside wet-weather alerts elsewhere. Marine Pollution: Ocean Day coverage highlights microplastics reaching from Coco Island into the wider environment, including findings of microplastics in Costa Rican beaches and wildlife. Tourism Governance: Canatur is challenging ride-sharing promotions tied to Costa Rica’s tourism brand, arguing for legal, regulated transport and fair competition. Economy & Environment Policy: The IMF’s latest review praises Costa Rica’s stability but warns against complacency, urging continued reforms that affect long-term resilience.

Tropical Storm Cristina Watch: Tropical Storm Cristina has formed in the Pacific and put Central America on high alert, with Costa Rica and neighbors bracing for heavy rain, flooding, and landslide risk as the system tracks near Nicaragua, Honduras, and El Salvador. Microplastics in Costa Rica: New local findings show microplastics in beaches, marine life, and even food and livestock—pushing the issue beyond cleanup into public health and conservation. Screwworm Threat Returns: New World screwworms have been confirmed in Texas (and a case in New Mexico), triggering quarantines and raising alarms for livestock and wildlife—an urgent reminder for prevention and monitoring. Costa Rica Weather Disruptions: Fog and rain at Juan Santamaría International Airport caused diversions and delays, while forecasters continue to track tropical systems that could worsen wet conditions. Protected Areas Challenge: A look at how hard it is to “finish” Costa Rica’s national parks—there’s no official registry, making the adventure as much about access and planning as about nature.

Microplastics in Costa Rica: New research flags microplastics across the country’s food and ecosystems—from beaches and sediments to fish, shellfish, and even Isla del Coco—showing particles in over 70% of analyzed samples and raising alarms for marine life, agriculture, and public health. Coastal pollution surge: Sargassum arrivals are breaking records in Costa Rica’s Caribbean, with the heaviest sightings in the northern region and reports of turtle strandings, as monitoring networks track impacts on beaches and wildlife. Flood risk watch: Tropical Depression Three-E is forming in the eastern Pacific, keeping Costa Rica on rain alert with saturated ground and a focus on flash-flood and landslide risk, especially on the Pacific slope and Central Valley. Airport disruptions: Fog and persistent rain at Juan Santamaría International Airport forced diversions and delays, with several domestic routes also affected. Climate pressure ahead: Scientists warn El Niño could cut Guanacaste rainfall by up to 50% and raise temperatures, stressing water and energy supplies. Earth monitoring upgrade: A new seismic station on Isla del Coco is set to improve earthquake monitoring. Wildlife protection: Costa Rica is moving to legally protect howler monkeys from electrocution by power lines. Regional security cooperation: Costa Rica’s security minister met Dominican counterparts to share strategies and coordination models for tackling crime.

Wildlife Health Watch: The New World screwworm fly has been confirmed in Texas again, with new cases in a calf and a dog—raising alarms for cattle and wildlife as U.S. officials race to eradicate a flesh-eating parasite not seen in the state since 1966. Climate & Water Stress: Costa Rica’s Universidad Nacional warns El Niño could cut Guanacaste rainfall by up to 50% and push hotter conditions, increasing pressure on water and energy. Disaster Readiness: Tropical Storm Boris is forming in the eastern Pacific and could bring heavy, life-threatening flooding and mudslides to Mexico’s coast—an early reminder for the region to stay alert. Earthquake Science: Costa Rica has added a permanent seismic station on remote Isla del Coco, boosting monitoring of the Pacific subduction zone and improving earthquake location data. Marine Conservation: Beyond Green marks World Oceans Day by spotlighting coral reef restoration and protection efforts across its member properties.

Seismic Safety Boost: Costa Rica has installed its first permanent seismic station on remote Isla del Coco, expanding earthquake monitoring over the Pacific and improving pinpointing of epicenters near the offshore subduction zone. Extreme Weather Watch: Costa Rica’s National Meteorological Institute says an unstable setup linked to the Intertropical Convergence Zone and a Pacific low-pressure area will bring mostly cloudy skies and rain across regions, with showers possibly continuing into the night. Wildlife & Disease Risk: New World screwworm has been detected again in Texas after decades, raising alarms for livestock and wildlife and highlighting how quickly animal health threats can return when containment fails. Bird Migration Tech: A lightweight tracking system called Motus is helping researchers learn more about bird migration, adding new data as bird populations decline. Conservation Success Story: Re:wild’s rewilding work in Costa Rica’s Tapir Valley Nature Reserve is helping bring back tapirs and other life after past habitat loss.

