Global Vision International,

XXXXX Report Series No. 00X

ISSN XXXX-XXXX (Print)

GVI Ecuador Amazon

Rainforest Conservation and Community

Development

Phase Report 092

April – June 2009
 GVI Ecuador Amazon/Rainforest Conservation and Community Development
Expedition Report 092
`
Submitted in whole to
Global Vision International
Yachana Foundation
Museo Ecuatoriano de Ciencias Naturales (MECN)

Produced by

Chris Beirne – Field Staff

Jonathan Escolar – Field Manager
Matt Iles - Field Staff
Andrew Whitworth – Field Staff

And

Samantha Brimble Field Staff Peter Ho Expedition Member

Daniel Neilson Intern Tonny Kregal Expedition Member
Hannah Urpeth Intern Megan Martin Expedition Member
Stephanie Ayres Expedition Member Sarah McFedries Expedition Member
Daniel Brooks Expedition Member Zoe O’Connor Expedition Member
Elizabeth Bunnen Expedition Member Ali Quinney Expedition Member
Katherine Damm Expedition Member Gayathri Ramachandran Expedition Member
Harry Earle-Mundil Expedition Member Lucy Ryan Expedition Member
Alexandra Edge Expedition Member Hassan Vawda Expedition Member
Candice Harris Expedition Member Lucy Waddington Expedition Member
Nicola Hesketh-Roberts Expedition Member

Edited by
Karina Berg – Country Director

GVI Ecuador/Rainforest Conservation and Community Development

Address: Casilla Postal 17-07-8832
Quito, Ecuador
Email: ecuador@gvi.co.uk
Web page: http://www.gvi.co.uk and http://www.gviusa.com
Executive Summary
This report documents the work of Global Vision International’s (GVI) Rainforest
Conservation and Community Development Expedition in Ecuador’s Amazon region and
run in partnership with the Yachana Foundation, based at the Yachana Reserve in the
province of Napo. During the second phase of 2009 from Friday 3rd April to Friday 12th
June, GVI has:

 Added ten new species to the reserve species list, including four birds, one mammal,
one snake, two lizards, one butterfly and one spider.
 Initiated a new project investigating the avifauna associated with the road running
through the Yachana Reserve.
 Made incidental sightings of twelve species of mammal, one of which, the Western
woolly opossum (Caluromys lanatus), was new to the reserve species list.
 Initiated a new amphibian and reptile surveying program, using pitfall trapping and
visual encounter surveys.
 Conducted preliminary investigations for a new project investigating the effects of
disturbance from the road upon butterfly communities.
 Continued with English lessons for local school children in Puerto Rico with the focus
of providing a template for writing a letter to children of a similar age in the UK.
 Welcomed three current students from the Yachana Technical High School to join the
expedition for a three week period each, in order to exchange language skills,
knowledge and experience.
 Visited a local student’s community and farm, in addition to field trips to Yasuní
National Park and Sumak Allpa, an island reserve and school run by an indigenous
conservationist.

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 Table of Contents
1 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 6
2 Avian Research.......................................................................................................... 9
2.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................... 9
2.2 Methods ............................................................................................................ 9
2.2.3 Incidental Data Recordings .......................................................................... 10
2.3 Results............................................................................................................ 10
2.4 Discussion ...................................................................................................... 11
2.4.1 Road Transects ........................................................................................... 11
2.4.2 Mist Netting.................................................................................................. 11
2.4.3 Incidental Sightings ...................................................................................... 11
2.5 Conclusion ...................................................................................................... 11
3 Mammal Incidentals ................................................................................................. 11
3.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................... 11
3.2 Methods .......................................................................................................... 12
3.3 Results............................................................................................................ 12
3.4 Discussion ...................................................................................................... 12
3.5 Conclusion ...................................................................................................... 12
4 Herpetological Research .......................................................................................... 13
4.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................... 13
4.2 Problem statement .......................................................................................... 13
4.3 Objectives and significance of the research .................................................... 14
4.4 Study Site ....................................................................................................... 15
4.5 Methods .......................................................................................................... 16
4.6 Results............................................................................................................ 17
4.6.3 Visual encounter surveys ............................................................................. 19
4.7 Discussion ...................................................................................................... 19
5 Butterfly Research ................................................................................................... 20
5.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................... 20
5.2 Methods .......................................................................................................... 20
5.3 Results............................................................................................................ 21
5.4 Discussion ...................................................................................................... 21
5.5 Conclusion ...................................................................................................... 21
6 Community Development Projects ........................................................................... 22
6.1 Colegio Técnico Yachana (Yachana Technical High School) .......................... 22
6.2 TEFL at Puerto Rico ....................................................................................... 22
7 Future Expedition Aims ............................................................................................ 22
8 References ................................................................................................................. 24
Appendix A: Species list ................................................................................................ 27
Appendix B: Basic Trail Map of the Yachana Reserve................................................... 32
Appendix C: Project Proposal ........................................................................................ 33

iv
List of Figures

Figure 1.1 Map of Ecuador with GVI Amazon location….……………………………………6

Figure 4.1 The total number of each amphibian species found in Phase 092..……………18

Figure 4.2 The total number of each reptile species found in Phase 092….………………18

List of Tables

Table 4.1 Pitfall traps: number of individuals…………………………………………………..19

Table 4.1 Visual encounter surveys: number of individuals………………………………….19

v
1 Introduction
The Rainforest Conservation and Community Development expedition, operated by Global
Vision International (GVI), is located at the Yachana Reserve in the Napo province in the
Amazonian region of Ecuador. Yachana Reserve is a legally-designated Bosque Protector
(Protected Forest), consisting of approximately 1500 hectares of predominantly primary
lowland rainforest, as well as abandoned plantations, grassland, riparian forest,
regenerating forest and a road. The Yachana Reserve is owned and managed by the
Yachana Foundation.

GVI Amazon
Rio Napo, Napo Province

Figure 1.1

6
The Yachana Foundation is dedicated to finding sustainable solutions to the problems
facing the Ecuadorian Amazon region. The foundation works with rainforest communities
to improve education, develop community-based medical care, establish sustainable
agricultural practices, provide environmentally sustainable economic alternatives, and
conserve the rainforest. The Yachana Reserve is the result of the Foundation’s efforts to
purchase blocks of land for the purpose of conservation. The Yachana Foundation is
developing a long-term plan of sustainable management for the reserve according to
International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) protected forest guidelines and
guidelines laid out by the Ministerio del Ambiente (Ecuadorian Ministry of the
Environment). One of GVI’s main roles at the reserve is to provide support where deemed
necessary for the development of the management plan. This includes reserve boundary
determination, baseline biodiversity assessments, visitor information support, and research
centre development.

GVI also works closely with the Yachana Technical High School, a unique educational
facility for students from the surrounding region. The High School provides students with
meaningful education and practical experience in sustainable agriculture, animal
husbandry, conservation, eco-tourism, and small business operations. As part of their
experiential learning program, students use the Yachana Reserve and GVI’s presence as
a valuable educational tool. As part of their conservation curriculum, the students visit the
reserve to receive hands on training in some of GVI’s research methodology, as well as
familiarization with ecological systems. On a rotational basis, students spend time at the
reserve where they participate in the current research activities, and receive
conversational English classes from GVI volunteers.

GVI additionally conducts English language (TEFL) classes at the nearby village of Puerto
Rico, twice a week. Classes are prepared the day before and last for one hour. Groups of
two or three volunteers conduct the classes, covering relevant topics to the local school
children. This allows GVI to integrate with the local community, whilst giving volunteers the
opportunity to experience firsthand involvement in community development through
teaching English. This is also currently laying the foundation to introduce environmental
education programmes to the Puerto Rico community in the future.

7
GVI also works with local research institutions. The Museo Ecuatoriano de Ciencias
Naturales, (MECN), (Ecuadorian Museum for Natural Sciences), provides technical
assistance with field research and project development. The museum is a government
research institution which houses information and conducts research on the presence and
distribution of floral and faunal species throughout Ecuador. GVI obtains their investigation
permit with the support of MECN for the collection of specimens. The data and specimens
collected by GVI are being lodged with the MECN in order to make this information
nationally and internationally available, and to provide verification of the field data. MECN
technicians are continuously invited to the Yachana Reserve to conduct in-field training
and education for GVI and Yachana students, as well as explore research opportunities
otherwise unavailable.

A major goal for GVI’s research is to shift focus from identifying species in the reserve to
collecting data for management concerns and publication. In collaboration with all local
and international partners, GVI focuses its research on answering ecological questions
related to conservation. With this in mind, several key goals have been identified:

 Cataloguing species diversity in the Yachana Reserve in relation to regional

diversity.
 Conducting long-term biological and conservation based research projects.
 Monitoring of biological integrity within the Yachana Reserve and the immediate
surrounding area.
 Publication of research findings in primary scientific literature.
 Solicitation of visiting researchers and academic collaborators.
 Identification of regional or bio-geographic endemic species or sub-species.
 Identification of species that are included within IUCN or Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
appendices.
 Identification of keystone species important for ecosystem function.
 Identification of new species, sub-species, and range extensions.
 Identification of charismatic species that could add value in promoting the Yachana
Reserve to visitors.

8
In order to achieve the key goals, volunteers participate in five or ten weeks of each phase
and are trained by GVI personnel to conduct research on behalf of the local partners in
support of their ongoing work. This report summarises the scientific research and
community-based programmes conducted during the ten-week expedition from Friday 3rd
April to Friday 12th June 2009, at the Yachana Reserve.

2 Avian Research

2.1 Introduction

GVI continues to monitor the avian communities within the reserve and to identify
additional bird species. Mist netting, and incidental sightings are still employed, as is a new
research project that surveys the road and its edges as a habitat. A full project proposal is
included in the appendix of this report.

2.2 Methods

2.2.1 Road Transects

A line transect method of data collection will be used to enable the production maps of
species distribution and the data can also be analysed to gain an estimate of population
densities. The road is marked every 20 metres and then divided into three separate
sections, lower, middle and upper, each 1200m in length. The transects were walked
between the hours of 0600 - 1000 and 1600 - 1800. The order and direction they were
walked were randomly determined and they were carried out at approximately 1km per
hour. All birds along, flying over and at a distance < than 25m either side of the road were
recorded. Both visual and audio encounters were noted, as was the direction of flight. Line
transects are not usually implemented along established linear features such as roads and
footpaths as they can bias results (Sutherland, 1996). However, in this case the road and
its edges are the habitat we intended to study, so this concern is not relevant.

2.2.2 Mist Netting

In order to collect individuals for identification and banding, mist netting was conducted.
Nets were opened during peak bird activity in the morning and afternoon. Mist netting
allowed GVI to band individuals and identify less conspicuous species otherwise
impossible to observe with other methodology. Conducted consistently over time, data
can be collected that identifies migratory species, and shifts in diversity and abundance.
9
Two areas of the reserve are currently sampled - an open area of secondary forest
adjacent to grassland on the Ridge Trail, and a stretch of primary forest located on the
Bloop Trail.

2.2.3 Incidental Data Recordings

Species that were encountered outside of mist netting and local bird surveys were also
recorded if they were believed to be rare or not previously identified within the reserve
(e.g. nocturnal species during satellite camps). Incidental sightings can take place during
any of the other survey or project work within the reserve. At the time of each incidence
the time, location, date, species, and any other key characteristics or notes are taken and
later entered into a database back in camp.

2.3 Results

2.3.1 Road Transects

In total of twelve road transects were carried out, six on the lower section, three on the
middle section and three on the upper section of the transect. 670 individuals were
recorded from 57 species. One new species was added to the list as a result, the Long-
tailed Tyrant (Colonia colonus).

2.3.2 Mist Netting

Five mist netting sessions were conducted at two different sights (Ridge Trail and upper
Bloop Trail) during the expedition, adding one new species to the list, the Pearly Antshrike
(Megastictus margaritatus), captured on the upper Bloop Trail. In total 16 different species
were captured between the two sites.

2.3.3 Incidental Sightings

Incidental sightings added two new species to the Yachana species list this phase. They
were the Chestnut-winged Hookbill (Ancistrops strigilatus), observed at base camp, and
the Gould’s Jewelfront (Heliodoxa aurescens), also visited base camp a number of times
feeding regularly on the flowers growing there.

10
2.4 Discussion

2.4.1 Road Transects

This new project has started encouragingly. Observer reliability is a problem as some
volunteers are not strong at field identification, but provided a staff member is able to verify
sightings the method is sound enough. The sampling effort was not evenly spread over the
three sections of the transect during the phase and that is something that must be rectified
before any meaningful patterns of distribution may be observed.

2.4.2 Mist Netting

The mist netting surveys were particularly valuable for catching and identifying species
otherwise difficult to detect or identify simply through observational methods. Because of
this and also due to the enjoyment that volunteers got out of the experience, more mist
netting sessions in more locations are recommended for future expeditions.

2.4.3 Incidental Sightings

Incidental sightings added two new species to the list this phase, which emphasizes the
need to stay alert at all times when out in the forest and the need to use alternative
methods (e.g. playback and mist netting) for surveying secretive or rare bird species (Allen
et al. 2004; Lacher et al. 2004).

2.5 Conclusion
Avian survey work continues to focus on adding species to the reserve species list. It is
recommended, however, that future expeditions focus on using the data more
constructively and using statistical indices to measure species richness and diversity. More
mist netting should also be conducted as these surveys are particularly productive at
revealing less detectable species.

3 Mammal Incidentals

3.1 Introduction
GVI continues to document mammal species activity in the reserve, predominately through
incidental mammal and track sightings. This is confined to incidental recordings due to the
low occurrence of conspicuous diurnal mammals. Excessive mammal concentrated
surveying is not sufficiently productive. However, long walks in the forest have continued
to increase chances of seeing diurnal and nocturnal mammals.

11
3.2 Methods

All mammal species encountered outside of specific mammal surveys were recorded.
Incidental sightings can take place during any of the other survey or project work within the
reserve, or during long walks into the forest. At the time of each incidence the time,
location, date, species, and any other key characteristics or notes are taken and later
entered into a database back in camp.

3.3 Results
During this phase, twelve mammal species were sighted incidentally, during other survey
work or walks into the forest. Of these, one was a new species to the Yachana species list.
Incidental sightings included encounters with Amazon Bamboo Rat (Dactylomys
dactylinus), Amazon Red Squirrel (Sciurus sp.), Black Agouti (Dasyprocta fuliginosa),
Black-mantled Tamarins (Saguinus nigricollis), Coatis (Nasua nasua), Kinkajou (Potos
flavus), Night Monkeys (Aotus sp.), Common Opossum (Didelphis marsupialis), Four-eyed
Opossum (Philander sp.), Water Opossum (Chironectes minimus) and Water Rat
(Nectomys squamipes). A Western Woolly Opossum (Caluromys lanatus), a new addition
to the species list, was also observed in base camp.

3.4 Discussion
Due to the elusiveness of many mammal species they are often difficult to survey.
Incidental recordings alone have provided us with sightings of twelve of the 48 mammal
species (19 of which are bats from past bat netting sessions). One of the incidental
sightings was new to the Yachana species list.

3.5 Conclusion
Incidental sightings continue to provide the bulk of mammal encounters in the reserve and
to new additions to the reserve species list. For this reason, night walks and long forays
into the forest should be conducted regularly. These should ideally be performed in small
groups in order to minimise disturbance and increase the likelihood of sightings. The two
new species list additions could easily have been encountered in the past, however until
this point have not been noted, therefore demonstrates the need to maintain vigilance at
all time in the forest and around camp.

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4 Herpetological Research

4.1 Introduction

One of the key drivers of worldwide species loss is habitat change; defined as habitat
deforestation, fragmentation and deterioration (Urbina-Cardona, 2008). The rapid rate of
forest conversion in the Neotropics has been offset by large-scale expansion of secondary
forest, plantation and pastureland (Wright SJ, 2005; Gardner et al. 2007b). Despite the
increasingly dominant role of these degraded habitats in the tropical landscape, there is
little consensus within the scientific community about the extent of its conservation value
(Gardner et al. 2007c, Lo-Man-Hung1, et al. 2008). Wright & Muller-Landau (2006) predict
that the future loss of primary forest will be offset by regenerating secondary forest and
consequently suggest that the predicted loss of species due to habitat change may be
premature. However, there is currently a lack of empirical evidence to support the theory
that regenerating forests can fully support native forest species (Gardner 2007c).

Two recent multiple taxa assessments, conducted on the cubraca cacao plantations of
Bahia, Brazil (Pardini et al. IN PRESS) and eucalyptus plantations of the Jari forestry
project, Brazil (Barlow et al. 2007), found that responses to structural habitat change were
taxon specific. Barlow et al. (2007) found that four of the fifteen taxa analysed (trees and
lianas, birds, fruit feeding butterflies, and leaf litter amphibians) were found to decrease in
species richness with increasing habitat disturbance. However, five taxa (large mammals,
epigiec arachnids, lizards, dung beetles and bats) exhibit idiosyncratic responses to
habitat change (Barlow et al. 2007). Both studies concluded that responses to structural
habitat change will be species specific, not simply taxon specific. Analysis of a generalised
taxon response is likely to hide a higher level of species specific disturbance responses
which are important when designing conservation strategies (Barlow et al 2007; Pardini et
al. 2009). These studies highlight the importance of performing multiple taxa assessments
that are species specific relating to the conservation value of secondary and plantation
forests.

4.2 Problem statement

The Neotropics are estimated to contain nearly 50% of the worlds amphibians (IUCN,
2007) and 32% of the worlds reptiles (Young et al. 2004), this equates to over 3000
species of each taxon. Within the continental Neotropics, the 17 countries in Central and
South America, there are 1685 species of amphibian and 296 species of reptiles
13
considered endangered. Amphibians and reptiles are considered to be the most
threatened groups of terrestrial vertebrates (J. Gardner 2007b). There have been many
factors implicated in threatening populations of amphibians and reptiles, including habitat
loss and change, the virulent Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis pathogen, climate change
(Whitfield et al. 2007), ultraviolet-B radiation (Broomhall et al. 2000), and agrochemical
contaminants (Bridges et al. 2000).

