Research Expedition to Ecuador: Misahualli and Tinalandia
June 28 - July 12, 2008
Cost: $2,550 per person (from Quito, Ecuador)
Led by Dr. W. Patricio Ponce, Field Director for Ecuador, McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity
Activity: Can range from easy to strenuous, depending on research goals
Accommodations: Comfortable lodges; locations chosen for Lepidoptera research primarily
Ecuador offers a fantastic diversity of tropical and temperate habitats, ranging from snow-capped Andes to the steaming rain forests of the eastern Amazon. With a total Lepidoptera fauna of close to 40,000 species, of which 3,000 are butterflies and skippers, Ecuador has undoubtedly the richest fauna in northwestern South America. Simply put, the Ecuadorian Amazon tropical rain forest has one of the highest biodiversity indices in the world. However, most of its biological richness remains unknown and undiscovered. A great number of local species of Lepidoptera, which are only found in this region, are still undescribed.
Investigation of entomological diversity is still in infancy. Lepidoptera abundance is outstanding, with thousands of butterflies puddling along the road and on sandy river banks daily. Many of the larger species are readily attracted to fruit found naturally on the trails, but will happily come to a well placed banana as well. Moths can be represented in unbelievable numbers at night, ranging from spectacular and large Saturniids to ornately colored and patterned smaller Arctiids.
Program Leader: Dr. William Patricio Ponce has a lifetime familiarity with the insect fauna of Ecuador. He received his Ph.D. degree in entomology working with Dr. Thomas C. Emmel at the University of Florida. With his wife Varsovia, he is currently working on the biodiversity and conservation ecology of butterfly faunas in high-priority habitats in Ecuador. In addition to Yasuni National Park, these include the west-slope montane wet forests around Tinalandia and higher montane cloud forests as well as the alpine páramo zones south of Quito near Volcán Cotopaxi.
For a brochure or registration information, please contact:
Court Whelan - expeditiontravel@gmail.com
General Manager
Expedition Travel
NOTE: Dates, prices and itineraries are subject to change. Prices are per person based on double occupancy.