Neotropical dry forest wildlife water hole use and management

Selected wildlife species diurnal use of a natural water hole (QD) and an a rtificial water hole (AW) were studied during 1990 dry season at Guanacaste Conservation Area, Costa Rica. In total, 919 individuals (six mammal and o ne game bird species) consumed water from QD, while 713 individuals (four m ammal species) consumed water from AW. Estimated daily water consumption by selected wildlife species was 29.7 l at QD and 27.3 l at AW. Estimated 24- h water consumed by all wildlife species or evaporated was 44.6 l at QD and 41.1 l at AW. This resulted from summing: a) water consumed by studied spe cies, b) estimated 24-hour water consumed by other wildlife (QD = 14.85 l, AW = 13.65 l) and c) daily water evaporation (QD = 0.04 l, AW = 0.10 l). Du ring a 120-day dry season, AW required about 4 932 l of water from the park administration. Management implications for neotropical dry forest water h oles are discussed.