The End of an Era

After over 6 years of intensive research and community development work in and around the Yachana Reserve, GVI Amazon is coming to a close. We have finished our final research project (look forward to our Road Effects paper, coming soon!) and are handing over the project to our partner, The Yachana Foundation. They will continue to maintain and monitor the reserve, using it as an hands-on science education center for students -- we're very excited to see what fabulous things this next generation of scientists find! For more detail on GVI Amazon's closure, and our accomplishments over the years, please read on...
GVI Amazon Closure Statement

Friday, August 7, 2009

A Night out in the Forest

Shortly after nightfall, a small group of intrepid newbies entered the rainforest for their first stream walk, not knowing what was to come or to be encountered. The responsibility of these adventurers laid in the hands of amphibian and reptile mad Andy. On entering the stream, the water seeped into their rubber boots and the search for amphibians was on.

The volunteers spotted and caught by hand numerous different species of amphibians, including the poison dart frog, bilinguis, malkini, petersi, Osteocephalus cabreri and a couple of huge Cane Toads.

Aquatic rats were also encountered making Andy so excited at seeing one that he continuously chased it around the stream, but it evaded capture and scooted off so fast it looked like it had a propeller on its bottom!

However, dampening this excitement there was then a very close call shortly after. High up in the branches there was a loud cracking sound, heads turned skywards, but in the dark of the night with the canopy overhead it was difficult to see what was going on up there. A branch made it’s way down from the canopy at close quarters to Sophie and Ali, deflected off them by their head torches! In addition, a spectacular ass/face plant happened to both Emma and Emily. Emma managed to somehow ‘surf’ down a wet fallen tree and end up in a heap, while Emily had the urge to randomly sit down in the middle of the water - very elegant ladies!

All members made it back to camp safe and sound, wet up to the armpits and ready for another adventure. What will the Amazon hold for them next….?

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