Global Vision International, XXXXX Report Series No. 00X ISSN XXXX-XXXX (Print)
GVI Ecuador Rainforest Conservation and Community Development
Phase Report 091 January – March 2009
GVI Ecuador/Rainforest Conservation and Community Development Expedition Report 091 ` Submitted in whole to Global Vision International Yachana Foundation Museo Ecuatoriano de Ciencias Naturales (MECN)
Produced by Chris Beirne – Field Staff Jonathan Escolar – Field Manager Matt Iles - Field Staff And
Katherine Allinson
Expedition Member
Sima Lowery
Expedition Member
Rebecca Andrews
Expedition Member
Victoria Morgan-Hill
Expedition Member
Robert Bakewell
Expedition Member
Dan Neilson
Expedition Member
Chelsea Bryson
Expedition Member
Mark Obeney
Expedition Member
Sophie Cousins
Expedition Member
James Pitt
Expedition Member
Cornelia Eberl
Expedition Member
Alan Rea
Expedition Member
Max Hardman
Expedition Member
Rachel Reisinger
Expedition Member
Sarah Henley
Expedition Member
Glen Skelton
Expedition Member
Amy Hill
Expedition Member
Jeanette Theuner
Expedition Member
Tom Keating
Expedition Member
Catherine Toops
Expedition Member
Duncan Lowery
Expedition Member
Natalie White
Expedition Member
Edited by Karina Berg – Country Director GVI Ecuador/Rainforest Conservation and Community Development Address: Casilla Postal 17-07-8832 Quito, Ecuador Email:
[email protected] Web page: http://www.gvi.co.uk and http://www.gviusa.com
Executive Summary This report documents the work of Global Vision International’s (GVI) Rainforest Conservation and Community Development Expedition in Ecuador’s Amazon region and run in partnership with the Yachana Foundation, based at the Yachana Reserve in the province of Napo. During the first phase of 2009 from 09 January to 20 March 2009, GVI has:
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Added one bird species, the Fulvous-crested Tanager (Tachyphonus surinamus), to the reserve species list.
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Conducted seven mist netting sessions, providing 37 captures of 13 different species.
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Made incidental sightings of twelve species of mammal, two of which, the Water Rat (Nectomys squamipes) and the Common Opossum (Didelphis marsupialis), were new to the reserve species list.
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Continued collecting swab samples from amphibians within the reserve in order to assess the status of the epidemic fungal disease Batrachochytrium dendrobatitus, which provided one positive result out of 68 samples.
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Encountered 98 reptile and amphibian individuals through transect surveys.
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Conducted a brief investigation into GVI’s impact on the environment surrounding base camp, by assessing amphibian and Benthic invertebrate populations.
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Conducted preliminary investigations for a new project assessing dung beetle communities present in the reserve.
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Added seven invertebrate species to the reserve species list.
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Continued with English lessons for local school children in Puerto Rico.
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Accommodated three graduate students from the Yachana Technical High School throughout the phase as part of a National Scholarship Program.
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Welcomed two current students from the Yachana Technical High School to join the expedition for a three week period, in order to exchange language skills, knowledge and experience.
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Sent four volunteers to spend a week at the Yachana Technical High School to partake in the school’s practical classes, and to provide drama workshops to enhance English language skills and environmental education lessons for the students.
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Visited a local student’s community and farm, in addition to running two field trips; one to Yasuní National Park and the second to Sumak Allpa, an island reserve and school run by an indigenous conservationist.
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Table of Contents 1 Introduction 2 Avian Research 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Methods 2.3 Results 2.4 Discussion 2.5 Conclusion 3 Mammal Incidentals 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Methods 3.3 Results 3.4 Discussion 3.5 Conclusion 4 Herpetological Research 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Determining the presence of Chytrid fungus 4.3 Pump Stream amphibian activity 4.4 Conclusion 5 Benthic Invertebrates and Stream Health 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Methods 5.3 Results 5.4 Discussion 5.5 Conclusion 6 Dung Beetle Research 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Methods 6.3 Results 6.4 Discussion 6.5 Conclusion 7 Invertebrate Incidentals 8 BTEC Advanced Certificate in Supervision of Biological Surveys 9 Community Development Projects 9.1 Colegio Técnio Yachana (Yachana Technical College) 9.2 National Scholarship Program 9.3 TEFL at Puerto Rico 10 Future Expedition Aims 11 References Appendix A – Dung Beetle Preliminary Research Results Appendix B – Species List Appendix C – Trail Map of Yachana Reserve
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7 9 9 9 10 11 11 12 12 12 12 13 13 13 13 14 16 21 22 22 23 25 27 28 28 28 29 29 30 31 31 32 32 32 33 33 33 35 39 40 46
List of Figures Figure 4.1 Bar chart to show how many of each species were found in the lower Pump Stream region and which methods were successful in finding them. Figure 4.2 Bar chart to show how many of each species were found in the upper Pump Stream region and which methods were successful in finding them. Figure 6.1 EPT scores for upper and lower Pump Stream on each sample date and mean score. Figure 6.2 Sensitivity index scores for upper and lower Pump Stream on each sample date and mean score.
List of Tables Table 4.1: Sampling effort for Pump Stream surveys. Table 5.1 EPT Index scores. Table 5.2 Sensitivity Index scores. Table 5.3 Water quality results for upper Pump Stream on EPT and Sensitivity indices. Table 5.4 Water quality results for lower Pump Stream on EPT and Sensitivity indices.
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1
Introduction
The Rainforest Conservation and Community Development expedition operated by Global Vision International (GVI) is located at the Yachana Reserve in the Napo province in the Amazonian region of Ecuador. Yachana Reserve is a legally-designated Bosque Protector (Protected Forest), consisting of approximately 2000 hectares of predominantly primary lowland rainforest, as well as abandoned plantations, grassland, riparian forest, regenerating forest and a road. The Yachana Reserve is owned and managed by the Yachana Foundation. The Yachana Foundation is dedicated to finding sustainable solutions to the problems facing the Ecuadorian Amazon region. The foundation works with indigenous communities to improve education, develop community-based medical care, establish sustainable agricultural practices, provide environmentally sustainable economic alternatives, and conserve the rainforest. The Yachana Reserve is the result of the foundation’s efforts to purchase blocks of land for the purpose of conservation. The Yachana Foundation is developing a long-term plan of sustainable management for the reserve according to International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) protected forest guidelines. One of GVI’s main roles at the reserve is to provide support, where deemed necessary, for the development of the reserve’s Management Plan. This includes reserve boundary determination, baseline biodiversity assessments, visitor information support, and research centre development.
GVI also works closely with the Yachana Technical High School, a unique educational facility for students from the surrounding region. The High School provides local students with meaningful education and pratical experience in sustainable agriculture, animal husbandry, conservation, eco-tourism, and small business operations. As part of their experiential learning program, students use the Yachana Reserve and GVI’s presence as a valuable educational tool. As part of their conservation curriculum, the students visit the reserve to receive hands on training in some of GVI’s research methodology, as well as familiarization with ecological systems. On a rotational basis, students spend time at the reserve where they participate in the current research activities, and receive conversational English classes from GVI volunteers. 7
GVI additionally conducts Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) classes at the nearby community of Puerto Rico, twice a week. Classes are prepared the day before and last for one hour. Groups of two or three volunteers conduct the classes, covering topics such as introductions, animals, colours and expressions. This allows GVI to integrate with the local community, whilst giving volunteers the opportunity to experience first hand involvement in community development and TEFL. This is also currently laying the foundation to introduce environmental education programmes to the Puerto Rico community in the future. GVI also works with local research institutions. The Ecuadorian Museum for Natural Sciences (Museo Ecuatoriano de Ciencias Naturales, MECN) provides technical assistance with field research and project development. The museum is a government research institution which houses information and conducts research on the presence and distribution of floral and faunal species throughout Ecuador. GVI has a permit through the MECN for the collection of specimens of reptiles, amphibians, small mammals and butterflies, and a permit for catching bats and birds. The data and specimens collected by GVI are being lodged with the MECN in order to make this information nationally and internationally available, and to provide verification of our field data. MECN technicians are continuously invited to The Yachana Reserve to conduct in-field training and education for GVI and Yachana students, as well as explore research opportunities otherwise unavailable. With Pontifica Universidad Catolica Ecuador (PUCE), GVI has established a collaboration involving the amphibian projects within the reserve. PUCE has requested data from the reserve to aid in their ongoing conservation efforts towards the amphibians of the neotropics. A major goal for GVI’s research is to shift focus from identifying species in the reserve to collecting data for management concerns and publication. In collaboration with all local and international partners, GVI has shifted its research focus to answering ecological questions related to conservation. With this focus in mind, several key goals have been identified:
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Cataloguing species diversity in the Yachana Reserve in relation to regional diversity.
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Conducting long-term biological and conservation based research projects. 8
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Monitoring of biological integrity within the Yachana Reserve and the immediate surrounding area.
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Publication of research findings in primary scientific literature.
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Solicitation of visiting researchers and academic collaborators.
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Identification of regional or bio-geographic endemic species or sub-species.
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Identification of species that are included within IUCN or Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) appendices.
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Identification of keystone species important for ecosystem function.
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Identification of new species, sub-species, and range extensions.
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Identification of charismatic species that can be valuable for the promotion of The Yachana Reserve to visitors.
In order to achieve these goals, volunteers are trained by GVI personnel to conduct research on behalf of the local partners in support of their ongoing work. This report summarises the scientific research and community-based programmes conducted during the ten-week expedition from 09 January 2009 to 20 March 2009, at The Yachana Reserve.
