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

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Marshmallows, cake, glass frogs and vipers!

It's late at night and the sound of cicadas flood the towering jungle treetops. Deep in the Amazon rainforest sit five muddy satellite campers, all incredibly satisfied with marshmallows roasting over the fire and the superlative outcome of the night's stream walk.

The late night adventure took us on a three hour walk knee deep through the Cascada stream. The first sighting was of a glass frog (Cochranella sp.). Not seen regularly on the reserve, the little green frog held our attention for some time as we were fascinated by its transparent skin. Not long after we stumbled across another two glass frogs! This time we were given a glimpse of their mating ritual as we caught them in the act of procreation.

The final sighting to tickle our pickle was the spine chillingly venomous 'Dave' the Fer-De-Lance (Bothrops atrox) (there's a lot of them about right now!), who was relaxing streamside. Although giving the appearance of one relaxed snake, Dave suddenly reared up into the strike position (Crikey!). Luckily, camp manager, Chris, used his hypnotic eyes to calm the viper’s fury and bring out his real scaly beauty.

Once back at the camp site. The five of us celebrated Edwin’s 20th birthday, gorging ourselves on Olly’s famous plantain cake (or pie... no one’s really sure). We call it a night and it is time to hit the 'luxurious' jungle hammocks. A perfect end to another successful day in the Yachana Reserve with GVI Amazon.

Kristie Callahan - Conservation Intern, April-October 2010


Share/Save/Bookmark

0 comments: