Upcoming Expeditions

Several New Expedition Dates – February to April 2012!

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Several New Expedition Dates – February to April 2012!

Recently we have had some incredible expeditions.  Starting out in a new location there were many unknowns, but the rainforest surrounding the community of Infierno has proved to be incredibly intact and pristine.  Sightings on our last two trips included species such as tapir, capybara, caiman, monkeys, giant anteater, tamandua, ocelot, short eared dog, tyra, three species of macaw, and 15 species of snake (including a ten foot boa constrictor and 22’ anaconda as thick as a telephone pole!), peccary, hundreds of species of birds, and much more.  We explored the floating forest, climbed to the top of the canopy, rafted the Tambopata River, and saw amazing wildlife.  We also were successful in the respect that the community, encouraged by the enthusiasm and hard work of the volunteers, is fully committed to protecting their forest through ecotourism.  However these expeditions also clearly illustrated the hard work that is ahead for future expeditions.  The Infierno forest still has many forces threatening it. 

We discovered that poaching is rampant in the area.  Early mornings while on research transects, the groups often heard the distant roar of gunfire.  Once we even came face to face with a man carrying a large rifle and a newly killed white lipped peccary.  Out in the deepest part of the forest, hunters from the community are poaching peccary and other species from the land we are trying to protect.  For the health of the peccary populations, and the health of the surrounding forest as well as the benefit of visitors hoping to view wildlife, it is paramount that we stop poaching in the forest.  Doing this in a safe and effective way will be a challenge – but will be one of the main focuses of our upcoming expedition! 

Our projects will therefore range greatly from placid morning research transects, to 5am stakeout shifts in the deep interior, monitoring illegal poaching.  During transects we will be attempting to add to our knowledge of species in the area, and see all of the wildlife we can.  Because it is the rainy season, the colpas and other areas will be packed with grazing mammals, and the herpetofauna will be out in full force.  During the stakeout shifts, we will be positioned off trails before sunrise - listening, watching, and photographing evidence of poaching – as well as crafting “NO HUNTING” signs around the perimeter of the property.  It will be rough work, but crucially important.  For this reason we will rotate positions and designate projects according to individual preference.  Everyone is going to want to get in on the research – observing wildlife early mornings in the jungle is fantastic fun.   However not everyone may be comfortable with the long hours, mileage, and inherent tension that comes with staking out poachers.  Our mission will be to conduct research, end poaching, and protect the forest.  This is the real thing, this is conservation.  As small scale as it may be – an entire tropical ecosystem depends on the work we do.

It is of course important to also note that along with the serious conservation work will be the usual jungle fun and craziness that goes with every trip.  Bonfires, gnarly explorations, rafting, night walks, and whatever else we can think of! 

It is going to be a great trip, and we look forward to seeing you all soon!

Sincerely,
Paul Rosolie & Juan Julio Duran