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Avian Research
2.1 Introduction GVI continues to monitor the avian communities within the reserve and to identify additional bird species using the following three survey techniques: local bird surveys, mist netting, and incidental sightings. 2.2 Methods 2.2.1 Local Bird Surveys This is a qualitative survey method conducted in the more open areas within the Yachana Reserve to facilitate visual surveying of birds. Trails that pass through secondary forest, plantation forest, open grassland, riparian forest, and along the road are surveyed during the morning (0600 - 0900 h) and afternoon (1600 – 1830 h) for bird activity. The date, start and end time, species heard or seen, number, and sex if known are recorded. 9
2.2.2 Mist Netting In order to collect individuals for identification and banding, mist netting is conducted. Nets are opened during peak bird activity in the morning and afternoon. Mist netting allows GVI to band individuals and identify less conspicuous species otherwise impossible to observe with other methodology. Conducted consistently over time, data can be collected that identifies migratory species, and shifts in diversity and abundance. Two areas of the reserve are currently sampled - an open area of secondary forest adjacent to grassland on the Ridge Trail, and a stretch of primary forest located on the Bloop Trail. 2.2.3 Incidental Data Recordings Species that were encountered outside of point count and local bird surveys are also recorded if they were believed to be rare or not previously identified to be within the reserve (e.g. nocturnal species during satellite camps). Incidental sightings can take place at any time, during any of the other survey or project work within the reserve. At the time of each incidence the time, location, date, species, and any other key characteristics or notes are taken and later entered into a database back in camp. 2.3 Results 2.3.1 Local Bird Surveys Four local bird surveys were conducted at two different sites (Ridge Lookouts 1 & 2). 51 individuals were counted in total, ranging from 9 to 21 individuals per survey. The most common of these was the Yellow-rumped Cacique (Cacicus cela). Several species of tanagers were also sighted throughout all surveys, including the Magpie Tanager (Cissopis leveriana), Masked Crimson Tanager (Ramphocelus nigrogularis), Scarlet Tanager (Piranaga olivacea) and the Thick-billed Euphonia (Euphonia laniirostris). 2.3.2 Mist Netting Seven mist netting sessions were conducted at two different sights (Ridge Trail and upper Bloop Trail) during the expedition. In total 37 individuals and 13 different species were captured over the seven sessions. Of these birds, two had been previously banded by GVI, a Blue-crowned Manakin (Lepidothrix coronata) and a White-necked Thrush (Turdus albicollis), both of which were recaptured in the primary rainforest where they were initially banded. Twelve bands were issued to suitable birds i.e. those that were not too stressed by capture and possessed a tarsus suitably sized to hold a band. 10
2.3.3 Incidental Sightings Incidental sightings added one new species to the Yachana species list this phase. This was the Fulvous-crested Tanager (Tachyphonus surinamus), observed on the Ficus Trail. 2.4 Discussion 2.4.1 Local Bird Surveys The data collected from local bird surveys is useful for documenting and identifying which species are common and which are rare within the reserve, providing valuable information to the Yachana Foundation and the Yachana Lodge, which is useful for the direction of the Management Plan, and the lodge’s tour guides and its visitors. Local bird surveys conducted throughout the year also reveal patterns of migratory species. 2.4.2 Mist Netting The mist netting surveys were particularly valuable for catching and identifying species otherwise difficult to detect or identify simply through observational methods. It is intended that mist netting will form a large part of future avian research in the reserve, with the intention of banding more individuals. This will provide interesting long-term data for recaptured individuals. 2.4.3 Incidental Sightings Incidental sightings added one new species to the list this phase, emphasizing the need to stay alert at all times when out in the forest and the need to use alternative methods (e.g. mist netting) for surveying secretive or rare bird species (Allen et al. 2004; Lacher et al. 2004). 2.5 Conclusion Avian survey work continues to focus on adding species to the reserve checklist. It is recommended, however, that future expeditions focus on using the data more constructively and use statistical indices to measure species richness and diversity. More mist netting should also be conducted as these surveys are particularly productive at revealing less detectable species. A new project is also currently being planned, with the aim of assessing the bird assemblages that are found along the road, which runs through the Yachana Reserve. As tourists staying at the Yachana Lodge use the road in order to view wildlife, particularly birds, it would be useful to have a catalogue of the species 11
associated with it and how the assemblages vary along the road. This may also provide some scientific insight into how the road affects the ecology of the bird population found within the reserve.
3 Mammal Incidentals 3.1 Introduction GVI continues to document mammal species in the reserve predominately through incidental sightings of the mammals and tracks they leave. The recording of mammals is confined to incidental recordings due to the fact that the occurrence of conspicuous diurnal mammals is low. Excessive mammal concentrated surveying is not sufficiently productive. However, long walks in the forest have been continued to increase chances of seeing diurnal and nocturnal mammals. 3.2 Methods All mammal species that were encountered outside of specific mammal surveys were recorded. Incidental sightings can take place at any time during any of the other survey or project work within the reserve, or during long walks into the forest. At the time of each incidence the time, location, date, species, and any other key characteristics or notes are taken and later entered into a database on return to camp. 3.3 Results During this phase, twelve mammal species were sighted incidentally, during other survey work or walks into the forest. Of these, two were new species to the Yachana species list. Incidental sightings included regular encounters with Amazon Red Squirrel (Sciurus sp.), Black Agouti (Dasyprocta fuliginosa), Black-mantled Tamarins (Saguinus nigricollis), Kinkajou (Potos flavus), Night monkeys (Aotus sp.) and Water Opossum (Chironectes minimus). Sightings were also made of Amazon Bamboo Rat (Dactylomys dactylinus), Four-eyed Opossum (Philander sp.), Neotropical Otter (Lontra longicaudis) and a Southern two-toed Sloth (Choloepus diadactylus). The Water Rat (Nectomys squamipes), encountered several times along the reserve’s main stream, and the Common Opossum (Didelphis marsupialis), observed in camp, were new additions to the reserve species list.
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3.4 Discussion The elusiveness of many mammal species means they are often difficult to survey and particularly in the Yachana Reserve as their occurrence is less than regular. Incidental sightings alone have provided us with twelve of the 48 mammal species (19 of which are bats from past bat netting sessions). Two of the incidental sightings were new to the Yachana species list. 3.5 Conclusion Incidental sightings continue to provide the bulk of mammal encounters in the reserve. For this reason, night walks and long forays into the forest should be conducted regularly. These should ideally be performed in small groups in order to minimise disturbance and increase the likelihood of sightings. The two new additions to the species list are likely to have been resident in the reserve prior to these sightings, however have probably passed by unnoticed due to their ability to move around the forest inconspicuously.
This,
therefore, demonstrates the need to maintain vigilance at all time in the forest and around camp.
4 Herpetological Research 4.1 Introduction Herpetological research on the Yachana Reserve has recently focused on two areas. The first is to continue long term monitoring of the abundance and diversity of amphibians and lizards in the reserve. To date this work has contributed to a catalogue of species found within the reserve, with 61 species of amphibians idientified thus far, and the possible future production a field guide of the amphibians in the Yachana Reserve. The second is to determine the prevalence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatitus (commonly referred to as Chytrid fungus) within amphibian populations at the Yachana Reserve. The Chytrid fungus is the cause of the disease chytridiomycosis; one of the biggest threats facing amphibian populations worldwide - particularly in the tropics (Daszak et al., 1999). Chytrid fungus has only become a focus of global amphibian research and conservation in the past ten years, and the exact pathology of the disease is still unknown. This survey data also contributes to research at Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Ecuador (PUCE), who are studying at the presence and effects of the chytrid fungus on a national scale. This phase also saw the 13
introduction of a new project, an assessment of the effects of the Yachana Reserve/GVI base camp on the amphibian population assemblage of the surrounding environment. 4.2 Determining the Presence of Chytrid Fungus 4.2.1 Introduction Chytrid fungus has been attributed to extinctions and severe declines of amphibian populations worldwide (Menendez-Guerrero et al. 2006). In the phase 083, a swab sample from a rain frog on Stream 1, Prystimantis malkini, tested positive for the Chytrid fungus. However, the swab samples from phase 084 were found to be unanimously negative. Despite the apparent low abundance of Chytrid fungus within the reserve, it is important to continue swabbing individuals to determine whether or not the fungus is spreading. 4.2.2 Methods Sampling Techniques Amphibians and reptiles are surveyed by conducting stream walks and transects. These walks are conducted both during the day and at night in an attempt to target amphibians and reptiles with different activity patterns. Groups search along the banks and surrounding vegetation including overhanging branches and vines, which provide excellent cover for many species of tree frog. The time, position along the stream, and microhabitat are recorded for each specimen located. The individual’s snout to vent length (svl) is also noted, in addition to any physical characteristics that may aid the identification of unknown species.
Transects are similar to stream surveys except they are conducted through a segment of forest. Again, each transect is surveyed in the morning and early evening during peak amphibian and reptile activity, by thoroughly searching in the leaf litter and the surrounding vegetation. Information recorded is the same as for the stream surveys. During both surveys, unfamiliar species of amphibians are taken back to camp for further examination and, where applicable, samples are taken to send to PUCE in order to determine the status of the B. dendrobatitus pathogen.
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Sampling of Chytrid Fungus In accordance with PUCE, captured amphibians are swabbed for PCR analysis in order to detect the presence of B. dendrobatitus. This involves swabbing the individual 30 times across the belly and a further 15 times on each leg, focusing on the groin region where the fungus is thought to be concentrated. Amphibians are then euthanized using the anaesthetic Lidocaine. A tissue sample is then taken from the frogs left thigh and an additional sample is taken from the liver. PUCE then uses these tissue samples to add to gene database of the amphibians of Latin America. This is part of a wider project linked to work at PUCE involving the captive breeding of rare and endemic species with the aim of reintroductions. Incidental Sightings Species that were encountered outside of stream and forest transect surveys were also swabbed and recorded using the same protocols as on stream and forest transects. A record was also kept of all incidental reptile sightings, including their location and microhabitat. 4.2.3 Results Chytrid Fungus Testing Fifteen stream and forest transects were conducted during the phase, which resulted in the encounter of 72 amphibian individuals, 68 of which where swabbed to detect the presence or absence of the Chytrid fungus. The swabs were sent to PUCE for analysis by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). One sample was found to be positive for Chytrid: Prystimantis ockendeni complex, on the upper Pump Stream. All other samples were found to be negative for the Chytrid fungus. Species Encountered During this phase, 98 reptile and amphibian individuals were encountered comprising of 30 species. Of the 72 amphibians located, 70% belonged to six common species; Ameerega billinguis, Engostymops petersi, Oreobates quixensis, Osteocephalus cabrerai complex, Prystimantis malkini and Prystimantis ockendeni complex. Other sightings of note were Prystimantis nigrovitattus, Hypsiboas boans and Lithodytes lineatus.
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4.2.4 Discussion Chytrid Fungus Despite recording a positive result for the Chytrid fungus test during this phase, the low prevalence of the fungus means it should not be a research priority for subsequent phases. However, it will be important to repeat swabbing for Chytrid fungus in six months as the threat of a Chytrid fungus epidemic cannot be ruled out in the future. Species Encountered Transect walks and incidental sightings are still providing valuable data for both the long term monitoring project and the field guide. Any future projects should include these methods in their data collection. 4.3 Pump Stream Amphibian Survey 4.3.1 Introduction Amphibians are vital indicators of environmental quality as they are very susceptible to changes in the environment (Gardner et al, 2007; Lyaruu et al, 2000). According to Gardner et al (2007) it is essential that we learn more about the patterns of diversity and habitat preferences of individual species. This data can then be used to monitor population declines and inform effective conservation strategies, particularly where amphibians act as indicators of change in their environment. The GVI base camp is situated in close proximity to a small stream running close to the camp in which water is regularly pumped out for use in daily camp life. Used water is then allowed to drain back into the local surrounding environment. Amphibians are particularly sensitive to changes in water quality and have frequently been described as excellent indicators of water quality and the stability of the surrounding environment. The impact that the GVI base camp has on the surrounding environment was assessed to determine any adverse affects that may be avoided in future work related to daily camp living. The principal goal of the study is to investigate the amphibian assemblages along the Pump Stream close to the GVI base camp. Surveys were conducted in areas before water is pumped from the stream and then further down stream after it has been pumped out. Through conducting Benthic surveys along the stream we can also gain a good 16
assessment of water quality related to invertebrate assemblages and detect any differences in stream water quality in the locations pre and post the pumping of water for base camp, in accordance with amphibian data. 4.3.2 Methods Two main methods were implemented to assess the presence of different amphibian species along the lower and upper regions of the Pump Stream; pitfall trapping and visual encounter surveys. Pitfall Trapping At two sites, one on the upper and one on the lower Pump Stream, leaf-litter amphibian and lizards were sampled with pitfalls traps and drift fences. At each sample site, two 20litre plastic buckets were installed parallel to the stream edge. The buckets were connected via an eight meter long, 50 cm high plastic baffle. The lower Pump Stream was sampled from the 02 March 2009 to the 09 March 2009 and the upper Pump Stream was sampled from the 09 March 2009 to the 16 March 2009. This resulted in 28-nights of sampling effort in each stream. All amphibians captured were collected to remove the possibility of subsequent recapture at a later date. Visual Encounter Surveys Nocturnal and crepuscular visual encounter surveys were employed along 120m stream transects in the upper and lower Pump Stream. Where possible both transects were surveyed on the same day to minimise the effect of weather variation on the amphibian assemblage. The surveys took place the 23 February 2009 and the 12 March 2009. The surveys took place at times that have been found to coincide with peak frog activity: crepuscular surveys took place between 0530 h and 0830 h, and nocturnal surveys took place between 1930 h and 2230 h. Transects were searched at a rate of roughly one meter per minute. All amphibians found within 3m of each side of the stream were captured and collected thus removing the possibility that they would be recaptured on a later survey. To minimise the effect of team size and transect duration variability, a measure of effort was calculated by determining the number of search minutes per transect (see Table 4.1). These values were calculated by multiplying the search time for each transect by the number of observers on each transect. 17
23-Feb-09 25-Feb-09 03-Mar-09 06-Mar-09 09-Mar-09 12-Mar-09 Total Effort
Sampling Effort (sampling time x num. Observers) Upper Lower 896 833 575 642 810 400 575 565 420 2793 2923
Table 4.1: Sampling effort for Pump Stream surveys.
