Bolivia Expedition 2016

Expedition leaders Jo & ?

Reserva Barba Azul

• Situated in the Beni Province – Very large and very remote

• Savannah with forest islands• Rio Omi running through• Constantly increasing in size – exciting!

A little bit about the expedition…

• 8 weeks, 7 spent in the Beni savannah• Collaboration with AssocicArmonia – Bolivian NGO• Projects include Blue Throated Macaws, Mammals,

Reptiles with any suggestions welcome!

Arrival in country

• Arrive in Santa Cruz• Get last minute equipment and see the sights• Fancy transport to the city of Trinidad• Less fancy transport into the reserve (pick up truck)

The expedition

• Basic accommodation (tenting)• Outdoors for 7 weeks – amazing views• Simple toilets and bathrooms • Self-catered – looking for chefs.• Long but rewarding days – not for the faint

hearted

Blue-throated macaws

• Critically endangered• ~ 150 birds in wild population• Endemic to Beni savannah• Methodology: weekly point counts, morning

transects• Study of Motacu Palm Trees (food source)

Mammals

• Many mammal species present in the reserve – capybaras, anteaters, pumas, howler monkeys, pampas cats and more

• Camera trapping and mammal surveys across the reserve

• Compare data between different areas of the reserve

• Possibly find new species to the reserve?

• Leaf Cutter Ants• Herpetological – Amphibian and Caiman

studies• Passerine Birds – Threatened species eg

Black masked finch• Raptor Projects• Open to personal suggestions - write on

application form!

Potential Projects

Passerine birds

• Distribution and abundance • Threatened species such as cock-tailed

tyrant, black masked finch and sharp tailed tyrant

Who are we looking for?• Enthusiastic people• Hard-working• Relative fitness• People with bird watching experience

• Outdoor or travel experience desirable but topical experience not necessary

• 6 to 8 spaces available, any year • Horse riding experience would be desirable but not

necessary

I need a co-leader!• Experience on past expedition not necessary

but desirable• Write a short paragraph on the application

form if you are interested.

Summary

• Opportunity to travel before• Honours projects possible• Personal contribution £850 + lots of fundraising• Approx. dates Mid July to Early Sept• Application forms at front (or on Ex Soc website)• Application deadline 5pm on Monday 20th(check

email for interview list on Monday night)

Thanks to Chris Field & Teo Crawford for use of their photos!