Wildlife & Biodiversity: Costa Rica’s rewilding work is getting real-world proof: a decade of restoration at Tenorio Volcano’s Tapir Valley Nature Reserve has helped bring back tapirs and broader life after cattle ranching erased biodiversity in the 1990s. Conservation Tech: A global bird-tracking effort called Motus is expanding, using tiny tags on small birds like a hermit thrush to better understand migration declines linked to land change and climate stress. Species Protection: Costa Rica is also pushing to legally protect howler monkeys after electrocution cases surged, with power-line risks now a conservation priority. Climate & Weather: The National Meteorological Institute warns of an unstable, rainy weekend as a low-pressure system near the Pacific and the Intertropical Convergence Zone bring downpours, storms, and possible localized flooding. Wildlife Rescue: Rescuers shared the case of a baby grison found alone and dehydrated, now receiving specialized care through Costa Rica’s conservation response system.

Wildlife & Biodiversity: Costa Rica’s Jaguar Rescue Center shared the case of a baby grison found alone and crying, now receiving specialized care after being brought in by the National System of Conservation Areas—an encouraging reminder to call trained responders instead of intervening on your own. Climate & Disaster Risk: Costa Rica is bracing for a wet, unstable weekend as the IMN watches a possible tropical depression forming near Pacific waters, with downpours, storms, and lightning raising flood and landslide risk. Pollination Science: A new study on Costa Rican mountain flowers suggests hummingbirds can be better pollinators than “careful” bees, helping explain why tropical plants shift toward hummingbird-friendly forms at higher elevations. Conservation Policy: Costa Rica is moving to legally protect howler monkeys after electrocution cases surge, aiming to reduce deaths from power lines. Invasive Threats: The U.S. confirmed a New World screwworm case in Texas after decades, highlighting how fast pests can spread across regions—an issue that matters for Costa Rica’s biosecurity planning too.

Wildlife Protection in Costa Rica: Costa Rica’s court ruling holds agencies responsible for howler monkey electrocutions from power lines, ordering infrastructure changes in Nosara—an urgent push as development and tourism increase wildlife contact with hazards. Climate & Disaster Readiness: Costa Rica is under a nationwide green alert as heavier rains and saturated soils raise flood and landslide risk across multiple regions, with authorities urging extra caution through June 9. Invasive Animal Health Threat: The New World screwworm fly has been confirmed in south Texas after spreading through Central America and Mexico, raising alarms for livestock and wildlife—an example of how quickly animal health risks can cross borders. Nature Science Spotlight: A new study finds hummingbirds can be better pollinators than “careful” bees in Costa Rica’s mountain ecosystems, helping explain how tropical flowers evolve with elevation. Conservation Tourism Debate: A report highlights Costa Rica’s nature-based tourism success while warning that mass tourism and foreign investment may be outpacing local benefits.

Wildlife Protection in Costa Rica: Costa Rica is taking power-line electrocutions seriously after a court ruling held agencies accountable and ordered infrastructure changes in Nosara, where howler monkeys and other wildlife are being killed when they mistake lines for vines. Severe Weather Watch: The National Emergency Commission issued a nationwide green alert as heavier rains and saturated soils raise flood and landslide risk across multiple regions through June 9. Tourism Pressure Point: A reminder that Costa Rica’s conservation rules are strict: authorities have confiscated thousands of kilograms of illegally taken seashells from travelers, treating shell removal as wildlife trafficking under the Wildlife Conservation Law. Regional Animal-Health Alarm: The New World screwworm is confirmed in Texas after spreading north from Central America, raising concerns for livestock and wildlife and highlighting why cross-border surveillance matters.