Surveying rainforest habitat is a privileged opportunity; however there is the potential to negatively affect the ecosystem by passing infections between sites and species. Good practices will be strictly adhered to so as to ensure transmissions are not possible. This will be achieved by systematic cleaning of tools, equipment, and sterile gloves will be changed when handling different individuals. All volunteers were fully briefed regarding precautionary measures and effective surveying techniques. Benthic Surveying Benthic surveys were conducted in both the upper and lower transects of the Pump Stream to assess water quality based upon invertebrate species found within the stream. The methods and details of this work can be viewed in the corresponding Benthic survey report of the GVI Yachana Reserve Pump Stream. Weather Data Weather data was collected using a Sun-Moon Radio Controlled Weather Station at the GVI base camp. Temperature, pressure, humidity, cloud cover and rainfall data was recorded at 0600 h, 1200 h and 1800 h daily. 4.3.3 Results In total, three species of amphibian were found in the lower Pump Stream region (see Table 4.2) whilst in the upper Pump Stream region we found seven species (see Table 4.3). Eight different species were found in total. Rhinella marinus was the only species unique to the lower Pump Stream area, whilst Allobates bilinguis, Hypnodactylus nigrovittatus, Pristimantis martiae and Pristimantis acuminatus were all species found only 18
within the upper areas of the Pump Stream. Pristimantis ockendeni and Bolitoglossa peruviana were the two species that were common to both the upper and lower Pump Stream transects.
In total 18 individuals were caught throughout the sampling period, six of which were caught within the pitfall traps and the other twelve being caught on visual encounter surveys. Five of the nine P. ockendeni caught were captured in pitfall traps with only a single H. nigrovittatus being the only other pitfall capture. No significant correlation was found between the number of amphibians encountered and; temperature (R2=0.229), rainfall (R2=0.036) or pressure (R2=0.010).
6 Pitfall Trapping Visual Encounter Survey
Number of Individuals Encountered
5
4
3
2
1
0 Prystimantis okendeni
Bolitoglossa peruviana
Rhinella marinus
Species Encountered on Lower Pump Stream
Figure 4.1 Bar chart to show the number of each species found in the lower Pump Stream region and which methods were successful in finding them.
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6
Pitfall Trapping Visual Encounter Survey 5
Number of Individuals Encountered
4
3
2
1
0 Prystimantis okendeni
Allobates biliguis
Bolitoglossa peruviana
Hypnodactylus nigrovittatus
Pristimantis martiae
Oreobates quixensis
Pristimantis acuminatus
Species Encountered on Upper Pump Stream
Figure 4.2 Bar chart to show the number of each species found in the upper Pump Stream region and which methods were successful in finding them.
4.3.4 Discussion The results from this phase do appear to indicate that there is a greater species richness of amphibians to be found within the upper areas of the Pump Stream than the lower areas. This may indicate that the GVI base camp is having an adverse effect on the quality of the lower area by frequently pumping out water and allowing used water to drain off into the area. For this reason we suggest that this work be repeated throughout future GVI phases in order to increase the robustness of the data collected here, enough to carry out statistical analysis. The number of individuals actually caught within the study was very small to be able to conduct any reliable statistical analysis. It may be a factor to be taken into consideration for collection and removal of water for the GVI base camp in the near future. At this stage we can not simply assess the differences in species found due to any effects of the GVI camp. It could simply be that there are differences in microhabitats at these different transects of the stream. Vegetation mapping could be used to investigate this in a future surveying period on these sites.
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The study was too short term to see if any significant relationships between weather variables and amphibian abundances were present. This data was recorded throughout the study however must be continued for any comparison in other research phases to see if any trends between weather data sets and amphibian abundances become apparent in the future. The project was conducted not only to assess the effects of GVI camp on the Pump Stream but also to trial sampling methods on amphibians within the area for their suitability and effectiveness. This was very useful in allowing us to determine the effectiveness of both methods. The pitfall traps are labour intensive to prepare and install but once up are very quick and easy to check. They seemed particularly useful in detecting P. ockendeni which is a leaf litter egg laying species. The visual encounter surveys are particularly important in detecting a variety of different species which otherwise would not have been found. Overall it can be seen that a combination of methods is essential and will be used within our future GVI surveys. 4.4 Conclusion It would appear that the reserve has a relatively low background rate of Chytrid fungus infection. Due to this, it is unlikely that we will resume swabbing for the Chytrid fungus within the next six months. It will be vital to recommence swabbing in the future, however it is not a research priority at the current time.
The investigation into the effects of camp water removal and waste release on the amphibian assemblages within the upper and lower Pump Stream offered encouraging preliminary results, with the caveat that we did not collect sufficient data to perform reliable statistical tests. The methods will be repeated in future phases with the aim to increase the robustness of our preliminary conclusion. The data collected this phase will also be used to build a one year long term study into amphibian assemblages of the Yachana Reserve. The project will be focused on pitfall trapping, as we have found it to be a reliable and successful method. It also has the advantage of negating observer bias effects due to varying group sizes and experience levels. However, the visual encounter method of amphibian and reptile diction has also
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proved valuable to sample a larger subset of the species found on the reserve. Any future project will certainly employ a combination of these two methods.
5
Benthic Invertebrates and Stream Health
5.1 Introduction GVI has been using the research station at the Yachana Reserve for approximately three years. The infrastructure of the site unfortunately lacks a proper grey water system, and instead waste water from sinks and showers is drained into a large wooden-sided subterranean tank where it gradually seeps into an adjacent waterway. Chemicals used on the site and therefore released into the ecosystem include bleach, detergent, DEET, laundry soap and other personal hygiene products. Fecal matter from toilets is contained in a similar tank and therefore must also slowly leach into the surrounding soil and waterways.
Two study sites were investigated that represented two different treatments: one predischarge (sample site two), that is not impacted by wastewater from GVI base camp and a second post-discharge (sample site one), located downstream from GVI and therefore exposed to any effluents. It is therefore expected that sample site two, the upper Pump Stream, will have higher water quality as it is not impacted by effluents discharged by GVI base camp. Sampling Benthic invertebrate communities is a reliable and economical way of determining water quality (Feinsinger, 2001). Each invertebrate family has differing sensitivities to contaminants, and their presence, or absence, as well as abundance can be used in different analytical indices to give an indication of water quality. Over 50 different methods have been developed for the biological assessment of water quality in temperate countries (Cota et. al., 2002) and some have been adapted for use in tropical regions and their associated biota. The analyses selected for this investigation are discussed fully in subsequent sections.
22
5.2 Methods 5.2.1 Site Selection Two study sites were selected, each representing a different treatment. One site was located before waste water from the base camp entered the water system (upper Pump Stream) and the other site selected in an area downstream to where waste water was discharged (lower Pump Stream). Study sites were selected based on the presence of areas of fast flowing shallow water over rocky substrate known as riffles. Valid study sites contained riffles of both suitable size and abundance to allow for the collection of 30 samples to be taken from the selected study area. 5.2.2 Collection Samples were collected by employing a modified kick sampling technique (Sutherland, 1996) with the use of a Surber net (300mm x 300mm). The Surber net was placed upon the substrate of identified riffles with the net positioned downstream, allowing for the collection of dislodged individuals. The area of each sample was defined by the frame of the Surber net resting on the substrate, and all loose stones within it were hand scrubbed before being placed outside of the sample area and the remaining substrate disturbed thoroughly by hand to a depth of one inch. After the sample was completed any removed stones were placed back in their original position so as to minimize disturbance. After each sample, the contents of the Surber net were emptied into a large bucket with the net being thoroughly flushed with stream water and then visually checked for remaining specimens. Collected materials from the sample were divided into trays and searched for specimens with any individuals found being removed with tweezers and placed in a killing jar containing 70% alcohol. A separate killing jar was used for casecrafting Trichoptera to aid in the identification process. The above process was repeated until 15 samples from each survey site were collected. A further 15 samples were taken at later dates from both the upper and lower Pump Stream. 5.2.3 Identification Collected specimens were taken back to the field base and using a taxonomic key (Reyes & Peralbo, 2001) identified to family level before being tallied. Identification was performed using 10x hand lenses. 23
5.2.4 Analyses Tallied results were then used in conjunction with both Ephemeroptera-PlecopteraTrichoptera (EPT) index and an individual sensitivity index (Reyes & Peralbo, 2001) to determine water quality for the selected study areas. The EPT index measures the percentage of individuals from the orders Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera against the total number of individuals in each sample. These three orders are used as they are particularly sensitive to changes in water quality. The higher the percentage on this index, the higher the quality of the water. Table 5.1 shows how the scores relate to water quality.
EPT Total 75 - 100% 50 - 74% 25 - 49% 0 - 24%
Water quality Very Good Good Moderate Poor
Table 5.1 EPT Index scores.
This index works on the presence or absence of different orders, sub orders or families that each have a different degree of sensitivity to contaminants. Each group is assigned a value of 1 - 10, the groups given a rating of 10 being the most sensitive and the ones rated 1, least sensitive. The score from the groups present is added up and higher scores indicate a higher quality of water. Table 5.2 shows the values given to each group. Sensitive Species Total 101 - 145+ 61 – 100 36 – 60 16 – 35 0 – 15
Water quality Very Good Good Moderate Poor Very Poor
Table 5.2 Sensitivity Index scores.
24
5.3 Results 5.3.1 Upper Pump Stream The upper Pump Stream was sampled on two occasions, the 25 February 2009 and the 04 March 2009. Each time, 15 Surber net samples were collected from different locations. Table 5.3 shows the results for water quality from each sample day and a mean value for both on the EPT and Sensitivity indices. In all three the water quality is rated as moderate by the EPT index and very good on the sensitivity index.
Sample 25 Feb 2009 04 Mar 2009 Mean
EPT index score 43.35 34.81 39.08
Sensitivity index score 130 109 119.5
Table 5.3 Water quality results for upper Pump Stream on EPT and Sensitivity indices.
5.3.2 Lower Pump Stream The lower Pump Stream was also sampled on two occasions, the 23 Feburary 2009 and the 17 March 2009. Again, 15 Surber net samples were taken from individual locations on each sampling date. Table 5.4 shows the results for water quality from each sample day and a mean value for both indices. According to the EPT index water quality is poor in the sample taken on the 23 February 2009, and moderate on both the the 17 March 2009 and on average. On the Sensitivity index it is rated as very good for all three samples.
Sample 23 Feb 2009 17 Mar 2009 Mean
EPT index score 22.95 29.35 26.15
Sensitivity index score 123 143 133
Table 5.4 Water quality results for lower Pump Stream on EPT and Sensitivity indices.
5.3.3 EPT Combined Results Results from the EPT index support the null hypothesis that water quality is higher in the upper Pump Stream. Figure 5.1 shows the EPT scores from the upper and lower Pump Stream on both sample dates and a mean score of the two.
25
Figure 6.1 EPT scores for upper and lower Pump Stream on each sample date and mean score.
5.3.4 Sensitivity Combined Results The results from the Sensitivity index analysis do not support the null hypothesis. Instead they indicate that on average water quality is marginally higher in the lower Pump Stream. Figure 5.2 shows the Sensitivity index scores from the upper and lower Pump Stream on both sample dates and their mean.
Figure 6.2 Sensitivity index scores for upper and lower Pump Stream on each sample date and mean score.
26
5.4 Discussion The major surprise presented by the results of this study is that the EPT index and Sensitivity index gave contradicting results for all the samples collected. The values obtained from the EPT index fit the null hypothesis that water quality is higher on the upper Pump Stream, although the sample size is too small to test for a significant difference statistically. With the Sensitivity index however, water quality was on average higher in the lower Pump Stream, although again, the sample size was not large enough to test for significant differences. The reason for this disparity is that the analyses used are unsuitable for the Neotropical region, despite the fact that these were taken from a source designed for use in Ecuador by Ecuadorians (Reyes & Peralbo, 2001). The use of the EPT index gives unreliable results because the number of families of stoneflies (Plecoptera) drops off to just one, Perlidae, the closer one is to the equator (Feinsinger, 2001). After further research and consultation a more suitable analysis was found for the Neotropics, the BMWP/Col index (Contreras et. al., 2008) that uses more relevant families as sensitivity indicators. The use of the Sensitivity index is also questionable because unlike the EPT index it does not take abundance into account.
This could affect the accuracy of results as some
samples yield substantially more individuals than others. For example, the 17 March 2009 sample consisted of 620 individual invertebrates, whereas the other three samples had a mean of 173 individuals. It should be noted however, that the BMWP/Col index also ignores abundance and works solely on presence or absence of families. The identification key provided by Reyes and Peralbo (2001) also limited the accuracy of the study as a large proportion of the invertebrates collected could only be identified as ‘other’. A new key (Contreras, et. al., 2008) that enables identification of a greater number of families will be used for future studies. The use of the Surber net to sample riffles was effective, although other studies have found kick nets to yield better and more cost-effective results (Buss & Borges, 2008). A combination of the two methods would enable sampling of both riffles and pools and may give a more complete sample of benthic invertebrate assemblages.
27
Some other physical factors that may affect the lower Pump Stream and potentially skew results have been noted. First, a landslide has blocked the flow of the stream in one area creating a large, still body of water. The flow then returns to normal but the 17 March 2009 sample was taken downstream from this site as there were not enough suitable riffles higher up the waterway. A road is also in close proximity to a stretch of the lower Pump Stream, and although the level of traffic is low, runoff could potentially have an impact on water quality. Another factor that must be addressed in future studies is non-use of weather data in correlation with these data. Precipitation levels can have a significant effect on Benthic macro invertebrate communities, as many may be washed away after periods of heavy rainfall. There was particularly heavy rainfall prior to surveying the upper Pump Stream on the 04 March 2009 that may have washed away a significant number of the invertebrates present. 5.5 Conclusion The main conclusion drawn from this investigation is that the analyses used were unreliable at giving an accurate reflection of water quality as they are unsuited to Neotropical freshwater habitats. The sample sites should be re-sampled and analysed using the BMWP/Col index and a more detailed identification key, and deeper water areas should be sampled using kick nets in addition to the sampling of riffles with Surber nets. Moreover, a greater number of samples should be taken to allow a statistical analysis of the samples to be carried out. Ideally this should be conducted at regular interval throughout the year to look for seasonal variations and these data should be correlated with weather data. As the water quality results are unreliable we are unable to make recommendations regarding changes to GVI practice and infrastructure.
6 Dung Beetle Research 6.1 Introduction Dung beetles (Order Coleoptera, Family Scarabaeidae) are broadly recognised as a good indicator of habitat quality (Spector & Forsyth, 1998). They are a useful target group for 28
investigating spatial and temporal patterns of biodiversity. By burying dung on which adults and larvae feed upon, dung beetles act as secondary seed dispersers, accelerate nutrient recycling rates, increase plant yield and regulate vertebrate parasites (Mittal, 1993; Andresen, 1999). Significant relationships have been found to exist between the numbers of mammals at study sites, and the richness of species and individuals of dung beetles (Estrada et al., 1998). At the Yachana Reserve there is a unique opportunity to investigate variation in habitat type and fragmentation upon dung beetle communities. The reserve consists of a patchwork of varying habitat types, comprising approximately 2000 hectares of predominantly primary lowland rainforest, in addition to abandoned plantations, grassland, riparian forest, regenerating forest and a road. The reserve is also a fragment of primary lowland rainforest in the context of the larger landscape, as it borders an agricultural matrix on two sides and the Napo River on another. 6.2 Methods Trials were conducted in order to establish a standardised method for long-term assessment of the dung beetle community at the Yachana Reserve. A standard method for trapping dung beetles using baited pitfall traps, recommended by the Scarabaeinae Research Network, was used throughout all trials. This involved placing two cups, one inside the other, in the ground with the upper lip flush with the ground, so as to allow beetles to fall into the trap. Two cups are used so that the upper cup may be removed and emptied easily. Traps were baited with 20g of fresh mammal dung suspended 5cm above the trap in a muslin net. A leaf was placed above this to cover the trap in order to protect the bait from rain. The cup may or may not be filled a third of the way with a preservative liquid, used to kill captured dung beetles and prevent them from escaping. Ten traps were placed at any one time in each site, along trails in the forest. Nine separate trials were then conducted, in three different locations. Each used various combinations of different trap exposure time, bait type and trap spacing. 6.3 Results The preliminary results table is shown in Appendix A. Captured individuals from each of the ten traps were pooled to provide a total ‘catch’ for each sampling period. Catches varied from between 4 and 298 individuals, although eight of the nine trials harboured 55 29
or less individuals. Species richness of catches varied from one to nine. Species numbers are all estimates at this stage due to a lack of identification resources. Species were found which belong to the Genera Canthon, Eurysternus and Deltochilum, amongst others that have as yet been determined. One catch alone harboured 298 individuals and an estimated nine species. 6.4 Discussion One of the first findings of preliminary trials was that the removal of all leaf litter from within a close proximity of the trap made the pitfall more successful. In the second trial, it appeared that traps placed on or near slopes were more successful, whereas a later trial suggested that traps going down a steep slope harboured a lesser yield. These differences are likely to be due to variation in wind direction or bait detection by beetles, and would require further investigation to determine the effect of gradients on trap effectiveness.
There appeared to be no major differences in the effectiveness of bait type (horse or cattle, both readily available from nearby agricultural land). However, bait freshness was important, and it is recommended that dung bait should be as fresh as possible when used. If agricultural dung freshness is questionable, then human dung may be used. The single trap that was baited using a dead frog yielded a species not seen in any of the other catches, perhaps indicating that this beetle was a carrion specific feeder. In two of the three trials performed within the secondary forest matrix (Ridge Trail), there were markedly less individual beetles and beetle species within the catch. Moreover, in the final trial it was noted that most of the traps located in grassland, which is found in this secondary matrix, attracted solely one species of beetle. Trap spacing created apparently little difference in catch yield. Trials conducted using salt water as a preservative were found to leave specimens smelling horrible, whereas solely using water and a tiny amount of detergent (to increase surface tension of the water and therefore prevent beetles from escaping) worked suitably in killing beetles without specimen quality deteriorating. Using no preservative, in an attempt to undertake live capture, did not reduce total catch numbers significantly. Trap exposure time remained constant for all trials in primary forest, but was reduced for those within the secondary matrix, in order to maximise trap efficiency during live capture. 30
6.5 Conclusion These preliminary trials have provided some insight into how best to undertake dung beetle surveys, whilst helping to finalise a pitfall trapping method. Dung bait must be as fresh as possible and, in accordance with recommendations by Larsen and Forsyth (2005), will be replaced every 48 hours. Traps will be checked every 24 hours in future, regardless of whether traps contain preservative or not, in order to maintain consistency throughout live beetle and specimen collection. It is proposed that a future dung beetle project will focus on the differences between the dung beetle communities in the primary rainforest and those in the secondary rainforest matrix. Grid transects will be established in six separate sites (three in primary forest, three in secondary matrix), each consisting of nine traps in a 100m2 area, each trap separated by 50m (Larsen and Forsyth, 2005). Primarily comparisons will be made between the primary forest and the secondary matrix, using a T-test. Within the secondary matrix, comparisons can be made between the varying microhabitats (e.g. grassland, riparian forest and ex-cacao plantation) using an Analysis of Variance test. Similar comparisons can be made between microhabitat in the primary rainforest present in the Yachana Reserve. The project also has scope to contain more ecologically focused study aspects. This may include examining bait preferences in the dung beetle communities, for example, various dung types, dung sizes, vertebrate carrion, invertebrate carrion, rotting fruit and fungus. There is also an opportunity to examine abundance and ranging, through mark and recapture methods.
7 Invertebrate Incidentals Due to the varying interests of new staff members, more notice has been taken of the wider invertebrate communities present in the Yachana Reserve. During Phase 091, three species of Coleoptera (beetle), one species of Hemiptera (true bug), one species of Grylloptera (crickets and katydids) and two species of Araneae (spider) were added to the reserve species list through incidental sightings alone. This interest will undoubtedly continue and more species are sure to be added in the future as more specific identification resources are sought. There is also the opportunity to perform surveys on 31
occasional basis, for the interest of volunteers, such as the use of light traps for moths and other insects.