4.2.1 Current State of Amphibian and Reptile Research

Amphibians and reptiles are important primary, mid-level and top consumers in
Neotropical ecosystems; therefore, it is important to understand the responses of these
organisms to structural habitat change (Bell et al. 2006). Despite its apparent severity, the
amount of research time given to studying the impacts of habitat change on amphibian and
reptile populations is relatively low. This is especially true in the Neotropics which, despite
an estimated 89% of threatened species being affected by habitat loss, has only been the
subject of 10% of the world’s herpetological studies (Gardner et al 2007a). There is a
general consensus amongst herpetologists that the effect of structural habitat change on
determining amphibian and reptiles and distributions is limited (Pearman, 1997;
Krishnamurthy, 2003; Urbina-Cardona, 2006; Gardner et al, 2007b).

A recent global scale review of the state of amphibian and reptile research regarding
structural habitat change highlighted several serious deficiencies: i) There is currently a
strong study bias away from the Neotropics towards North America and Australia. ii)
Published studies report contradictory responses of amphibian and reptile populations to
habitat change. iii) There are several common limitations in study methodology and
analysis (Gardner et al. 2007a).

4.2.2 Aims

To address the Neotropical information deficit on herpetofaunal responses we aim to

compare abandoned cacao plantation with primary forest habitats on the Yachana
Forestry Reserve. Particular efforts will be made to address the current common
limitations in herpetofaunal study methodology and analysis by Gardner et al. (2007).

4.3 Objectives and significance of the research

The principal goal of this project will be to use survey data to assess the ability of
secondary forest (abandoned cacao plantation) to preserve leaflitter herpetofaunal
14
richness, distribution and abundance in comparison to primary forest habitat. This data will
contribute to understanding the effects of structural habitat change within the Neotropics.
Further more, by mapping the habitat parameters (canopy cover, leaf litter depth, stem
density, etc.), we hope to identify the responses of different herpetofaunal groups/species
to structural habitat change. This information could have important consequences for the
design of conservational strategies targeting specific groups/species within the Amazon
region.

4.4 Study Site

All research will be performed directly on, or in the area immediately surrounding, the
Yachana Reserve (see map in Appendix B). The reserve is situated within the Napo
province in the Amazonian region of Ecuador (0°5' 0"S/077° 13' 60"W; 300-350m altitude).
The Yachana Reserve is a legally-designated Bosque Protector (Protected Forest),
consisting of approximately 1500 hectares of predominantly primary lowland rainforest, as
well as abandoned plantations, grassland, riparian forest, regenerating forest and a road.
The reserve is owned and managed by the Foundation for Integrated Education and
Development (FUNEDISIN or Yachana Foundation). The reserve is surrounded by large
areas of pasture land, small active cacao farms and currently un-mapped disturbed
primary forest.

The road within the Yachana Reserve is a large stone and gravel based road which
roughly dissects the primary forest to the north and the abandoned cacao plantations to
the south. Despite walking the road on a frequent basis, field staff have never come across
any frogs (dead or alive) on the road itself. A growing body of research suggests that
roads can have a negative impact on amphibian diversity (Cushman et al. 2006). They can
decrease dispersal, reduce genetic diversity and increase mortality. It is highly likely that
the amphibian populations south of the road will be have reduced access the breeding
pools within the primary region. Consequently the road is likely to affect the richness,
distribution and abundance of herpetofaunal assemblages in both primary and abandoned
plantation habitats. These affects must be considered when interpreting any data obtained.

15
4.5 Methods

Data will be collected over four ten week blocks from the 14th of April 2009 until the 14th
March 2010. Collecting throughout the year will allow us to determine if there is any
seasonal variation in herptofaunal assemblages.

The herpetofauna in the Yachana Reserve exhibit different breeding and non-breeding
habitats and varying vagility; therefore, no one method will be sufficient to study their
populations. Consequently, we will employ a combination of pitfall trapping and visual
encounter surveys. Using a combination of methods will allow us to describe a wider
assemblage of species than the use of a single method.

We will establish ten 75m transects in both the primary and abandoned cacao plantations.
Care will be taken to space transects sufficiently to avoid psuedoreplication. Transects will
be marked with coloured transect tape to avoid unnecessary habitat modification. Where
possible, the transects will be located at least 10m from streams and 100m from forest
edges to avoid biases resulting from increases in species richness and abundance, which
could result in confusion about the true effect of structural habitat change on amphibian
and reptile diversity.

4.5.1 Nocturnal and Diurnal Visual Encounter Surveys

Visual encounter surveys have been shown to be one of the most effective methods for
sampling tropical herpetofaunas (Bell et al, 2006). They have been repeatedly shown to
yield greater numbers of individuals per effort than other sampling methods in recent
publications (Ernst and Rodel, 2004; Donnelly et al 2005) and our own preliminary
investigations. Each transect will be searched by five/six observers (strip width = 6m,
expected duration = 1h 30m).

4.5.2 Pitfall trapping

Twelve pitfall trap arrays will also be established along with the transects in both primary
and secondary forest. Each array will consist of four 25L buckets with 8m long by 50cm
high plastic drift fence connecting them in linear shaped design. When open, the pitfalls
will be checked at least once a day.

16
Particular care will be taken to ensure that sampling effort is equal for both primary and
secondary habitats. This will ensure maximum comparability in the resultant data sets.

Any amphibians or reptiles encountered through either method will be identified in the field
using available literature and then released. Any individual which cannot be identified will
be taken back to the GVI base camp for further analysis. A small proportion of the capture
individuals, including those that cannot be identified, will be anaesthetised with Lidocaine
and fixed with 10% formalin. All preseserved specimins will be stored at the Museo
Ecuatoriano de Ciencias Naturales (MECN), or possibly Pontificia Universidad Catolica del
Ecuador (PUCE).

Surveying primary rainforest habitat is a privileged opportunity; however there is the

potential to negatively affect the ecosystem by passing infections between sites and
species. Good practices will be strictly adhered to so as to ensure transmissions are not
possible. This will be achieved by systematic cleaning of tools, equipment, and sterile bags
will be changed when handling different individuals. Under no circumstances will
amphibians or reptiles come in contact with exposed human skin tissue.

4.5.3 Habitat feature mapping

Each transect/pitfall array will be subjected to vegetation mapping following the guidelines
outlined by MECN in Quito. The following parameters will be estimated; upper canopy
cover, height of upper canopy, height of emergent’s, middle canopy coverage, middle
canopy height, shrub density, herb density, vine density, palm density, epiphyte density
and fern density. Diameter at breast height (dbh) and stem density will also be measured
at each site, with the assumption that the number of plants with small dbh is greater in
degraded, secondary forests, whereas primary forests show increasing numbers of plants
of larger dbh (Pearman, 1997; Rodel et al. 2004).

4.6 Results

4.6.1 Species encountered

During this phase, 340 identified reptile and amphibian individuals were encountered,
comprising 27 species of amphibian and 11 species of reptile. The majority of the
amphibians found were the frogs Ameerga bilinguis, Pristimantis ockendeni, and
Pristimantis lanthanites (see Figure 4.1). Bolitoglossa peruvianus (the Dwarf-climbing
17
Salamanders) are also one of the most commonly found amphibians. The most common
reptile species were the lizards Lepsoma parietale (see Figure 4.2).

The total number of each amphibian species found in phase 092

Allobates zapero
Ameerega bilinguis
Bolitoglossa peruvianus
Colostethus marchesianus
Edalorhina perezi
Engystomops petersi
Hypodactylus nigrovittatus
Leptodactylus andreae
Leptodactylus knudseni
Leptodactylus rhodomystax
Lithodytes lineatus
Oreobates quixensis
Osteocephalus planiceps
Phyllomedusa tomopterna
Phyllomedusa vaillantii
Pristimantis acuminatus
Pristimantis altamazonicus
Pristimantis conspicillatus
Pristimantis diadematus
Pristimantis lanthanites
Pristimantis martiae
Pristimantis ockendeni complex
Pristimantis peruvianus
Pristimantis variabillis
Rhinella dapsilis
Rhinella margaritifera complex
Rhinella marina

Figure 4.1

The total number of reptile species found in phase 092

Anolis fuscoauratus
Anolis nitens scypheus
Anolis trachyderma
Attractus sp
Gonatodes concinnatus
Gonatodes humeralis
Imantodes cenchoa
Kentropyx pelviceps
Leposoma parietale
Pseudogonatodes guianensis
Tropidurus umbra ochocollaris

Figure 4.2

18
4.6.2 Pitfalls

Table 4.1: Number of individuals

Amphibians and Amphibians Reptiles

reptiles
Total primary 42 39 5
Total secondary 93 96 12

4.6.3 Visual encounter surveys

Table 4.2: Number of individuals

Amphibians and Amphibians Reptiles

reptiles
Total primary 114 102 12
(approx 810 mins survey
time with 5/6 searchers)

Total secondary 91 88 3
(approx 810 mins survey
time with 5/6 searchers)

4.7 Discussion

Overall the amphibian and reptile work over the past five weeks has proven very fruitful. A
large number of identified individuals have been found and some unidentified species have
been taken as voucher specimens for further observation and identification with other
experts within the Ecuadorian Amazon region.

Already the results are showing that some species are much more prevalent than others
and there are certainly some differences in the numbers of species and types of animals
found within different areas of the reserve. Once we have gathered more data and also
data on vegetation types we can then begin to look at these differences in greater detail.
The amphibians Ameerga bilinguis, Pristimantis ockendeni, Pristimantis lanthanites,
Bolitoglossa peruvianus (Dwarf-climbing Salamanders) and the lizard Lepsoma parietale
appear to be good generalist species, found in greater numbers than other species in

19
various habitat types around the reserve. It may also be that these species are the ones
best targeted by the survey methods used within this study.

