The Tortuguero Conservation Area will close indefinitely a sector of the public use area of Jalova, from the trail up to two kilometers north of the lagoon.
The closure seeks to protect the habitat of the jaguar and will not open until several studies are carried out to determine whether human presence affects the environment and behavior of the species.
The measure is not intended to encourage fear of felines, but rather to emphasize the importance of protecting endangered wildlife, where tourist visitation also converges.
The remaining eight km of beach (Archie Carr sector, public beach and the National Park beach) will remain open for those who wish to witness spawning of turtles during the season.