Research Expedition to Southern Ecuador: Loja and Zamora
Nov. 24 - Dec. 7, 2008
Cost: $2,625 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
This is a unique opportunity to be part of an exploratory Lepidoptera trip to these two areas in Southern Ecuador,
which will be a rare opportunity to gather unique data from unique specimens. Very little is known of these two areas
in Southern Ecuador in terms of Lepidoptera diversity, so we are sure to generate valuable survey data. These data
will be used to better understand butterfly and moth abundance and diversity patterns in highland areas of Ecuador
and the north-western part of South America in general.
During the trip we will have the opportunity to survey and conduct research in different habitats within these two provinces, including the Podocarpus National Park. The area in and around Podocarpus possesses one of the highest rates of biodiversity on earth and is equally known for its high rates of floral and faunal endemism. The uniqueness of this area is due to the topographical alignment and merging of the Amazonian and Andean weather. Known as the Tumbesian Endemism Region, it is ranked as one of the 5 most important regions in the world with regards to floral and faunal endemism. We will be traveling by private van so that we will have a great range of mobility.
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.