Bolivia expedition 2009 preliminary report
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The expedition also collected information on the behavioural ecology of the reserve’s Blue-throated macaws which will contribute to Armonia’s ongoing study of the species and will hopefully assist them in their ongoing conservation efforts.
The expedition’s other ornithological work involved performing line transects mapping the distribution of the local avian population across the 3 main habitats present in the reserve (Savannah, Cerrado and Forest), most notably the expedition mapped the distribution of the Cock-tailed tyrant and Black-masked finch (both classified as vulnerable species by the ICUN) as well as recording abundant populations of the Near Threatened Orinoco goose and Greater Rhea. The expedition also confirmed the reserve area as a paradise for waterbirds with our census recording very high concentrations of Egrets, Spoonbills, Jabiru and waterfowl to name but a few.
The mammalian side of the expedition involved recording every visual encounter with the mammalian species of the reserve as well as using camera traps and sound recording to record the more elusive species of the reserve. Using these techniques we successfully recorded the presence of the ICUN red listed Maned Wolf as well as high concentrations of Giant Anteater and Pampas deer (all Near threatened), high concentrations of other mammals such as Southern Tamandua, Black Howler Monkey, Capybaray and Nine banded armadillo were also recorded, the expedition also recorded the evidence of big cats within the reserve area.
The expedition was also able to carry out, with the assistance of staff from the Noel Kempff Mercado Museum in Santa Cruz, the first Icthyological and Botanical surveys of the reserve. Both surveys focused on the gathering of samples to be assessed and identified back in Santa Cruz. These surveys represent some of the first of their kind to look at this area of the Beni ecosystem and will contribute to advancing our understanding of a biome which at present we know very little about.
In addition the expedition carried out the first herpetological study of the reserve, expedition members assisted the renowned Bolivian Herpetologist Arturo Munoz in the collection and identification of the Reserva Barba Azul’s amphibian and reptilian fauna.
All the data gathered by the expedition will form the basis for Glasgow University’s 2010 expedition to the Reserva Barba Azul which will aim to build on and expand the results of this year’s findings.
Finally we would like to take this opportunity to thank the following organisations and individuals. Firstly, the expedition would like to thank all of those sponsors who supported and made the Bolivia 2009 expedition possible. It is through the financial support of these organisations that the exploration society is able to organise expeditions and provide those undergraduate students with interests in natural history with valuable and enjoyable experiences. The expedition acknowledges the support of the University of Glasgow, Carnegie Trust, Thriplow Charitable Trust, Glasgow Natural History Society, Gilchrist Educational Trust and the Albert Reckitt Charitable trust.
We would also like to thank all the individuals whose help and assistance were integral in making the expedition a success. We would like to thank in particular Gustavo (sucio G) Sanchez Avilla, Erica, Miriam and Chene from the Noel Kempff Mercado museum in Santa Cruz, Arturo Munoz, Zorro, Mauricio Herrera, Douglas Bruckner, Bennett and all the staff at Associacion Armonia and finally all the people of Beni who showed us such great hospitality during our stay.