8 BTEC Advanced Certificate in Supervision of Biological Surveys Volunteers joining for a five or ten week expedition, have the opportunity to complete a BTEC course in the Supervision of Biological Surveys, equivalent to an A-level qualification. The course consists of five units, ranging in content from Target Species Identification, Survey Techniques, to learning about Expedition Logistics, and Community Development. This course is a hands-on, applied course that builds on the training and knowledge that all volunteers receive during the initial training week. Over the course of the ten weeks eight volunteers were certified. During this expedition, volunteers chose an area of specialization, and conducted their assignments based on their interests. In this way, volunteers with special abilities were able to improve our data collection.
9 Community Development Projects 9.1 Colegio Técnico Yachana (Yachana Technical High School) A large component of the expedition consists of exchange with students from the Yachana High School. During this expedition four volunteers and one staff member attended the high school for a week. They took part in the high school’s practical sessions alongside the current students. The sessions in which they participated included animal husbandry, ecotourism, agronomy and environmental education. The volunteers also provided several English classes instead of the students’ regular English lessons, including drama workshops and environmental education. The week proved to be hugely enjoyable and beneficial to all involved. GVI will look to make this a permanent component of future phases. Two current students from the Yachana Technical High School also joined the expedition for three weeks. They participated in all aspects of the expedition and additionally took part in language exchange sessions with volunteers and staff.
32
9.2 National Scholarship Program Graduates from the Yachana Technical High School are offered a place on the expedition as part of a National Scholarship Program. Each week, two or three students become integral members of the expedition during which time they are involved in all aspects of the expedition, including survey work, camp duty and satellite camps. Conversation sessions for language exchange are also arranged between the students and volunteers or staff members. During phase 091, GVI hosted three students throughout the expedition. The students are of great assistance during field work, sharing their knowledge about local uses for plants as well as helping with the scheduled work. They also shared their culture, teaching traditional basket-weaving, traditional achiote-painting, providing indigenous language (Quichua and Chachi) and cooking lessons (e.g. empanadas), teaching the uses of medicinal plants, and demonstrating how to build several animal traps.
9.3 TEFL at Puerto Rico Formal English classes were provided by volunteers and staff for one hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays, to school children of the neighbouring community of Puerto Rico. The relationship between GVI and Puerto Rico is continuing to grow and strengthen, and GVI is looking to provide environmental education programmes to the community in the future as part of the conservation work carried out here. Classes this phase focused on numbers, body parts, expressions, animal habitats, colours, geography and mathematics. As the nearest discrete community to the reserve, GVI’s relationship with the community is an important component of the expedition providing benefit to both its residents and GVI volunteers.
10 Future Expedition Aims
The biodiversity programme will be continued, opportunistically re-surveying sites, and expanding the survey areas within the reserve.
The direction of the avian research program will refocus upon mist netting and a new project examining the avifauna associated with the road running through the reserve.
Herpetological research will become more focused and will include the widespread use of pitfall traps throughout the reserve.
33
The impact of GVI upon the natural landscape in which it inhabits will continue to be monitored through a variety of methods.
A thorough examination of the dung beetle communities found in the reserve will commence, using grid transects.
The BTEC course will continue to be offered and run for all interested volunteers.
GVI will continue to co-ordinate with the Yachana Technical High School, continuing with various exchanges.
TEFL at Puerto Rico will continue with a more defined focus for each age group and an overall aim enabling the students to compose full sentences.
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11 References Allen, T., Ginkbeiner, S.L., and Johnson, D.H., 2004. Comparison of detection rates of breeding marsh birds in passive and playback surveys at Lacreek National Wildlife refuge, South Dakota. Waterbirds 27, 277-281. Andresen, E., 1999. Seed dispersal by monkeys and the fate of dispersed seeds in the Peruvian rain forest. Biotropica 31: 145-158. Buss D. F. & Borges E. L., 2008. ‘Application of Rapid Bioassessment Protocols (RBP) for Benthic Macroinvertebrates in Brazil: Comparison between Sampling Techniques and Mesh Sizes.’ Neotropical Entomology 37 (3): 288-295. Contreras J., Roldán G., Arango A. & Álvarez L.F., 2008. ‘Evaluación de la calidad del agua de las microcuencas La Laucha, La Lejía y La Rastrojera, utilizando los macroinvertebrados como bioindicadores, Municipio de Durania, Departamento Norte de Santander, Colombia.’ Rev. Acad. Colomb. Cienc. 32 (123): 171-193. Cota, L., Goulart, M., Moreno, P. & Callisto, M. ‘Rapid assessment of river water quality using an adapted BMWP index: a practical tool to evaluate ecosystem health’. Verh. Internat. Verein. Limnol. 28: 1-4. Daszak, P., Berger, L., Cunningham, A.A., Hyatt, A.D., Green, D.E., Speare. R., 1999. Emerging infectious diseases and amphibian population declines. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 5, 735-48. Estradsa, A., Coates-Estrada, R., Dadda, A.A. & Cammarano, P., 1998. Dung and carrion beetles in tropical rainforest fragments and agricultural habitats at Los Tuxtlas, Mexico. Journal of Tropical Ecology 14: 577-593. Feinsinger, P., 2001. Designing Field Studies for Biodiversity Conservation. Island Press, Washington. Gardner T.A., Fitzherbert E.B., Drewes R.C., Howell K.M., Caro T., 2007. Spatial and temporal patterns of abundance and diversity of an east African leaf litter amphibian fauna. Biotropica 39(1):105-113.
35
Heyer W.R., Donnelly M.A., McDiarmid R.W., Hayek L.A.C., Foster M.S., 1994. Measuring and Monitoring Biological Diversity - Standard Methods for Amphibians. Karr, J.R., 1999. Defining and measuring river health. Freshwater Biology 41: 221-234. Kroodsma, D.E., 1984. Songs of the Alder Flycatcher (Empidonax alnorum) and Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) are innate. Auk 101, 13-24. Lacher, T., 2004. Tropical Ecology, Assessment, and Monitoring (TEAM) Initiative: Avian Monitoring
Protocol
version
3.
Conservation
International,
Washington,
DC.
www.teaminitiative.org. Larsen, T.H., Forsyth, A., 2005. Trap spacing and transect design for dung beetle biodiversity studies. Biotropica 37: 322-325. Lyaruu H.V., Eliapenda S., Backeus I., 2000. Floristic, structural and seed bank diversity of a dry Afromontane forest at Mafai, central Tanzania. Biodiversity and Conservation 9(2): 241-263. Menendez-Guerrero P.A., Ron S.R. and Graham C.H., 2006. Predicting the Distribution and Spread of Pathogens to Amphibians. Amphibian Conservation 11:127-128. Mittal, I.C., 1993. Natural manuring and soil conditioning by dung beetles. Tropical Ecology 34: 150-159. Ridgely, R.S., Greenfield, P.J., 2001. The birds of Ecuador. Volume I. Status, Distribution, and Taxonomy. Cornell University Press, New York. Scarabaeinae Research Network - http://216.73.243.70/scarabnet/ Spector, S., Forsyth, A.B., 1998. Indicator taxa for biodiversity assessment in the vanishing tropics. Conservation Biology Series 1: 181-209. Sutherland, W.J., 1996. Ecological census techniques: a handbook. University press, Cambridge. Weldon, C., du Preez, L.H., Hyatt, A.D., Muller, R., Speare, R., 2004. Origin of the amphibian chytrid fungus. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 10 (Issue 12). 36
References used in the field to identify species: Bartlett, R.D., Bartlett, P., 2003. Reptiles and amphibians of the Amazon. An ecotourist’s guide. University Press of Florida, Gainsville. Bollino, M., Onore G., 2001. Butterflies & moths of Ecuador.
Volume 10a. Familia:
Papilionidae. Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito. Carrera, C., Fierro, K., 2001. Manual de monitoreo los macroinvertebrados acuáticos. EcoCiencia, Quito. Carrillo, E., Aldás, S., Altamirano, M., Ayala, F., Cisneros, D. Endara, A., Márquez, C., Morales, M., Nogales, F, Salvador, P., Torres, M.L., Valencia, J., Villamarín, F., Yánez, M., Zárate, P., 2005. Lista roja de los reptiles del Ecuador. Novum Milenium, Quito. de la Torre, S., 2000. Primates of Amazonian Ecuador. SIMBIOE, Quito. DeVries, P.J., 1997. The butterflies of Costa Rica and their natural history. Volume II: Riodinidae. Princeton University Press, Princeton. Duellman, W.E., 1978. The biology of an equatorial herpetofauna in Amazonian Ecuador. The University of Kansas, Lawrence. Eisenberg, J.F., Redford, K.H., 1999. Mammals of the neotropics: The central neotropics. Volume 3 Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil. The University of Chicago Press, Chicago. Emmons, L.H., Feer, F., 1997. Neotropical rainforest mammals. A field guide, second edition. The University of Chicago Press, Chicago. Moreno E., M., Silva del P., X., Estévez J., G., Marggraff, I., Marggraff, P., 1997. Mariposas del Ecuador. Occidental Exploration and Production Company, Quito. Neild, A.F.E., 1996. The butterflies of Venezuela. Meridain Publications. London. Ridgely, R.S., Greenfield, P.J., 2001. The birds of Ecuador. Volume I. Status, distribution and taxonomy. Christopher Helm, London. Ridgely, R.S., Greenfield, P.J., 2001. The birds of Ecuador. Volume II. A field guide. Christopher Helm, London. 37
Tirira S., D., 2001. Libro rojo de los mamíferos del Ecuador. SIMBIOE/EcoCiencia, Quito.
38
48
48
48
48
48
48
24
24
24
Ficus
Ficus
Ficus
Ficus
Bloop
Bloop
Ridge
Ridge
Ridge
Location
Trap exposure time (hrs)
None
10
none
10
10
10
39
50
50
50
40
40
20
10
10
20
20
20
Trap spacing (m)
10
10
10
Number of traps
none
horse dung
water and detergent
cattle dung
None
salt water and detergent salt water and detergent salt water and detergent
horse dung horse dung cattle dung
horse dung cattle dung cattle dung
Preservative salt water and detergent
Bait type horse dung
Dung beetle preliminary research results
Appendix A
28
6
13
55
41
298
4
28
5
Number of beetles caught
6
2
1
5
6
9
2+
4+
1
Estimated number of species
Five traps were placed in grassland while four in forest land along ridge trail. Higher abundance of beetles found along grassland traps however they were mainly the same 'small metallic green' species. More species variation along the forest traps.
One trap containing frog carrion yielded new species, perhaps carrion specific feeder. Horse dung was fresher than previously used. Despite no preservative, catch still high and all beetles caught alive.
Cattle dung not as fresh as last time. Some dung attacked by ants. Fewer beetles found in traps going down main Bloop slope.
Dung very fresh
The most successful traps were near or on slopes and had the least leaf litter around the trap. 14 collected from trap 40m. Dung appeared fresher during this session than following and previous session.
