PROGRAM FOR BIOLOGISTS
CUSCO / MANÚ NATIONAL PARK / CUSCO
7 Days /6 Nights
The main objective of this course is to give the participants a basic
introduction to Field Biology in Tropical Rainforests. This gives them a
chance to experience the Rainforest by letting them work directly with
specialists in various disciplines of rainforest ecology in the field. The
localities selected in the Manu National Park have been little studied,
which makes them an interesting sites for biodiversity research. The data
will have scientific value, so the students will be able to participate in
the publication of the information they have collected.
1st Day
We leave Cusco early in the morning in our specialized overland
vehicles.
Approximately mid-morning we visit the interesting tombs of Ninamarca,
commonly known as "Chullpas". We continue to Paucartambo, a
picturesque Spanish colonial town, and then to the Acjanacu pass, which
marks the beginning of the Cultural Zone of Manu Biosphere Reserve. Here,
a thick cloak of clouds provides perpetual humidity and makes an ideal
habitat for epiphytic plants such as bromeliads. This varied and
fascinating world is home of the Cock of the Rock, Spectacled Bear,
Orchids, Tree Ferns (one of the oldest living plants), mosses and lichens.
This cloud forest exists between 2000 and 3500 meters above sea level, and
at least 50% of the plant species found here are endemic to this region.
Overnight in our open air lodge "San Pedro", first part of
the ornithology workshop.
2nd Day
We will start early in the morning to to reach the Erika
Lodge, where we
are going to spend the next days. At our arrival we will settle and start
the Second part of the Ornithology Workshop where students will
learn how to set up and use mist nets , where they will be able to capture
live birds. The specimens may be taken to our laboratory at camp where
with specialized keys, students will learn how to identify the different
species of birds that are found in the rainforest . They will also learn
how to record and identify, by call and song many bird species as well as
how to record biological data. An owl census will be done at night.
Lodging.
3rd Day
HERPETHOLOGY WORKSHOP : In this workshop students will learn how to
sample using two basic methods: quadrat and transect. We will stablish
"leaf litter" quadrat plots where students will sample using
this method. When possible we will capture specimens, and key them out
using a herpetological identification key. Students will learn how to take
biological data in the field and how to record and analyze it using
portable computers. All specimens captured will be released. Overnight at
Erika Lodge.
4th Day
ENTHOMOLOGY WORKSHOP : Students will learn the basic skills
necessary to carry out field sampling methods.Identification of the main
families found in the rainforest will en taught as well as preservation of
specimens for a museum collections.
5th Day
MAMMOLOGY WORKSHOP : Students will be taught three sampling
methods. These include visual encounter census, footprint identification,
and the use of traps: Tomahawk, Shermann, and mist nets. They will also
learn how to bait traps that will be used to capture small animals, like
rodents and marsupials. Mist nets will be used at night for capturing bats. All specimens will be marked and released after collecting
biological data. This data will be recorded and analyzed in portable
computers. Overnight at Erika Lodge.
6th Day
BOTANY WORKSHOP : Students will stablish a 25m x 25m sampling plot
were they will mark each tree and identify the species using keys.
Students will also collecting leaves, fruits and flowers to aide in
identification and for recording tree data. Methods for preservation of
leaves and plants for a herbarium collection will also be taught.
7th Day
Waking up very early, we continue the trip by boat to Atalaya, where we
board the bus and drive back up and out of Manu, arriving in Cusco in the
afternoon.
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