The methods used within the past five weeks will continue into the next phase so that
changes in species assemblages can be observed over an annual period of time. The next
phase will also incorporate vegetation mapping work at each of the surveying sites, so that
any relationships between habitat structure and species composition can be observed.

The resultant analysis which will be used when a greater amount of data has been
gathered will involve multivariate analysis such as principal component analysis and also
decision tree analysis that may be applied to the development of a model used to
determine the types of amphibians and reptiles found in specific habitat types.

5 Butterfly Research

5.1 Introduction

Phase 092 saw the reintroduction of butterfly surveys but with a new aim in mind.
Butterflies are widely regarded as important ecological indicators due to dependence of
the larval stage on a specific host plant, combined with adult pollinating roles (Ehrlich and
Raven, 1965). Road systems sharply define and fragment forest ecosystems, resulting in
changes to plant species composition and structure from road edges to the surrounding
interior (Bennett, 1991). Therefore, this phase served as a period of preliminary work
investigating the effect of road disturbance on butterfly assemblages.

5.2 Methods

A transect was established along the Frontier Trail, which runs roughly perpendicular to
the road running through Yachana Reserve. Six sample sites were established every 50m
along the transect. Butterflies were surveyed by means of two complementary methods:
sweep-nets and baited traps. Two traps were placed at each sample site, one in the high
canopy and the other about 1.5m above the forest floor. Traps were set for one day at a
time and monitored for several hours either side of midday, when butterfly activity is at its
peak. Traps were baited using rotting fish. While baited traps were set, sweep-netting was
also conducted to assess the assemblage of nectar-eating butterflies in each area. All
butterflies caught were identified in the field using photographic references.

20
5.3 Results

Overall, 207 individuals were caught during eight sampling sessions. 152 of these were
caught using sweep nets. 86 different species were caught. 23% of all species caught
were of one species, Cithaerias piretaI, and 18% were of another, Aeria eurimedea. 18
other species contributed between 8% and 3% of all individuals caught. 17 species each
represented 2% and the remaining 48 species each represented 1% of all individuals
caught.

Total individuals caught in traps was fairly constant along the transect, with 14 individuals
being caught at 0m and 16 being caught at the furthermost sampling site, 300m. A similar
pattern was found using sweep nets.

5.4 Discussion

A large bias was found towards using sweep netting as a sampling method. This provided
a much greater number of individuals than using baited traps. The bulk of individuals
caught belonged to only several species. Incidentally these most frequently encountered
species were caught by sweep netting. There appeared to be no correlation between
distance from road and number of butterflies caught, either in traps or using sweep nets.
Similar numbers of individuals were captured by both methods. A much larger data set
may be required to make any deductions about this.

5.5 Conclusion

Such a bias in sampling method suggests that sweep netting may not be the most
effective method of measuring the effect of a spatial variable such as distance from a road,
particularly using relatively small intervals such as 50m. It is also noted that use of sweep
netting by volunteers is a highly inaccurate sampling method when investigating set
sampling sites. Certain butterfly species are easier to catch than others and netting ability
may vary significantly between volunteers.

It is recommended that in order to expand upon this preliminary investigation, baited traps
should be the only sampling method used. Using rotting fruit as bait would attract fruit
feeding butterflies, such as those from the Nymphalidae family. These are more closely
associated with vegetation in the adult stage than the carrion feeding species targeted
during this phase. Disturbance of vegetation from the road can also be investigated

21
through mapping techniques and examined in tandem with butterfly data. This project is
likely to focus upon the impacts of disturbance along trails.

6 Community Development Projects

6.1 Colegio Técnico Yachana (Yachana Technical High School)

GVI continues to work closely with the Yachana Technical High School. Three current
students from the Yachana Technical High School came to join the expedition for a period
of three weeks each. They participated in all aspects of the expedition, including survey
work, camp duty and satellite camps. Conversation sessions for language exchange are
also arranged between the students and volunteers or staff. During the last phase three
students participated throughout the expedition. The students are of great assistance
during field work, sharing their knowledge about local uses for plants as well as helping
with the scheduled work. They also share their culture with volunteers and allow a greater
insight into their background, teaching traditional basket-weaving, traditional achiote-
painting. It is hoped that these exchanges will continue in the future as they are beneficial
to GVI volunteers and staff, and of course to the students themselves.

6.2 TEFL at Puerto Rico

Formal English classes were provided by volunteers and staff for one hour on Tuesdays
and Thursdays, to schoolchildren of the neighbouring community of Puerto Rico. Our
relationship with Puerto Rico is continuing to grow and strengthen, and GVI is looking to
provide environmental education programmes to the community in the future as part of the
conservation work that we do here. Classes this phase focussed on providing a template
for a letter or postcard that could be sent to a partner school in the UK. Topics covered for
inclusion in the lesson included name, age, family, home and interests. It is hoped that
TEFL will continue to be structured in a similar way in the future, as this has provided more
incentive for the students and has been a much more involving process for them.

7 Future Expedition Aims

 The biodiversity programme will be continued, opportunistically re-surveying sites, and
expanding the survey areas within the reserve.

22
 Avian research will continue, focussing on mist netting in addition to evening out the
sampling effort for all three sections of the road transect.
 Herpetological research will continue, repeating pitfall trapping and visual encounter
surveys, and incorporating vegetation mapping work at each of the surveying sites, so
that any relationships between habitat structure and species composition can be
observed.
 A new butterfly project will commence, examining the effects of road and trail
disturbance upon fruit feeding species, in relation to changes in vegetation.
 A thorough examination of the dung beetle communities found in the reserve will
commence, following preliminary work carried out during Phase 091.
 GVI will continue to participate in exchanges with the Yachana Technical High School.
 TEFL at Puerto Rico will continue with a defined focus for each ten week block, for
each age group the aim is to encourage students to put their learning into practise and
get them conversing in English.

23
8 References
Allen, T., Ginkbeiner, S.L., and Johnson, D.H., 2004. Comparison of detection rates of
breeding marsh birds in passive and playback surveys at Lacreek National Wildlife refuge,
South Dakota. Waterbirds 27, 277-281.

Bennett, A. F., 1991. Roads, roadsides and wildlife conservation: A review. In: Saunders,
D. A., Hobbs, R. J. (eds.). Nature Conservation 2: The role of corridors. Chipping Norton,
NSW, Australia: Surrey Beatty 99-118.

Daszak, P., Berger, L., Cunningham, A.A., Hyatt, A.D., Green, D.E., Speare. R., 1999.
Emerging infectious diseases and amphibian population declines. Emerging Infectious
Diseases. 5, 735-48.

Ehrlich, P. R., Raven, P. H., 1965. Butterflies and plants: A study in co-evolution. Evolution
18: 586-608.

Gardner T.A., Fitzherbert E.B., Drewes R.C., Howell K.M., Caro T., 2007. Spatial and
temporal patterns of abundance and diversity of an east African leaf litter amphibian fauna.
Biotropica 39(1):105-113.

Heyer W.R., Donnelly M.A., McDiarmid R.W., Hayek L.A.C., Foster M.S., 1994. Measuring
and Monitoring Biological Diversity - Standard Methods for Amphibians.

Kroodsma, D.E., 1984. Songs of the Alder Flycatcher (Empidonax alnorum) and Willow
Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) are innate. Auk 101, 13-24.

Lacher, T., 2004. Tropical Ecology, Assessment, and Monitoring (TEAM) Initiative: Avian
Monitoring Protocol version 3. Conservation International, Washington, DC.
www.teaminitiative.org.

Menendez-Guerrero P.A., Ron S.R. and Graham C.H., 2006. Predicting the Distribution
and Spread of Pathogens to Amphibians. Amphibian Conservation 11:127-128.

24
Ridgely, R.S., Greenfield, P.J., 2001. The birds of Ecuador. Volume I. Status, Distribution,
and Taxonomy. Cornell University Press, New York.

Sutherland, W.J., 1996. Ecological census techniques: a handbook. University press,

Cambridge.

Weldon, C., du Preez, L.H., Hyatt, A.D., Muller, R., Speare, R., 2004. Origin of the
amphibian chytrid fungus. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 10 (Issue 12).

References used in the field to identify species:

Bartlett, R.D., Bartlett, P., 2003. Reptiles and amphibians of the Amazon. An ecotourist’s
guide. University Press of Florida, Gainsville.

Bollino, M., Onore G., 2001. Butterflies & moths of Ecuador. Volume 10a. Familia:
Papilionidae. Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito.

Carrera, C., Fierro, K., 2001. Manual de monitoreo los macroinvertebrados acuáticos.
EcoCiencia, Quito.

Carrillo, E., Aldás, S., Altamirano, M., Ayala, F., Cisneros, D. Endara, A., Márquez, C.,
Morales, M., Nogales, F, Salvador, P., Torres, M.L., Valencia, J., Villamarín, F., Yánez, M.,
Zárate, P., 2005. Lista roja de los reptiles del Ecuador. Novum Milenium, Quito.

de la Torre, S., 2000. Primates of Amazonian Ecuador. SIMBIOE, Quito.