Notes
Appendix B – Species List BIRDS SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
Columbiformes
Tinamiformes Tinamidae
Tinamous
Columbidae
Pigeons and Doves
Crypturellus bartletti
Bartlett's Tinamou
Claravis pretiosa
Blue Ground-Dove
Crypturellus cinereus
Cinereous Tinamou
Columba plumbea
Plumbeous Pigeon
Crypturellus soui
Little Tinamou
Geotrygon montana
Ruddy Quail-Dove
Crypturellus undulatus
Undulated Tinamou
Leptotila rufaxilla
Gray-fronted Dove
Crypturellus variegatus
Variegated Tinamou
Tinamus major
Great Tinamou
Psittaciformes
Ciconiformes
Psittacidae
Parrots and Macaws
Amazona farinosa
Mealy Amazon
Amazona ochrocephala
Yellow-crowned Amazon
Ara severa
Chestnut-fronted Macaw
Aratinga leucophthalmus
White-eyed Parakeet
Aratinga weddellii
Dusky-headed Parakeet
Ardeidae
Herons, Bitterns and Egrets
Ardea cocoi
Cocoi Heron
Bubulcus ibis
Cattle Egret
Butorides striatus
Striated Heron
Pionites melanocephala
Black-headed Parrot
Egretta caerulea
Little Blue Heron
Pionopsitta barrabandi
Orange-cheeked Parrot
Egretta thula
Snowy Egret
Pionus menstruus
Blue-headed Parrot
Tigrisoma lineatum
Rufescent Tiger-Heron
Pionus chalcopterus
Bronze-winged Parrot
Pyrrhura melanura
Maroon-tailed Parakeet
Cathartidae
American Vultures
Cathartes aura
Turkey Vulture
Cuculiformes
Cathartes melambrotus
Greater Yellow-headed Vulture
Cuculidae
Cuckoos and Anis
Coragyps atractus
Black Vulture
Crotophaga ani
Smooth-billed Ani
Sarcoramphus papa
King Vulture
Crotophaga major
Greater Ani
Piaya cayana
Squirrel Cockoo
Piaya melanogaster
Black-bellied Cuckoo
Opisthocomidae
Hoatzin
Opisthocomus hoazin
Hoatzin
Falconiformes Accipitridae
Kites, Eagles, Hawks, and Osprey
Buteo magnirostris
Roadside Hawk
Buteo polyosoma
Variable Hawk
Elanoides forficatus
Swallow-tailed Kite
Harpagus bidentatus
Double-toothed Kite
Ictinia plumbea
Plumbeous Kite
Leptodon cayanensis
Strigiformes Strigidae
Typical Owls
Glaucidium brasilianum
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl
Lophostrix cristata
Crested owl
Gray-headed Kite
Otus choliba
Tropical Screech-Owl
Leucopternis melanops
Black-faced Hawk
Otus watsonii
Tawny-bellied Screech-owl
Leucopternis albicollis
White Hawk
Pulsatrix perspicillata
Spectacled owl
Pandion haliaetus
Osprey
Falconidae
Falcons and Caracaras
Nyctibiidae
Potoos
Daptrius ater
Black Caracara
Nyctibius aethereus
Long-tailed Potoo
Falco rufigularis
Bat Falcon
Nyctibius grandis
Great Potoo
Ibycter americanus
Red-throated Caracara
Nyctibius griseus
Common Potoo
Herpetotheres cachinnans
Laughing Falcon
Micrastur gilvicollis
Lined Forest-Falcon
Caprimulgidae
Nightjars and Nighthawks
Micrastur semitorquatus
Collared Forest-Falcon
Nyctidromus albicollis
Pauraque
Milvago chimachima
Yellow-headed Caracara
Nyctiphrynus ocellatus
Ocellated Poorwill
Caprimulgiformes
Apodiformes
Galliformes Cracidae
Curassows, Guans, and Chachalacas
Nothocrax urumutum
Nocturnal Curassow
Ortalis guttata
Speckled Chachalaca
Penelope jacquacu
Spix's Guan
Odontophoridae
New World Quails
Odontophorus gujanensis
Marbled Wood-Quail
Charadriiformes
Apodidae
Swifts
Chaetura cinereiventris
Grey-rumped Swift
Streptoprocne zonaris
White-collared Swift
Trochilidae
Hummingbirds
Amazilia franciae cyanocollis
Andean Emerald Hummingbird
Amazilia fimbriata
Glittering-throated Emerald
Anthracothorax nigricollis
Black-throated Mango
Campylopterus largipennis
Gray-breasted Sabrewing
Campylopterus villaviscensio
Napo Sabrewing
Scolopacidae
Sandpipers, Snipes and Phalaropes
Eriocnemis vestitus
Glowing Puffleg
Actitis macularia
Spotted Sandpiper
Eutoxeres condamini
Buff-tailed Sicklebill
Tringa solitaria
Solitary Sandpiper
Glaucis hirsuta
Rufous -breasted Hermit
Heliothryx aurita
Black-eared Fairy
Recurvirostridae
Plovers and Lapwings
Phaethornis bourcieri
Straight-billed Hermit
Hoploxypterus cayanus
Pied Plover
Phaethornis hispidus
White-bearded Hermit
Phaethornis malaris
Great-billed Hermit
Thalurania furcata
Fork-tailed Woodnymph
Gruiformes Rallidae
Rails, Gallinules, and Coots
Anurolimnatus castaneiceps
Chestnut-headed Crake
Aramides cajanea
Gray-necked Wood-Rail
40
BIRDS continued SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
Trogoniformes Trogonidae
Trogons and Quetzals
Pharomachrus pavoninus
Pavonine Quetzal
Trogon melanurus
Black-tailed Trogon
Trogon viridis
Amazonian White-tailed Trogon
Trogon collaris
Collared Trogon
Trogon rufus
Black-throated Trogon
Trogon violaceus
Amazonian Violaceous Trogon
Trogon curucui
Blue-crowned Trogon
Coraciiformes Alcedinidae
Kingfishers
Chloroceryle amazona
Amazon Kingfisher
Chloroceryle americana
Green Kingfisher
Chloroceryle inda
Green and Rufous Kingfisher
Megaceryle torquata
Ringed Kingfisher
Momotidae
Motmots
Baryphthengus martii
Rufous Motmot
Electron platyrhynchum
Broad-billed Motmot
Momotus momota
Blue-crowned Motmot
Tyrannidae
Tyrant Flycatchers
Attila spadiceus
Bright-rumped Attila
Conopias cinchoneti
Lemon-browed Flycatcher
Conopias parva
Yellow-throated Flycatcher
Contopus virens
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Hemitriccus zosterops
White-eyed Tody-tyrant
Legatus leucophaius
Piratic Flycatcher
Leptopogon amaurocephalus
Sepia-capped Flycatcher
Lipaugus vociferans
Screaming Piha
Megarynchus piangu
Boat-billed Flycatcher
Myiarchus tuberculifer
Dusky-capped Flycatcher
Myiarchus ferox
Short-crested Flycatcher
Myiobius barbatus
Whiskered Flycatcher
Myiodynastes maculatus
Streaked Flycatcher
Myiodynastes luteiventris
Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher
Mionectes oleagineus
Ochre-bellied Flycatcher
Myiozetetes granadensis
Gray-capped Flycatcher
Myiozetetes luteiventris
Dusky-chested Flycatcher
Myiozetetes similis
Social Flycatcher
Ochthornis littoralis
Drab Water-Tyrant
Pachyramphus marginatus
Black-capped Becard
Pitangus sulphuratus
Great Kiskadee
Rhynchocyclus olivaceus
Olivaceous Flatbill
Rhytipterna simplex
Grayish Mouner
Terenotriccus erythrurus
Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher
Tityra cayana
Black-tailed Tityra
Tityra inquisitor
Black-crowned Tityra
Tityra semifasciata
Masked Tityra
Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum
Yellow-browed Tody-Flycatcher
Tolmomyias poliocephalus
Gray-crowned Flatbill
Tolmomyias viridiceps
Olive-faced Flatbill
Tyrannulus elatus
Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet
Tyrannus savana
Fork-tailed Flycatcher
Tyrannus tyrannus
Eastern Kingbird
Tyrannus melancholicus
Tropical Kingbird
Zimmerius gracilipes
Slender-footed Tyrannulet
Cotingidae
Cotinga
Ampelioides tschudii
Scaled Fruiteater
Cotinga cayana
Spangled Cotinga
Cotinga maynana
Plum-throated Cotinga
Gynnoderus foetidus
Bare-necked Fruitcrow
Iodopleura isabellae
White-browed Purpletuft
Querula purpurata
Purple throated Fruitcrow
Pipridae
Manakins
Chiroxiphia pareola
Blue-backed Manakin
Chloropipo holochlora
Green Manakin
Dixiphia pipra
White-crowned Manakin
Lepidothrix coronata
Blue-crowned Manakin
Machaeropterus regulus
Striped Manakin
Manacus manacus
White-bearded Manakin
Pipra erythrocephala
Golden-headed Manakin
Tyranneutes stolzmanni
Dwarf Tyrant Manakin
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
Corvidae
Crows, Jays, and Magpies
Cyanocorax violaceus
Violaceous Jay
Vireonidae
Vireos, Peppershrikes, and Shrike Vireos
Vireo olivaceus
Red-eyed Vireo
Turdidae
Thrushes
Catharus ustulatus
Swainson's Thrush
Turdus albicollis
White-necked Thrush
Turdus lawrencii
Lawrence's Thrush
Hirundinidae
Swallows and Martins
Atticora fasciata
White-banded Swallow
Stelgidopteryx ruficollis
Southern rough-winged swallow
Tachycineta albiventer
White-winged Swallow
Troglodytidae
Wrens
Campylorhynchus turdinus
Thrush-like Wren
Donacobius atricapillus
Black-capped Donacobius
Henicorhina leucosticta
White-breasted Wood-wren
Microcerculus marginatus
Southern Nightingale-Wren
Thryothorus coraya
Coraya Wren
Polioptilidae
Gnatcatchers and Gnatwrens
Microbates cinereiventris
Tawny-faced Gnatwren
Parulidae
New World Warblers
Basileuterus fulvicauda
Buff-rumped Warbler
Dendroica fusca
Blackburnian Warbler
Dendroica striata
Blackpoll Warbler
Piciformes Galibulidae
Jacamars
Jacamerops aureus
Great Jacamar
Bucconidae
Puffbirds
Chelidoptera tenebrosa
Swallow-winged Puffbird
Bucco macrodactylus
Chestnut-capped Puffbird
Malacoptila fusca
White-chested Puffbird
Monasa flavirostris
Yellow-billed Nunbird
Monasa morphoeus
White-fronted Nunbird
Monasa nigrifrons
Black-fronted Nunbird
Notharchus macrorynchos
White-necked Puffbird
Capitonidae
New World Barbets
Capita aurovirens
Scarlet-crowned Barbet
Capita auratus
Gilded Barbet
Eubucco bourcierii
Lemon-throated Barbet
Ramphastidae
Toucans
Pteroglossus azara
Ivory-billed Aracari
Pteroglossus castanotis
Chestnut-eared Aracari
Pteroglossus inscriptus
Lettered Aracari
Pteroglossus pluricinctus
Many-banded Aracari
Ramphastos vitellinus
Channel-billed Toucan
Ramphastos tucanus
White-throated Toucan
Selenidera reinwardtii
Golden-collared Toucanet
Picidae
Woodpeckers and Piculets
Campephilus melanoleucos
Crimson-crested Woodpecker
Picidae cont.
