No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeNewsCosta Rica Airport Leads Wildlife Protection Efforts with Innovative Program

Costa Rica Airport Leads Wildlife Protection Efforts with Innovative Program

Costa Rica continues to affirm its commitment to wildlife protection with an advanced monitoring and control initiative at Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela. Managed by AERIS, this program aims to enhance both biodiversity conservation and operational safety at the airport. To date, it has identified 152 bird species, 15 mammal species, 13 reptile species, and 5 amphibian species around the airport facilities.

AERIS has intensified efforts to create a safe environment for both aerial operations and local wildlife. Key components of this wildlife control program include innovative technologies, such as camera traps that record wildlife movements in real time and specialized pyrotechnics that safely deter animals without causing harm. Additionally, laser spotlights and sound devices offer effective deterrence methods, protecting both wildlife and aircraft from potential incidents.

“Our approach is preventative, using advanced technology to monitor and control wildlife at all times. We are committed to maintaining a secure environment for flights while preserving the local ecosystem,” said Álvaro Arguedas, Operations and Safety Manager.

Over the past year, the wildlife control program has significantly reduced wildlife-related incidents at the airport. In 2023, only 29 incidents involving small birds were recorded, none of which impacted aircraft operations. This amounts to an average of 3 incidents per 10,000 aircraft movements, underscoring the program’s effectiveness and establishing Juan Santamaría International Airport as a model in aeronautical risk management across Latin America.

AERIS’s wildlife protection efforts are bolstered by collaborations with wildlife experts and rescue organizations, such as Rescate Wildlife and the Animal Refuge of Costa Rica. These partnerships ensure that captured animals are ethically treated and relocated to safe areas away from airport operations, making the program both humane and wildlife-friendly.

In addition to airport-focused initiatives, AERIS has launched community awareness campaigns in nearby areas. These programs include spay/neuter services and education on responsible pet ownership, aiming to reduce the presence of stray animals around the airport, which could pose risks to flight operations.

Trending Now

Costa Rica’s Top Court Bans President Chaves from 2026 Election Campaign

Costa Rica’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal on Thursday barred President Rodrigo Chaves from participating in the 2026 election campaign, ruling that he "illegitimately used" his...

Costa Rica Maintains Economic Stability Amid Global Tensions

Costa Rica is holding steady economically despite global tensions sparked by conflicts involving Israel, the United States, and Iran, according to Federico Quesada Chaves,...

Honduras Seizes $2 Million, Gold-Plated Pistols in Drug Raid

Honduran authorities struck a blow against drug cartels, seizing over $2 million in cash, war rifles, and flashy gold-plated pistols in Copán, a northwest...

Costa Rica’s President Chaves Accused of Illicit Campaign Financing

On Monday, Costa Rica’s Prosecutor’s Office formally accused President Rodrigo Chaves along with six high-ranking officials and pro-government legislators of allegedly engaging in illicit...

Costa Rica’s Piangua Mollusk Threatened by Pineapple Farm Runoff

Costa Rica’s Térraba-Sierpe National Wetland, a 33,000-hectare haven of mangroves and rivers, is under siege from an unlikely source: pineapple farms. A study by...

Costa Rica Pushes USA to the Brink but Falls in Penalty Heartbreak

If you just caught the end of the USA vs. Costa Rica Gold Cup quarterfinal, you probably feel like you need another cup of...
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica