The southernmost end of Tortuguero beach, in the sector known as Jalova, is closed as of this week, by orders of Tortuguero Conservation Area officials due to the presence of a jaguar, something which has happened in the past.

The Tortuguero Conservation Area provides habitat for jaguars (Panthera onca). Officials said they see no threat to tourists by the presence of the feline, but want to do all they can to minimize any potential contact between humans and the large cat.

While access to the southern end of Tortuguero beach is closed, the remaining 8 km of beach is open for visitors and tourists to visit. May is a time of year when as many as three types of sea turtles nest on Caribbean beaches like Tortuguero’s , including Leatherback sea turtles, Green turtles, and Hawksbill turtles.

Conservation officials photographed the jaguar that sparked the recent closure on the beach lying next to a large carcass of a Leatherback sea turtle, which may have fallen prey to the feline, said park rangers.

Jaguar sightings are normal in the region, said officials, and emphasized there was no need for concern or alarm.

National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) officials also said the partial closure does not affect any of the activities of the #CRC5 Challenge, in which participants visit Costa Rican national parks, nor does it represent any change to park hours or functioning.

Park officials base their policies and procedures on Costa Rican biodiversity laws, and said the closure of the Jalova section of the beach is necessary because not enough is currently known about how the presence of visitors in jaguar habitats may affect the animal; stressing that wilderness areas were set up around the country for the primary function of protecting fauna and flora.

Park rangers will continue to monitor the Jalova area to carry out their regular patrols and inspections, said the park.

Tourists are still allowed to visit the Archie Carr area of Tortuguero beach, the public beach, and the remaining sections of the park, said officials.