Background and Research Aims: A habitat corridor proposed in 1986 to connect La Amistad International Park (PILA) with the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica has yet to be evaluated for its effectiveness. This study assesses the permeability of PILA’s buffer zone for medium and large mammals by examining species presence across different zones and vegetation types. Methods: We used 24 camera traps placed along a gradient extending up to 10 km from the PILA boundary to evaluate changes in mammal community composition and structure with distance from the park. We also analyzed the influence of landscape attributes and anthropogenic threats on species’ presence. Results: We observed a gradual shift in mammal communities; vulnerable species concentrated near the park edge and disturbance-tolerant species more common farther away. Landscape features associated with higher disturbances, such as small forest patches and proximity to agricultural areas, favored the presence of medium-sized generalist species, particularly omnivores. While the area is permeable to these generalists, it is less so for forest-specialist species. We recommend restoring riparian forest strips that resemble remnants of the protected area to facilitate movement of large mammals into the buffer zone. Implications for Conservation: These findings offer a baseline for understanding mammal habitat requirements critical to maintaining and restoring connectivity between two of Costa Rica’s last major forest strongholds. Our results support ongoing government and private efforts to create a functional wildlife landscape in the region.
Mejía et al. (Tue,) studied this question.