Description: A start of the rainy-season* herpetology and photography expedition led by herpetologist and wildlife photographer Chris Gillette. With stays at two Project Amazonas field stations - Madre Selva Biological Station (south of the Amazon) and Santa Cruz Forest Reserve (north of the Amazon, west of the Napo), the number of herp species potentially encountered could top 150 or more species. Excellent trail networks at both sites permit easy access to primary and secondary forest habitats, and at Madre Selva, there is also small boat access to floodplain lakes and the opportunity for a tough hike to Lunes Cocha - home to Arapaima gigas (largest fish in the Amazon), hoatzins (leaf-eating birds), and a population of black caimans. Chris has spent extensive time in South America and has years of experience as an expert photographer, so bring your best camera gear (and any manuals) and receive some professional guidance on getting those stunning pictures!
*We cannot guarantee the weather, but this is normally the time period when heavy rains start in the region, with a resulting explosion of frog and herp activity. If dry, however, there will be an astounding variety of butterflies, sun-loving lizards, and other animals to observe and photograph. We have moved this trip three weeks later in the year than previously, since climate change has resulted in the dry season extending later in the year, with resultant unreliable access to one of the field sites - these dates should coincide with the later “start” of the rainy season.
Cost & Space: $2145 (repeat client rate $1945). Minimum of 6 and maximum of 12 participants.
Itinerary: TAKE NOTE THAT THESE DATES ARE STILL TENTATIVE. Participants should arrive in Iquitos the afternoon of Tuesday 26 November (or on an early flight on 27 November – first flights arrive in Iquitos between 6 and 7 AM). Hotel the night of 26 November is included. Transport between the city of Iquitos and the field stations will be by speedboat. We are happy to make flight suggestions
Leader(s) and Contact: Devon Graham, PhD (devon.mtae@gmail.com)
Chris Gillette