DeVries, P.J., 1997. The butterflies of Costa Rica and their natural history. Volume II:
Riodinidae. Princeton University Press, Princeton.

Duellman, W.E., 1978. The biology of an equatorial herpetofauna in Amazonian Ecuador.

The University of Kansas, Lawrence.

Eisenberg, J.F., Redford, K.H., 1999. Mammals of the Neotropics: The central Neotropics.
Volume 3 Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil. The University of Chicago Press, Chicago.

25
Emmons, L.H., Feer, F., 1997. Neotropical rainforest mammals. A field guide, second
edition. The University of Chicago Press, Chicago.

Moreno E., M., Silva del P., X., Estévez J., G., Marggraff, I., Marggraff, P., 1997.
Mariposas del Ecuador. Occidental Exploration and Production Company, Quito.

Neild, A.F.E., 1996. The butterflies of Venezuela. Meridain Publications. London.

Ridgely, R.S., Greenfield, P.J., 2001. The birds of Ecuador. Volume I. Status, distribution
and taxonomy. Christopher Helm, London.

Ridgely, R.S., Greenfield, P.J., 2001. The birds of Ecuador. Volume II. A field guide.
Christopher Helm, London.

Tirira S., D., 2001. Libro rojo de los mamíferos del Ecuador. SIMBIOE/EcoCiencia, Quito.

26
Appendix A: Species list (species added to list during Phase 092 are marked with asterisks**)
Class Aves Gruiformes Trochilidae Hummingbirds
Tinamiformes Rallidae Rails, Gallinules, and Coots Amazilia franciae cyanocollis Andean Emerald Hummingbird
Tinamidae Tinamous Anurolimnatus castaneiceps Chestnut-headed Crake Amazilia fimbriata Glittering-throated Emerald
Crypturellus bartletti Bartlett's Tinamou Aramides cajanea Gray-necked Wood-Rail Anthracothorax nigricollis Black-throated Mango
Crypturellus cinereus Cinereous Tinamou Campylopterus largipennis Gray-breasted Sabrewing
Crypturellus soui Little Tinamou Columbiformes Campylopterus villaviscensio Napo Sabrewing
Crypturellus undulatus Undulated Tinamou Columbidae Pigeons and Doves Eriocnemis vestitus Glowing Puffleg
Crypturellus variegatus Variegated Tinamou Claravis pretiosa Blue Ground-Dove Eutoxeres condamini Buff-tail ed Sicklebil l
Tinamus major Great Tin amou Columba plumbea Plumbeous Pig eon Glaucis hirsuta Rufous -breasted Hermit
Geotrygon montana Ruddy Quail-Dove Heliothryx aurita Black-eared Fairy
Ciconiformes Leptotila rufaxilla Gray-fronted Dove Heliodoxa aurescens** Gould's Jewelfront**
Ardeidae Herons, Bitterns and Egrets Phaethornis bourcieri Straight-billed Hermit
Ardea cocoi Cocoi Heron Psittaciformes Phaethornis hispidus White-bearded Hermit
Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret Psittacidae Parrots and Macaws Phaethornis malaris Great-billed Hermit
Butorides striatus Striated Heron Amazona farinosa Mealy Amazon Thalurania furcata Fork-tailed Woodnymph
Egretta caerulea Little Blue Heron Amazona ochrocephala Yellow-crowned Amazon
Egretta thula Snowy Egret Ara severa Chestnut-fronted Macaw Trogoniformes
Tigrisoma lineatum Rufescent Tiger-Heron Psittacidae Cont. Parrots and Macaws Trogonidae Trogons and Quetzals
Aratinga leucophthalmus White-eyed Parakeet Pharomachrus pavoninus Pavonine Quetzal
Cathartidae American Vultures Aratinga weddellii Dusky-headed Parakeet Trogon melanurus Black-tailed Trogon
Cathartes aura Turkey Vulture Pionites melanocephala Black-headed Parrot Trogon viridis Amazonian Whit e-tailed Trogon
Cathartes melambrotus Greater Yellow-headed Vulture Pionopsitta barrabandi Orange-cheeked Parrot Trogon collaris Collared Trogon
Coragyps atractus Black Vulture Pionus menstruus Blue-headed Parrot Trogon rufus Black-throated Trogon
Sarcoramphus papa King Vulture Pionus chalcopterus Bronze-winged Parrot Trogon violaceus Amazonian Violaceous Trogon
Pyrrhura melanura Maroon-tail ed Parakeet Trogon curucui Blue-crowned Trogon
Falconiformes
Accipitridae Kites, Eagles, Hawks, and Osprey Cuculiformes Coraciiformes
Buteo magnirostris Roadside Hawk Cuculidae Cuckoos and Anis Alcedinidae Kingfishers
Buteo polyosoma Variable Hawk Crotophaga ani Smooth-billed Ani Chloroceryle amazona Amazon Kingfisher
Elanoides forficatus Swallow-tail ed Kit e Crotophaga major Greater Ani Chloroceryle americana Green Kingfisher
Harpagus bidentatus Double-toothed Kit e Piaya cayana Squirrel Cockoo Chloroceryle inda Green and Rufous Kingfisher
Ictinia plumbea Plumbeous Kit e Piaya melanogaster Black-bellied Cuckoo Megaceryle torquata Ringed Kingfisher
Leptodon cayanensis Gray-headed Kite
Leucopternis melanops Black-faced Hawk Opisthocomidae Hoatzin Momotidae Motmots
Leucopternis albicollis White Hawk Opisthocomus hoazin Hoatzin Baryphthengus martii Rufous Motmot
Pandion haliaetus Osprey Electron platyrhynchum Broad-bil led Motmot
Strigiformes Momotus momota Blue-crowned Motmot
Falconidae Falcons and Caracaras Strigidae Typical Owls
Daptrius ater Black Caracara Glaucidium brasilianum Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Tyrannidae Tyrant Flycatchers
Falco rufigularis Bat Falcon Lophostrix cristata Crested owl Attila spadiceus Bright-rumped Attil a
Ibycter americanus Red-throated Caracara Otus choliba Tropical Screech-Owl Colonia colonus** Long-tailed Tyrant**
Herpetotheres cachinnans Laughing Falcon Otus watsonii Tawny-bellied Screech-owl Conopias cinchoneti Lemon-browed Flycatcher
Micrastur gilvicollis Lin ed Forest-Falcon Pulsatrix perspicillata Spectacled owl Conopias parva Yellow-throated Flycatcher
Micrastur semitorquatus Collared Forest-Falcon Contopus virens Eastern Wood-Pewee
Milvago chimachima Yellow-headed Caracara Caprimulgiformes Hemitriccus zosterops White-eyed Tody-tyrant
Nyctibiidae Potoos Legatus leucophaius Piratic Flycatcher
Galliformes Nyctibius aethereus Long-tail ed Potoo Leptopogon amaurocephalus Sepia-capped Flycatcher
Cracidae Curassows, Guans, and Chachalacas Nyctibius grandis Great Potoo Lipaugus vociferans Screaming Piha
Nothocrax urumutum Nocturnal Curassow Nyctibius griseus Common Potoo Megarynchus piangu Boat-billed Flycatcher
Ortalis guttata Speckled Chachalaca Myiarchus tuberculifer Dusky-capped Flycatcher
Penelope jacquacu Spix's Guan Caprimulgidae Nightjars and Nighthawks Myiarchus ferox Short-crested Flycatcher
Nyctidromus albicollis Pauraque Myiobius barbatus Whiskered Flycatcher
Odontophoridae New World Quails Nyctiphrynus ocellatus Ocellated Poorwil l Myiodynastes maculatus Streaked Flycatcher
Odontophorus gujanensis Marbled Wood-Quail Myiodynastes luteiventris Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher
Apodiformes Mionectes oleagineus Ochre-bellied Flycatcher
Charadriiformes Apodidae Swifts Myiozetetes granadensis Gray-capped Flycatcher
Scolopacidae Sandpipers, Snipes and Phalaropes Chaetura cinereiventris Grey-rumped Swift Myiozetetes luteiventris Dusky-chested Flycatcher
Actitis macularia Spotted Sandpiper Streptoprocne zonaris White-collared Swift Myiozetetes similis Social Flycatcher
Tringa solitaria Solit ary Sandpiper Ochthornis littoralis Drab Water-Tyrant
Piciformes Pachyramphus marginatus Black-capped Becard
Recurvirostridae Plovers and Lapwings Galibulidae Jacamars Pitangus sulphuratus Great Kiskadee
Hoploxypterus cayanus Pied Plover Jacamerops aureus Great Jacamar Rhynchocyclus olivaceus Olivaceous Flatbill
Terenotriccus erythrurus Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher Rhytipterna simplex Grayish Mouner
Tityra cayana Black-tail ed Tityra