Wildlife Power-Line Crackdown: Costa Rica’s constitutional court ruled against agencies over howler monkey electrocutions from power lines, ordering infrastructure changes in Nosara and pushing solutions like insulated cables and safer crossings. Severe Weather Watch: The National Emergency Commission issued a nationwide green alert as heavier rains and saturated soils raise flood and landslide risk through Tuesday, June 9. El Niño Uncertainty: Scientists say warm Pacific conditions may point to El Niño, but forecasts can’t yet say how strong it will be—important for planning Central America’s rainfall swings. Coastal Conservation Enforcement: Costa Rican authorities say they’ve seized nearly 8,900 kilograms of illegally transported seashells from travelers, treating shell removal and transport as wildlife trafficking under the Wildlife Conservation Law. Livestock Biosecurity Alarm (US spillover): New World screwworm has been confirmed in Texas after decades, a reminder that invasive pests can threaten wildlife and livestock when biological barriers fail.

Wildlife & Biosecurity: The New World screwworm has been confirmed in a 3-week-old calf in South Texas, decades after U.S. eradication, raising alarms for cattle, pets, wildlife—and rare human cases—while USDA and Texas move to quarantine and deploy sterile flies. Local Conservation & Wildlife Protection: Costa Rica is cracking down on beach shell theft: authorities at Liberia’s airport have confiscated nearly 8,900 kilograms of seashells over six years, with penalties tied to illegal extraction and wildlife trafficking rules. Forest Health Research: Costa Rica’s forest comeback is getting a smarter check—researchers are pushing beyond satellite canopy cover to better measure whether regrown forests are actually functioning. Wildlife Safety from Infrastructure: Costa Rica’s howler monkeys are being electrocuted on power lines, with rescue centers reporting a surge in incidents linked to expanding development. Climate & Weather Watch: Reports highlight warm Pacific waters and heavy downpours/thunderstorms affecting Costa Rica this week. Conservation in Action: Costa Rica camera traps are capturing rare predator hunts and pregnant jaguars, offering fresh insight into elusive wildlife behavior.

Wildlife & Power Lines: Costa Rica is moving to protect howler monkeys from electrocution after a surge of rescue cases tied to primates mistaking power lines for trees and vines, with the International Animal Rescue Costa Rica reporting 108 electrocuted animals in 2025 and howlers making up most incidents. Biodiversity Monitoring: Costa Rica’s camera-trap work is capturing rare predator hunts and pregnant jaguars, offering fresh insight into how the country’s ecosystems are functioning. Forest Recovery, Measured Better: Researchers are pushing beyond “tree cover” numbers by testing a new way to gauge whether forests are actually bouncing back—an important step for Costa Rica’s long-running forest protection model. Coffee Economy: USDA forecasts Costa Rica’s green coffee production rising in 2026/27, but warns farmers may still struggle as costs and exchange-rate pressure squeeze profits. Entrepreneurship for Conservation: Costa Rica launched LEAPCR, a national program aimed at accelerating startups and investment—potentially supporting new solutions for sustainable development.

Forest Health, Not Just Tree Cover: Researchers say Costa Rica’s conservation wins can’t be judged by canopy alone, since regrown forests may still lack the birds, frogs, and insects that make ecosystems function—so they’re testing “listen-first” ways to measure a healthy forest. Wildlife on Camera: Costa Rica camera traps are capturing rare predator hunts, including pregnant jaguars, offering a rare look at how predators use the landscape. Coastal Restoration in Action: A Costa Rican nonprofit reports that community tree-planting has transformed deforested Pacific beaches—planting 100,000+ native trees across dozens of sites to revive habitat and shade. New World Screwworm Threat Nears: The U.S. confirmed a suspected New World screwworm case in South Texas, raising alarms for livestock and wildlife as the pest spreads from Central America. Costa Rica Startup Push: Costa Rica launched LEAPCR, a program backed by the Inter-American Development Bank to accelerate startups, attract investment, and create jobs. Tourism Access: Delta plans a new nonstop JFK–Liberia (LIR) route to boost travel to Costa Rica’s Guanacaste beaches.