Woodpeckers and Piculets
Campephilus rubricollis
Red-necked Woodpecker
Celeus elegans
Chestnut Woodpecker
Celeus flavus
Cream-coloured Woodpecker
Celeus grammicus
Scale-breasted Woodpecker
Chrysoptilus punctigula
Spot-breasted Woodpecker
Dryocopus lineatus
Lineated Woodpecker
Melanerpes cruentatus
Yellow-tufted Woodpecker
Picumnus lafresnayi
Lafresnaye's piculet
Veniliornis fumigatus
Smoky-brown Woodpecker
Veniliornis passerinus
Little Woodpecker
Passeriformes
41
Furnariidae
Ovenbirds
Automolus rubiginosus
Ruddy Foliage-gleaner
Philydor pyrrhodes
Cinammon-rumped Foliage-gleaner
Sclerurus caudacutus
Black-tailed Leaftosser
BIRDS continued SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
Icteridae
American Orioles and Blackbirds
Cacicus cela
Yellow-rumped Cacique
Cacicus solitarius
Solitary Cacique
Clypicterus oseryi
Casqued Oropendola
Icterus chrysocephalus
Moriche Oriole
Icterus croconotus
Orange-backed Troupial
Molothrus oryzivorous
Giant Cowbird
Psarocolius angustifrons
Russet-backed Oropendola
Psarocolius decumanas
Crested Oropendola
Psarocolius viridis
Green Oropendola
Dendrocolaptidae
Woodcreepers
Dendrexetastes rufigula
Cinnamon-throated Woodcreeper
Dendrocincla fuliginosa
Plain Brown Woodcreeper
Glyphorynchus spirurus
Wedge-billed Woodcreeper
Lepidocolaptes albolineatus
Lineated Woodcreeper
Xiphorhynchus ocellatus
Ocellated Woodcreeper
Xiphorhynchus guttatus
Buff-throated Woodcreeper
Xiphorhynchus picus
Straight-billed Woodcreeper
Thamnophilidae
Typical Antbirds
Cercomacra cinerascens
Gray Antbird
Chamaeza nobilis
Striated Antthrush
Dichrozona cincta
Banded Antbird
Frederickena unduligera
Undulated Antshrike
Formicarius analis
Black-faced Antthrush
Hersilochmus dugandi
Dugand's Antwren
Hylophlax naevia
Spot-backed Antbird
Hylophylax poecilinota
Scale-backed Antbird
Hypocnemis cantator
Warbling Antbird
Hypocnemis hypoxantha
Yellow-browed Antbird
Myrmeciza hyperythra
Plumbeous Antbird
Myrmeciza immaculata
Sooty Antbird
Myrmeciza melanoceps
White-shouldered Antbird
Myrmotherula axillaris
White-flanked Antwren
Myrmotherula hauxwelli
Plain-throated Antwren
Myrmotherula longipennis
Long-winged Antwren
Myrmotherula ornata
Ornate Antwren
Myrmotherula obscura
Short-billed Antwren
Myrmornis torquata
Wing-banded Antbird
Myrmothera campanisona
Thrush-like Antpitta
Phlegopsis erythroptera
Reddish-winged Bare-eye
Phlegopsis nigromaculata
Black-spotted Bare-eye
Pithys albifrons
White Plumbed Antbird
Carollia brevicauda
Thamnomanes ardesiacus
Dusky-throated Antshrike
Carollia castanea
Thamnophilus murinus
Mouse-colored Antshrike
Carollia perspicullatus
Short-tailed fruit bat
Thamnophilus schistaceus
Plain-winged Antshrike
Rhinophylla pumilio
Little fruit bat
Schistocichla leucostigma
Spot-winged Antbird Desmodontinae
Vampire bats
Tanagers, Honeycreepers, Bananaquit, and Plushcap
Desmodus rotundus
Common vampire bat
Thraupidae Chlorophanes spiza
Green Honeycreeper
Emballonuridae
Sac-winged/Sheath-tailed Bats
Cissopis leveriana
Magpie Tanager
Saccopteryx bilineata
White-lined bat
Creugops verticalis
Rufous-crested Tanager
Cyanerpes caeruleus
Purple Honeycreeper
Glossophaginae
Long tongued bats
Dacnis flaviventer
Yellow-bellied Dacnis
Glossophaga soricina
Long tongued bat
Euphonia laniirostris
Thick-billed Euphonia
Lonchophylla robusta
Spear-nosed long-tongued bat
Euphonia rufiventris
Rufous-bellied Euphonia
Euponia xanthogaster
Orange-bellied Euphonia
Stenodermatidae
Neotropical Fruit bats
Euphonia chrysopasta
White-lored Euphonia
Artibeus jamaicensis
Large fruit-eating bat
Habia rubica
Red-crowned Ant-Tanager
Artibeus lituratus
Large fruit bat
Hemithraupis flavicollis
Yellow-backed Tanager
Artibeus obscurus
Large fruit bat
Piranaga olivacea
Scarlet Tanager
Artibeus planirostus
Large fruit bat
Piranaga rubra
Summer Tanager
Chiroderma villosum
Big-eyed bat
Ramphocelus carbo
Silver-beaked Tanager
Sturrnia lilium
Hairy-legged bat
Ramphocelus nigrogularis
Masked Crimson Tanager
Sturnria oporaphilum
Yellow shouldered fruit bat
Tachyphonus cristatus
Flame-crested Tanager
Uroderma pilobatum
Tent-making bat
Tachyphonus surinamus
Fulvous-crested Tanager
Vampyrodes caraccioli
Great Stripe-faced bat
Tangara callophrys
Opal-crowned Tanager
Tangara chilensis
Paradise Tanager
Phyllostominae
Spear-nosed Bats
Tangara mexicana
Turquoise Tanager
Macrophyllum macrophyllum
Long-legged bat
Tangara schrankii
Green-and-gold Tanager
Mimon crenulatum
Hairy-nosed bat
Tangara xanthogastra
Yellow-bellied Tanager
Phyllostomus hastatus
Spear-nosed bat
Tersina viridis
Swallow Tanager
Thraupis episcopus
Blue-gray Tanager
Vespertilionidae
Vespertilionid Bats
Thraupis palmarum
Palm Tanager
Myotis nigricans
Little brown bat
Cardinalidae
Saltators, Grosbeaks, and Cardinals
Primates
Monkeys
Cyanocompsa cyanoides
Blue-black Grosbeak
Callitrichidae
Saltator grossus
Slate-colored Grosbeak
Saguinus nigricollis
Saltator maximus
Buff-throated Saltator
MAMMALS SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
Marsupialia Didelphidae
Opossums
Chironectes minimus
Water opossum
Didelphis marsupialis
Common opossum
Marmosa lepida
Little rufous mouse opossum
Micoureus demerarae
Long-furred woolly mouse opossum
Philander sp.
Four-eyed opossum
Xenarthra Megalonychidae Subfamily Choloepinae
Two-toes sloths
Choloepus diadactylus
Southern two-toed sloth
Dasypodidae
Armadillos
Cabassous unicinctus
Southern naked-tailed armadillo
Dasypus novemcinctus
Nine-banded armadillo
Chiroptera Carollinae
Short-tailed Fruit bats
Black-mantle tamarind
Cebidae Emberizidae
Emberizine Finches
Allouatta seniculus
Red howler monkey
Ammodramus aurifrons
Yellow-browed Sparrow
Aotus sp.
Night monkey
Oryzoborus angloensis
Lesser Seed-Finch
Cebus albifrons
White-fronted capuchin
Carnivora
Carnivores
Fringillidae
Cardueline Finches
Carduelis psaltria
Lesser Goldfinch
42
Procyonidae
Raccoon
Nasua nasua
South american coati
Potos flavus
Kinkajou
MAMMALS continued SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
Mustelidae
Weasel
Eira Barbara
Tayra
Lontra longicaudis
Neotropical otter
Felidae
Cat
Herpailurus yaguarundi
Jaguarundi
Leopardus pardalis
Ocelot
Puma concolor
Puma
Artidactyla
Peccaries and Deer
Mazama Americana
Red brocket deer
Tayassu tajacu
Collared peccary
Rodentia
Rodents
Echimyidae Dactylomys dactylinus
Amazon bamboo rat
Nectomys squamipes
Water rat
Proechimys semispinosus
Spiny rat
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
Drepanoides anomalus
Amazon Egg-eating snake
Drymouluber dichrous
Common glossy racer
Helicops angulatus
Banded south american water snake
Helicops leopardinus
Spotted water snake
Imantodes cenchoa
Common blunt-headed tree snake
Imantodes lentiferus
Amazon blunt-headed tree snake
Leptodeira annulata annulata
Common cat-eyed snake
Leptophis cupreus
Brown parrot snake
Liophis miliaris chrysostomus
White-lipped swamp snake
Liophis reginae
Common swamp snake
Oxyrhopus formosus
Yellow-headed calico snake
Oxyrhopus melanogenys
Black-headed calico snake
Oxyrhopus petola digitalus
Banded calico snake
Pseustes poecilonotus polylepis
Common bird snake
Pseustes sulphureus
Giant bird snake
Sphlophus compressus
Red-vine snake
Spilotes pullatus Tantilla melanocephala melanocephala
Tiger rat snake
Xenedon rabdocephalus
Common false viper
Black-headed snake
Sciuridae
Squirrels
Xenedon severos
Giant false viper
Sciurus sp.
Amazon red squirrel
Xenoxybelis argenteus
Green-striped vine snake
Sciurillus pusillus
Neotropical pygmy squirrel Viperidae
Vipers
Large Cavylike Rodents
Bothriopsis taeniata
Speckeled forest pit viper
Agouti paca
Paca
Bothrops atrox
Fer-de-lance
Coendou bicolour
Bi-color spined porcupine
Lachesis muta muta
Amazon Bushmaster
Dasyprocta fuliginosa
Black agouti
Hydrochaeirs hydrochaeirs
Capybara
Boidae
Boas
Myoprocta pratti
Green acouchy
Boa constrictor imperator
Common boa constrictor
Corallus enydris enydris
Amazon tree boa
Epicrates cenchria gaigei
Peruvian rainbow boa
REPTILES SCIENTIFIC NAME
Elapidae
COMMON NAME
Lizards
Micurus hemprichii ortonii
Orange-ringed coral snake
Gekkonidae
Micrurus langsdorfii
Langsdorffs coral snake
Gonatodes concinnatus
Collared forest gecko
Micrurus lemniscatus
Eastern ribbon coral snake
Gonatodes humeralis
Bridled forest gecko
Pseudogonatodes guianensis
Amazon pygmy gecko
Micrurus spixii spixxi Micurus surinamensis surinamensis
Aquatic coral snake
Alopoglossus striventris
Black-bellied forest lizard
Alligatoridae
Arthrosaura reticulata reticulata
Reticulated creek lizard
Paleosuchus trigonatus
Gymnophthalmidae
Central amazon coral snake
Crocodilians Smooth-fronted caiman
Cercosaura ocellata Leposoma parietale
Common forest lizard
Neusticurus ecpleopus
Common streamside lizard
Prionodactylus argulus
Elegant-eyed Lizard
Prionodactylus oshaughnessyi
White-striped eyed lizard
AMPHIBIANS
Iguanas
Caecilians
Hoplocercidae Enyalioides laticeps
Typhlonectidae
Amazon forest dragon
Caecilia aff. tentaculata
Polychrotidae Anolis fuscoauratus
Slender anole
Anolis nitens scypheus
Yellow-tongued forest anole
Anolis ortonii
Amazon bark anole
Anolis punctata
Amazon green anole
Anolis trachyderma
Common forest anole
Tropiduridae Tropidurus (Plica) plica Tropidurus (plica) umbra ochrocollaris
Collared tree runner Olive Tree Runner
Plethodontidae
Lungless Salamanders
Bolitoglossa peruviana
Dwarf climbing salamander
Bufonidae
Toads
Rhinella marina
Cane Toad
Rhinella complex margaritifer
Crested Forest Toad
Rhinella dapsilis
Sharp-nosed Toad
Dendrophryniscus
Leaf Toads
Dendrophryniscus minutus
Orange bellied leaf toad
Centrolenidae
Glass Frogs
Kentropyx pelviceps
Forest whiptail
Centrolene sp.