27
Tityra inquisitor
Tityra semifasciata
Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum
Tolmomyias poliocephalus
Tolmomyias viridiceps
Tyrannulus elatus
Tyrannus savana
Tyrannus tyrannus
Tyrannus melancholicus
Zimmerius gracilipes
Cotingidae
Ampelioides tschudii
Cotinga cayana
Cotinga maynana
Gynnoderus foetidus
Iodopleura isabellae
Querula purpurata
Pipridae
Chiroxiphia pareola
Chloropipo holochlora
Dixiphia pipra
Lepidothrix coronata
Machaeropterus regulus
Manacus manacus
Pipra erythrocephala
Tyranneutes stolzmanni
Corvidae
Cyanocorax violaceus
Vireonidae
Vireo olivaceus
Turdidae
Catharus ustulatus
Turdus albicollis
Turdus lawrencii
Hirundinidae
Atticora fasciata
Stelgidopteryx ruficollis
Tachycineta albiventer
Troglodytidae
Campylorhynchus turdinus
Donacobius atricapillus
Henicorhina leucosticta
Microcerculus marginatus
Thryothorus coraya
Polioptilidae
Microbates cinereiventris
Parulidae
Basileuterus fulvicauda
Dendroica fusca
Dendroica striata
Black-crowned Tityra
Masked Tityra
Yellow-browed Tody-Flycatcher
Gray-crowned Flatbill
Olive-faced Flatbill
Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet
Fork-tailed Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Tropical Kingbird
Slender-footed Tyrannulet
Cotinga
Scaled Fruit eater
Spangled Cotinga
Plum-throated Cotinga
Bare-necked Fruitcrow
White-browed Purpletuft
Purple throated Fruitcrow
Manakins
Blue-backed Manakin
Green Manakin
White-crowned Manakin
Blue-crowned Manakin
Striped Manakin
White-bearded Manakin
Golden-headed Manakin
Dwarf Tyrant Manakin
Crows, Jays, and Magpies
Violaceous Jay
Vireos
Red-eyed Vireo
Thrushes
Swainson's Thrush
White-necked Thrush
Lawrence's Thrush
Swallows and Martins
White-banded Swallow
Southern rough-winged swallow
White-winged Swallow
Wrens
Thrush-like Wren
Black-capped Donacobius
White-breasted Wood-wren
Southern Nightingale-Wren
Coraya Wren
Gnatcatchers and Gnatwrens
Tawny-faced Gnatwren
New World Warblers
Buff-rumped Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Bucconidae
Chelidoptera tenebrosa
Bucco macrodactylus
Malacoptila fusca
Monasa flavirostris
Monasa morphoeus
Monasa nigrifrons
Notharchus macrorynchos
Capitonidae
Capita aurovirens
Capita auratus
Eubucco bourcierii
Ramphastidae
Pteroglossus azara
Pteroglossus castanotis
Pteroglossus inscriptus
Pteroglossus pluricinctus
Ramphastos vitellinus
Ramphastos tucanus
Selenidera reinwardtii
Picidae
Campephilus melanoleucos
Campephilus rubricollis
Celeus elegans
Celeus flavus
Celeus grammicus
Chrysoptilus punctigula
Dryocopus lineatus
Melanerpes cruentatus
Picumnus lafresnayi
Veniliornis fumigatus
Veniliornis passerinus
Passeriformes
Furnariidae
Ancistrops strigilatus **
Automolus rubiginosus
Philydor pyrrhodes
Sclerurus caudacutus
Dendrocolaptidae
Dendrexetastes rufigula
Dendrocincla fuliginosa
Glyphorynchus spirurus
Lepidocolaptes albolineatus
Xiphorhynchus ocellatus
Xiphorhynchus guttatus
Xiphorhynchus picus
Thamnophilidae
Cercomacra cinerascens
Chamaeza nobilis
Dichrozona cincta
Frederickena unduligera
Formicarius analis
Hersilochmus dugandi
28
Puffbirds
Swallow-winged Puffbird
Chestnut-capped Puffbird
White-chested Puffbird
Yellow-billed Nunbird
White-fronted Nunbird
Black-fronted Nunbird
White-necked Puffbird
New World Barbets
Scarlet-crowned Barbet
Gilded Barbet
Lemon-throated Barbet
Toucans
Ivory-billed Aracari
Chestnut-eared Aracari
Lettered Aracari
Many-banded Aracari
Channel-billed Toucan
White-throated Toucan
Golden-collared Toucanet
Woodpeckers and Piculets
Crimson-crested Woodpecker
Red-necked Woodpecker
Chestnut Woodpecker
Cream-coloured Woodpecker
Scale-breasted Woodpecker
Spot-breasted Woodpecker
Lin eated Woodpecker
Yellow-tufted Woodpecker
Lafresnaye's piculet
Smoky-brown Woodpecker
Little Woodpecker
Ovenbirds
Chestnut-winged Hookbill **
Ruddy Foliage-gleaner
Cinammon-rumped Foliage-gleaner
Black-tail ed Leaftosser
Woodcreepers
Cinnamon-throated Woodcreeper
Plain Brown Woodcreeper
Wedge-billed Woodcreeper
Lin eated Woodcreeper
Ocellated Woodcreeper
Buff-throated Woodcreeper
Straight-billed Woodcreeper
Typical Antbirds
Gray Antbird
Striated Antthrush
Banded Antbird
Undulated Antshrike
Black-faced Antthrush
Dugand's Antwren
Hylophlax naevia Spot-backed Antbird
Hylophylax poecilinota Scale-backed Antbird
Hypocnemis cantator Warbling Antbird
Hypocnemis hypoxantha Yellow-browed Antbird
Megastictus margaritatus** Pearly Antshrike**
Myrmeciza hyperythra Plumbeous Antbird
Myrmeciza immaculata Sooty Antbird
Myrmeciza melanoceps White-shouldered Antbird
Myrmotherula axillaris White-flanked Antwren
Myrmotherula hauxwelli Plain-throated Antwren
Myrmotherula longipennis Long-winged Antwren
Myrmotherula ornata Ornate Antwren
Myrmotherula obscura Short-billed Antwren
Myrmornis torquata Wing-banded Antbird
Myrmothera campanisona Thrush-like Antpitta
Phlegopsis erythroptera Reddish-winged Bare-eye
Phlegopsis nigromaculata Black-spotted Bare-eye
Pithys albifrons White Plumbed Antbird
Thamnomanes ardesiacus Dusky-throated Antshrike
Thamnophilus murinus Mouse-colored Antshrike
Thamnophilus schistaceus Plain-winged Antshrike
Schistocichla leucostigma Spot-winged Antbird
Thraupidae Tanagers
Chlorophanes spiza Green Honeycreeper
Cissopis leveriana Magpie Tanager
Creugops verticalis Rufous-crested Tanager
Cyanerpes caeruleus Purple Honeycreeper
Dacnis flaviventer Yellow-bellied Dacnis
Euphonia laniirostris Thick-billed Euphonia
Euphonia rufiventris Rufous-bellied Euphonia
Euponia xanthogaster Orange-bellied Euphonia
Euphonia chrysopasta White-lored Euphonia
Habia rubica Red-crowned Ant-Tanager
Hemithraupis flavicollis Yellow-backed Tanager
Piranaga olivacea Scarlet Tanager
Piranaga rubra Summer Tanager
Ramphocelus carbo Silver-beaked Tanager
Ramphocelus nigrogularis Masked Crim son Tanager
Tachyphonus cristatus Flame-crested Tanager
Tachyphonus surinamus Fulvous-crested Tanager
Tangara callophrys Opal-crowned Tanager
Tangara chilensis Paradise Tanager
Tangara mexicana Turquoise Tanager
Tangara schrankii Green-and-gold Tanager
Tangara xanthogastra Yellow-bellied Tanager
Tersina viridis Swallow Tanager
Thraupis episcopus Blue-gray Tanager
Thraupis palmarum Palm Tanager
Saltators, Grosbeaks, and
Cardinalidae Cardinals
Cyanocompsa cyanoides Blue-black Grosbeak
Saltator grossus Slate-colored Grosbeak
Saltator maximus Buff-throated Saltator
Emberizidae Emberizine Finches
Ammodramus aurifrons Yellow-browed Sparrow
Oryzoborus angloensis Lesser Seed-Finch
Fringillidae Cardueline Finches
Carduelis psaltria Lesser Goldfinch
Icteridae American Orioles, and Blackbirds Vespertilionidae Vespertilionid Bats Iguanas
Cacicus cela Yellow-rumped Cacique Myotis nigricans Little brown bat Hoplocercidae
Cacicus solitarius Solit ary Cacique Enyalioides laticeps Amazon forest dragon
Clypicterus oseryi Casqued Oropendola Primates Monkeys
Icterus chrysocephalus Moriche Oriole Callitrichidae Polychrotidae
Icterus croconotus Orange-backed Troupial Saguinus nigricollis Black-mantle tamarin Anolis fuscoauratus Slender anole
Molothrus oryzivorous Giant Cowbird Anolis nitens scypheus Yellow-tongued forest anole
Psarocolius angustifrons Russet-backed Oropendola Cebidae Anolis ortonii Amazon bark anole
Psarocolius decumanas Crested Oropendola Allouatta seniculus Red howler monkey Anolis punctata Amazon green anole
Psarocolius viridis Green Oropendola Aotus sp. Night monkey Anolis trachyderma Common forest anole
Cebus albifrons White-fronted capuchin
Class Mammalia Scincidae
Marsupialia Carnivora Carnivores Mabuya nigropunctata** Black-spotted skink**
Didelphidae Opossums Procyonidae Raccoon
Caluromys lanatus** Western woolly opossum** Nasua nasua South american coati Tropiduridae
Chironectes minimus Water opossum Potos flavus Kinkajou Tropidurus (Plica) plica Collared tree runner
Didelphis marsupialis Common opossum Tropidurus (plica) umbra ochrocollaris Olive tree runner
Marmosa lepida Little rufous mouse opossum Mustelidae Weasel
Micoureus demerarae Long-furred woolly mouse opossum Eira barbara Tayra Teiidae
Philander sp. Four-eyed opossum Lontra longicaudis Neotropical otter Kentropyx pelviceps Forest whiptail
Tupinambis teguixin Golden tegu
Xenarthra Felidae Cat
Megalonychidae Herpailurus yaguarundi Jaguarundi Snakes
Subfamily Choloepinae Two-toed sloths Leopardus pardalis Ocelot Colubridae
Choloepus diadactylus Southern two-toed sloth Puma concolor Puma Atractus elaps Earth snake sp3
Atractus major Earth snake
Dasypodidae Armadillos Artidactyla Peccaries and Deer Atractus occiptoalbus Earth snake sp2
Cabassous unicinctus Southern naked-tailed armadillo Mazama americana Red brocket deer Chironius fuscus Olive whip snake
Dasypus novemcinctus Nine-banded armadillo Tayassu tajacu Collared peccary Chironius scurruls Rusty whip snake
Clelia clelia clelia Musarana
Chiroptera Rodentia Rodents Dendriphidion dendrophis Tawny forest racer
Carollinae Short-tailed Fruit bats Echimyidae Dipsas catesbyi Ornate snail-eating snake
Carollia brevicauda Dactylomys dactylinus Amazon bamboo rat Dipsas indica Big-headed snail -eating snake
Carollia castanea Nectomys squamipes Water rat Drepanoides anomalus Amazon egg-eating snake
Carollia perspicullatus Short-tail ed fruit bat Proechimys semispinosus Spin y rat Drymoluber dichrous Common glossy racer
Rhinophylla pumilio Little fruit bat Helicops angulatus Banded south american water snake
Sciuridae Squirrels Helicops leopardinus Spotted water snake
Desmodontinae Vampire bats Sciurus sp. Amazon red squirrel Imantodes cenchoa Common blunt-headed tree snake
Desmodus rotundus Common vampire bat Sciurillus pusillus Neotropical pygmy squirrel Imantodes lentiferus Amazon blunt-headed tree snake
Leptodeira annulata annulata Common cat-eyed snake
Emballonuridae Sac-winged/Sheath-tailed Bats Large Cavylike Rodents Leptophis cupreus Brown parrot snake
Saccopteryx bilineata White-lined bat Agouti paca Paca Liophis miliaris chrysostomus White-lipped swamp snake
Coendou bicolor Bi-color spined porcupin e Liophis reginae Common swamp snake
Glossophaginae Long tongued bats Dasyprocta fuliginosa Black agouti Oxyrhopus formosus Yellow-headed calico snake
Glossophaga soricina Long tongued bat Hydrochaeirs hydrochaeirs Capybara Oxyrhopus melanogenys Black-headed calico snake
Lonchophylla robusta Spear-nosed long-tongued bat Myoprocta pratti Green acouchy Oxyrhopus petola digitalus Banded calico snake
Pseustes poecilonotus polylepis Common bird snake
Stenodermatidae Neotropical Fruit bats Class Sauropsida Pseustes sulphureus Giant bird snake
Artibeus jamaicensis Large fruit-eating bat Lizards Sphlophus compressus Red-vin e snake
Artibeus lituratus Large fruit bat Gekkonidae Spilotes pullatus Tig er rat snake
Artibeus obscures Large fruit bat Gonatodes concinnatus Collared forest gecko Tantilla melanocephala melanocephala Black-headed snake
Artibeus planirostus Large fruit bat Gonatodes humeralis Bridled forest gecko Xenedon rabdocephalus Common false viper
Chiroderma villosum Big-eyed bat Pseudogonatodes guianensis Amazon pygmy gecko Xenedon severos Giant false viper
Sturrnia lilium Hairy-legged bat Xenoxybelis argenteus Green-strip ed vin e snake
Sturnria oporaphilum Yellow shouldered fruit bat Gymnophthalmidae
Uroderma pilobatum Tent-making bat Alopoglossus striventris Black-bellied forest lizard Viperidae
Vampyrodes caraccioli Great Stripe-faced bat Arthrosaura reticulata reticulata Reticulated creek lizard Bothriopsis taeniata Speckeled forest pit viper
Cercosaurra argulus** Bothrops atrox Fer-de-lance
Phyllostominae Spear-nosed Bats Cercosaura ocellata Lachesis muta muta Amazon Bushmaster
Macrophyllum macrophyllum Long-legged bat Leposoma parietale Common forest lizard
Mimon crenulatum Hairy-nosed bat Neusticurus ecpleopus Common streamsid e lizard
Phyllostomus hastatus Spear-nosed bat Prionodactylus argulus Elegant-eyed lizard
Prionodactylus oshaughnessyi White-striped eyed lizard