undescribed Glass Frog
Tupinambis teguixin
Golden tegu
Cochranella anetarsia
Glass Frog
Cochranella midas
Glass Frog
Cochranella resplendens
Glass Frog Poison Frogs
Teiidae
Colubridae
Snakes
Atractus elaps
Earth snake sp3
Atractus major
Earth snake
Dendrobatidae
Atractus occiptoalbus
Earth snake sp2
Ameerega bilinguis
Chironius fuscus
Olive whipsnake
Ameerega ingeri
Chironius scurruls
Rusty whipsnake
Ameerega insperatus
Clelia clelia clelia
Musarana
Ameerega zaparo
Dendriphidion dendrophis
Tawny forest racer
Colostethus bocagei
Dipsas catesbyi
Ornate snail-eating snake
Colostethus marchesianus
Ucayali Rocket Frog
Dipsas indica
Big-headed snail-eating snake
Dendrobates duellmani
Duellmans Poison Frog
43
Ruby Poison Frog Sanguine Poison Frog
AMPHIBIANS continued SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
Hylidae
Tree Frogs
Cruziohyla craspedopus
Amazon Leaf Frog
cf. Sphaenorhychus carneus
Pygmy hatchet-faced Tree Frog
Dendropsophus bifurcus
Upper Amazon Tree Frog
Dendropsophus marmorata
Neotropical Marbled Tree Frog
Dendropsophus rhodopeplus
Red Striped Tree Frog
Dendropsophus triangulium
Variable Clown Tree Frog
Hemiphractus aff. Scutatus
Casque-headed Tree Frog
Hyla lanciformis
Rocket Tree Frog
INVERTEBRATES SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
Moths Thysania Agrippina
White Witch
Urania leilus
Green Urania
Rothschildia sp.
Window-winged Saturnian
Hemiptera Dysodius lunatus
Hylomantis buckleyi
Lunate Flatbug
Grylloptera
Hylomantis hulli
Panacanthus cuspidatus
Hypsiboas boans
Gladiator Tree Frog
Hypsiboas calcarata
Convict Tree Frog
Hypsiboas geographica
Map Tree Frog
Hypsiboas punctatus
Common Polkadot Tree Frog
Osteocephalus cabrerai complex
Forest bromeliad Tree Frog
Spiny Devil Katydid
Araneae
Osteocephalus cf. deridens
Nephila clavipes
Golden Silk Spider
Ancylometes terrenus
Giant Fishing Spider
Coleoptera
Osteocephalus leprieurii
Common bromeliad Tree Frog
Osteocephalus planiceps
Flat-headed bromeliad Tree Frog
Trachycephalus resinifictrix
Amazonian Milk Tree Frog
Phyllomedusa tarsius
Warty Monkey Frog
Phyllomedusa tomopterna
Barred Monkey Frog
Phyllomedusa vaillanti
White-lined monkey Tree Frog
Scinax garbei
Fringe lipped Tree Frog
Scinax rubra
Two-striped Tree Frog
Trachycephalus venulosus
Common milk Tree Frog
Microhylidae
Sheep Frogs
Chiasmocleis bassleri
Bassler's Sheep Frog
Leptodactylidae
Rain Frogs
Edalorhina perezi
Eyelashed Forest Frog
Prystimantis acuminatus
Green Rain Frog
Prystimantis aff peruvianus
Peruvian Rain Frog
Prystimantis altamazonicus
Amazonian Rain Frog
Prystimantis conspicillatus
Chirping Robber Frog
Prystimantis lanthanites
Striped-throated Rain Frog
Prystimantis malkini
Malkini's Rain Frog
Prystimantis martiae
Marti's rainfrog
Prystimantis ockendeni complex
Carabaya Rain Frog
Prystimantis sulcatus
Broad-headed Rain Frog
Prystimantis variabilis
Variable Rain Frog
Hypnodactylus nigrovittatus
Black-banded Robber Frog
Strabomantis sulcatus
Broad-headed Rain Frog
Engystomops petersi
Painted Forest Toadlet
Leptodactylus andreae
Cocha Chirping Frog
Leptodactylus knudseni
Rose-sided Jungle Frog
Leptodactylus mystaceus Leptodactylus rhodomystax
Moustached Jungle Frog
Leptodactylus wagneri
Wagneris Jungle Frog
Lithodytes lineatus
Painted Antnest Frog
Oreobates quixensis
Common big headed Rain Frog
Vanzolinius discodactylus
Dark-blotched Whistling Frog
Ranidae
True Frogs
Rana palmipes
Neotropical Green Frog
44
Euchroma gigantea
Giant Ceiba Borer
Homoeotelus d'orbignyi
Pleasing Fungus Beetle
BUTTERFLIES SCIENTIFIC NAME Nymphalinae Anartia amathae Anartia jatrophae Baeotus deucalion Bia actorion Biblis hyperia Callicore cynosura
SCIENTIFIC NAME
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Morphinae
Ithomiinae
Morpho Achilles
Aeria eurimidea
Morpho deidamia
Ceratinia tutia
Morpho helenor
Eueides isabella
Morpho Menelaus
Eueides lampeto
Morpho peleides
Eueides lybia
Morpho polycarmes
Hyposcada anchiala Hyposcada illinissa
Callizona acesta Catonephele acontius Catonephele esite
Acraeinae
Hypothyris anastasia
Actinote sp.
Hypothyris fluonia Ithomia amarilla
Catonephele numilia Colobura dirce Consul fabius Diaethria clymena Dynamine aerata Dynamine arthemisia Dynamine athemon Dynamine gisella Eresia pelonia Eunica alpais
Papilionidae
Ithomia salapia
Battus belus varus
Mechanitis lysimnia
Battus polydamas
Mechanitis mazaeus
Papilio androgeus
Mechanitis messenoides
Papilio thoas cyniras
Methona confusa psamathe
Parides aeneas bolivar
Methone cecilia
Parides Lysander
Oleria Gunilla
Parides pizarro
Oleria ilerdina
Parides sesostris
Oleria tigilla Tithorea harmonia
Eunica amelio Eunica volumna Hamadryas albicornus Hamadryas arinome Hamadryas chloe Hamadryas feronia Hamadryas laodamia Historis odius Historis acheronta Hypna clytemnestra Marpesia berania Marpesia petreus Metamorpha elisa Metamorpha sulpitia Nessaea batesii Nessaea hewitsoni Nica flavilla Panacea prola Paulogramma peristera Phyciodes plagiata
Satyrinae
Pyrrhogyra cuparina Pyrrhogyra otolais Siproeta stelenes Smyrna blomfildia
Limenitidiae
Cithaerias aurora
Adelpha amazona
Cithaerias menander
Adelpha cocala
Cithaerias pireta
Adelpha cytherea
Euptychia binoculata
Adelpha erotia
Euptychia ocypete
Adelpha iphicleola
Haetera macleania
Adelpha iphiclus
Haetera piera
Adelpha lerna
Hermeuptychia hermes
Adelpha melona
Magneuptychia libye
Adelpha mesentina
Magneuptychia ocnus
Adelpha messana
Pareuptychia ocirrhoe
Adelpha naxia
Pierella astyoche
Adelpha panaema
Pierella hortona
Adelpha phrolseola
Pierella lamia
Adelpha thoasa
Pierella lena
Adelpha viola
Pierella lucia
Adelpha ximena
Taygetis mermeria
Pieridae Appias Drusilla Dismorphia pinthous Eurema cf xanthochlora Peirhybris lorena Phoebis rurina
Limenitidinae
Agrias claudina
Doxocopa agathina
Archaeoprepona amphimachus
Doxocopa griseldis
Archaeoprepona demophon
Doxocopa laurentia
Archaeoprepona demophon muson
Doxocopa linda
Archaeoprepona licomedes Memphis arachne
Heliconinae
Memphis oenomaus
Dryas iulia
Memphis philomena Prepona eugenes
Eueides Eunice
Prepona dexamenus
Heliconius erato
Prepona laertes
Heliconius melponmene
Prepona pheridamas
Heliconius numata
Zaretis isidora
Heliconius sara
Zaretis itys
Heliconius xanthocles Lycaenidae
Laparus doris Brassolinae
Ancyluris endaemon Ancyluris aulestes Ancyluris etias Anteros renaldus Calospila cilissa Calospila partholon Calospila emylius Calydna venusta Emesis fatinella Emesis lucinda Emesis ocypore Eurybia dardus Eurybia halimede Eurybia unxia Hyphilaria parthenis Isapis agyrtus Ithomiola floralis Lasaia agesilaus narses Lasaia pseudomeris
Livendula amaris Livendula violacea Lyropteryx appolonia Mesophthalma idotea Mesosemia loruhama Mesosemia latizonata Napaea heteroea Nymphidium mantus Nyphidium nr minuta Nymphidium lysimon Nymphidium balbinus Nymphidium caricae Nymphidium chione Pandemos pasiphae Perophtalma lasus Pirasica tyriotes Rhetus arcius Rhetus periander
Charaxinae
Temenis laothoe Tigridia acesta
Riodinidae Amarynthis meneria
Leucochimona vestalis
Chloreuptychia herseis
Phrrhogyra amphiro Pyrrhogyra crameri
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Celmia celmus
Philaethria dido
Janthecla sista
Caligo eurilochus
Thecla aetolius
Caligo idomeneus idomeneides
Thecla mavors
Caligo illioneus Caligo placidiamus Catoblepia generosa Catoblepia sorannus Catoblepia Xanthus Opsiphanes invirae
45
Sarota chrysus Sarota spicata Setabis gelasine Stalachtis phaedusa Synargis orestessa
Appendix C
Yachana Reserve, Napo
Columbia
Laguna
Stream 1
Caimencocha Laguna
Frontier
Green Inferno
Stream 1 Bloop PC17 Bloop Swamp
Inca Stream 1
Cascada
Road
Cascada Stream
Stream 1
Ficus
Agua Santa
Ridge and Road
N
- Ridge trail
Access Routes
Ridge
Rio Napo
46
GVI Base Camp