29
Boidae
Boa constrictor constrictor**
Boa constrictor imperator
Corallus enydris enydris
Epicrates cenchria gaigei
Elapidae
Micurus hemprichii ortonii
Micrurus langsdorfii
Micrurus lemniscatus
Micrurus spixii spixxi
Micurus surinamensis surinamensis
Crocodilians
Alligatoridae
Paleosuchus trigonatus
Class Amphibia
Caecilians
Typhlonectidae
Caecilia aff. tentaculata
Plethodontidae
Bolitoglossa peruviana
Bufonidae
Rhinella marina
Rhinella complex margaritifer
Rhinella dapsilis
Dendrophryniscus
Dendrophryniscus minutus
w Glass Frogs
Centrolene sp.
Cochranella anetarsia
Cochranella midas
Cochranella resplendens
Dendrobatidae
Ameerega bilinguis
Ameerega ingeri
Ameerega insperatus
Ameerega parvulus
Ameerega zaparo
Colostethus bocagei
Colostethus marchesianus
Dendrobates duellmani
Hylidae
Cruziohyla craspedopus
cf. Sphaenorhychus carneus
Dendropsophus bifurcus
Dendropsophus marmorata
Dendropsophus rhodopeplus
Dendropsophus triangulium
Hemiphractus aff. scutatus
Hyla lanciformis
Hylomantis buckleyi
Hylomantis hulli
Hypsiboas boans
Hypsiboas calcarata
Hypsiboas geographica
Hypsiboas punctatus
Hypsiboas geographica
Hypsiboas punctatus
Red-tailed boa**
Common boa constrictor
Amazon tree boa
Peruvian rainbow boa
Orange-ringed coral snake
Langsdorffs coral snake
Eastern ribbon coral snake
Central amazon coral snake
Aquatic coral snake
Smooth-fronted caiman
Lungless Salamanders
Dwarf climbing salamander
Toads
Cane Toad
Crested Forest Toad
Sharp-nosed Toad
Leaf Toads
Orange bellied leaf toad
undescribed Glass Frog
Glass Frog
Glass Frog
Glass Frog
Poison Frogs
Ruby Poison Frog
Sanguine Poison Frog
Ucayali Rocket Frog
Duellmans Poison Frog
Tree Frogs
Amazon Leaf Frog
Pygmy hatchet-faced Tree Frog
Upper Amazon Tree Frog
Neotropical Marbled Tree Frog
Red Strip ed Tree Frog
Variable Clown Tree Frog
Casque-headed Tree Frog
Rocket Tree Frog
Gladiator Tree Frog
Convict Tree Frog
Map Tree Frog
Common Polkadot Tree Frog
Map Tree Frog
Common Polkadot Tree Frog
Osteocephalus cabrerai complex
Osteocephalus cf. deridens
Osteocephalus leprieurii
Osteocephalus planiceps
Trachycephalus resinifictrix
Phyllomedusa tarsius
Phyllomedusa tomopterna
Phyllomedusa vaillanti
Scinax garbei
Scinax rubra
Trachycephalus venulosus
Microhylidae
Chiasmocleis bassleri
Leptodactylidae
Edalorhina perezi
Prystimantis acuminatus
Prystimantis aff peruvianus
Prystimantis altamazonicus
Prystimantis conspicillatus
Prystimantis lanthanites
Prystimantis malkini
Prystimantis martiae
Prystimantis ockendeni complex
Prystimantis sulcatus
Prystimantis variabilis
Hypnodactylus nigrovittatus
Strabomantis sulcatus
Engystomops petersi
Leptodactylus andreae
Leptodactylus knudseni
Leptodactylus mystaceus
Leptodactylus rhodomystax
Leptodactylus wagneri
Lithodytes lineatus
Oreobates quixensis
Vanzolinius discodactylus
Ranidae
Rana palmipes
Class Arachnida
Araneae
Nephila clavipes
Ancylometes terrenus**
Class Insecta
Coleoptera
Euchroma gigantea
Homoeotelus d'orbignyi
Grylloptera
Panacanthus cuspidatus
Hemiptera
Dysodius lunatus
Lepidoptera
Lycaenidae
Celmia celmus
Janthecla sista
Thecla aetolius
Thecla mavors
Colobura annulata
Colobura dirce
30
Forest bromeliad Tree Frog Nymphalidae
Apaturinae
Common bromeliad Tree Frog Doxocopa agathina
Flat-headed bromeliad Tree Frog Doxocopa griseldis
Amazonian Milk Tree Frog Doxocopa laurentia
Warty Monkey Frog Doxocopa linda
Barred Monkey Frog
White-lin ed monkey Tree Frog Biblidinae
Fringe lipped Tree Frog Biblis hyperia
Two-striped Tree Frog Callicore cynosura
Common milk Tree Frog Catonephele acontius
Catonephele esite
Sheep Frogs Catonephele numilia
Bassler's Sheep Frog Diaethria clymena
Dynamine aerata
Rain Frogs Dynamine arthemisia
Eyelashed Forest Frog Dynamine athemon
Green Rain Frog Dynamine gisella
Peruvian Rain Frog Eunica alpais
Amazonian Rain Frog Eunica amelio
Chirping Robber Frog Eunica clytia
Striped-throated Rain Frog Eunica volumna
Malkin i's Rain Frog Hamadryas albicornus
Marti's rainfrog Hamadryas arinome
Carabaya Rain Frog Hamadryas chloe
Broad-headed Rain Frog Hamadryas feronia
Variable Rain Frog Hamadryas laodamia
Black-banded Robber Frog Nessaea batesii
Broad-headed Rain Frog Nessaea hewitsoni
Painted Forest Toadlet Nica flavilla
Cocha Chirping Frog Panacea prola
Rose-sided Jungle Frog Panacea regin a
Paulogramma peristera
Moustached Jungle Frog Phrrhogyra amphiro
Wagneris Jungle Frog Pyrrhogyra crameri
Painted Antnest Frog Pyrrhogyra cuparina
Common big headed Rain Frog Pyrrhogyra cf nasica
Dark-blotched Whistling Frog Pyrrhogyra otolais
Temenis laothoe
True Frogs
Neotropical Green Frog Charaxinae
Agrias claudina
Archaeoprepona amphimachus
Archaeoprepona demophon
Golden Silk Spider Archaeoprepona demophon muson
Giant Fishing Spider** Archaeoprepona licomedes
Consul fabius
Hypna clytemnestra
Memphis arachne
Giant Ceiba Borer Memphis oenomaus
Pleasing Fungus Beetle Memphis philomena
Prepona eugenes
Prepona dexamenus
Spiny Devil Katydid Prepona laertes
Prepona pheridamas
Zaretis isidora
Lunate Flatbug Zaretis itys
Cyrestinae
Marpesia berania
Marpesia crethon
Marpesia petreus
Pieridae Nymphalinae Riodinidae
Appias drusilla Anartia amathae Amarynthis meneria
Dismorphia pinthous Anartia jatrophae Ancyluris endaemon
Eurema cf xanthochlora Baeotus deucalion Ancyluris aulestes
Perrhybris lorena Eresia eunice Ancyluris etias
Phoebis rurina Eresia pelonia Anteros renaldus
Historis odius Calospila cilissa
Danainae Historis acheronta Calospila partholon
Danaini Metamorpha elisa Calospila emylius
Danaus plexippus** Metamorpha sulpitia Calydna venusta
Ithomiini Phyciodes plagiata Cartea vitula
Aeria eurimidea Siproeta stelenes Emesis fatinella
Ceratinia tutia Smyrna blomfildia Emesis lucinda
Hypoleria sarepta Tigridia acesta Emesis ocypore
Hyposcada anchiala Eurybia dardus
Hyposcada illinissa Satyrinae Eurybia elvina
Hypothyris anastasia Brassolini Eurybia halimede
Hypothyris fluonia Bia actorion Eurybia unxia
Ithomia amarilla Calig o eurilochus Hyphilaria parthenis
Ithomia salapia Calig o idomeneus idomeneides Isapis agyrtus
Mechanitis lysimnia Calig o illioneus Ithomiola floralis
Mechanitis mazaeus Calig o placid iamus Lasaia agesilaus narses
Mechanitis messenoides Catoblepia generosa Lasaia pseudomeris
Methona confusa psamathe Catoblepia sorannus Leucochimona vestalis
Methone Cecilia Catoblepia xanthus Livendula amaris
Oleria Gunilla Opsiphanes in virae Livendula violacea
Oleria ilerdina Haeterini Lyropteryx appolonia
Oleria tigilla Cithaerias aurora Mesophthalma idotea
Tithorea harmonia Cithaerias menander Mesosemia loruhama
Cithaerias pireta Mesosemia latizonata
Heliconinae Haetera macleannania Napaea heteroea
Acraeini Haetera piera Nymphidium mantus
Actinote sp. Pierella astyoche Nyphidium nr minuta
Heliconiini Pierella hortona Nymphidium lysimon
Dryas iulia Pierella lamia Nymphidium balbinus
Eueides Eunice Pierella lena Nymphidium caricae
Eueides Isabella Pierella lucia Nymphidium chione
Eueides lampeto Morphini Pandemos pasiphae
Eueides lybia Antirrhea hela Perophtalma lasus
Heliconius erato Morpho achilles Pirascca tyriotes
Heliconius hecale Morpho deidamia Rhetus arcius
Heliconius melponmene Morpho helenor Rhetus periander
Heliconius numata Morpho menelaus Sarota chrysus
Heliconius sara Morpho peleides Sarota spicata
Heliconius xanthocles Morpho polycarmes Setabis gelasine
Heliconius doris Satyrini Stalachtis calliope
Philaethria dido Chloreuptychia herseis Stalachtis phaedusa
Euptychia binoculata Synargis orestessa
Limenitidinae Euptychia ocypete
Adelpha amazona Hermeuptychia hermes Uranidae
Adelpha cocala Magneuptychia libye Urania leilus Urania Moth
Adelpha cytherea Magneuptychia ocnus
Adelpha erotia Pareuptychia ocirrhoe Noctuidae
Adelpha iphicleola Taygetis mermeria Thysania agrippina White Witch Moth
Adelpha iphiclus
Adelpha lerna Papilionidae
Adelpha melona Battus belus varus
Adelpha mesentina Battus polydamas
Adelpha messana Papilio androgeus
Adelpha naxia Papilio thoas cyniras
Adelpha panaema Parides aeneas bolivar
Adelpha phrolseola Parides lysander
Adelpha thoasa Parides pizarro
Adelpha viola Parides sesostris
Adelpha ximena

31
Appendix B: Basic Trail Map of the Yachana Reserve

Yachana Reserve, Napo

Columbia Laguna

Stream 1

Caimencocha
Laguna

Frontier

Green Inferno

Stream 1

Bloop
PC17

Bloop
Swamp

Inca
Cascada Stream 1

Road

Cascada Stream Stream 1

Ficus

Agua Santa

Ridge and Road

N - Ridge trail Access Routes

Ridge

Rio Napo
GVI Base Camp

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Appendix C: Project Proposal

Bird assessment on road running through the Bosque Protector Yachana

Introduction

The Bosque Protector Yachana is approximately 2000ha in area and is located on the northern
bank of the Napo River. The reserve contains both primary and secondary forest which is
separated by a small, unpaved road. The road is used regularly by buses and rancheras as well
as local people in trucks and on motorcycles. The impact of roads on understory bird species in
Amazonian forests is well documented (Laurance et. al., 2004; Develey & Stouffer, 2001).
Despite this, many generalist species favour the open habitat areas created along forest edges
such as those associated with roads. Although sometimes described as ‘avifauna trash’ (Stotz
et. al., 1996), their frequency and abundance can be an important indicator of habitat quality.

The road is also used frequently by tourists and guides from Yachana Lodge with the specific
intention of bird watching. Therefore, knowledge of the bird species found along the road inside
the reserve is important both from a conservation and socioeconomic viewpoint.

Aims

 To assess which species are frequently observed on different sections of the road.
 To assess the abundance of those species along different sections of the road.
 To use these data to create maps indicating where species are commonly seen.
 To assess seasonal variability and the presence of migrant species over the long term.

Methods

A line transect method of data collection will used to enable the production maps of species
distribution and the data can also be analysed to gain an estimate of population densities. The
road will be marked every 20 metres and then be divided into three separate transects, each
1200m in length. The transects will be walked between the hours of 0600 - 1000 and 1600 -
1800. The order and direction they will be walked in will be randomly determined and they will
be covered at approximately 1km per hour. All birds along, flying over and at a distance < than
25m either side of the road will be recorded. Both visual and audio encounters will be noted, as
will the direction of flight. Line transects are not usually implemented along established linear
features such as roads and footpaths as they can bias results (Sutherland, 1996). However, in
this case the road and its edges is the habitat we wish to survey, so this concern is not relevant.

33
References

Develey, P. F. & Stouffer, P.C., 2001. ‘Effects of Roads on Movements by Understory Birds in
Mixed-Species Flocks in Central Amazonian Brazil’. Conservation Biology 15-5; 1416-1422.

Laurance, S. G., Stouffer, P. C. & Laurance, W. F., 2004. ‘Effects of Road Clearings on
Movement Patterns of Understory Rainforest Birds in Central Amazonia’. Conservation Biology
18-4; 1099-1109.

Stotz, D. F., Fitzpatrick, J. W., Parker III, T. A. & Moskovits, D. K., 1996. Neotropical Birds:
Ecology and Conservation. The University of Chicago Press: Chicago.

Sutherland, W. J., 1996. Ecological Census Techniques: A Handbook. Cambridge University

Press: United Kingdom.

34