INTRODUCTION TO HERPETOFAUNA

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1 INTRODUCTION TO HERPETOFAUNA Contribute to the conservation of reptiles & amphibians in the Laguna del Tigre National Park, Guatemala. Develop your field biology skills. Learn ethical and respectful wildlife surveying techniques. Gain invaluable field experience in the tropics to support your career in conservation. LAGUNA DEL TIGRE NATIONAL PARK Estación Biológica las Guacamayas, GUATEMALA 2 WEEK CONSERVATION EXPEDITION 23 June 2018 to 6 July 2018

2 Contents 03 Welcome 04 The Indigo Team 05 About Us 06 Research Aims & 07 Objectives 08 Laguna del Tigre 09 National Park 10 Map 11 Itinerary 12 Travel 13 What to Bring 14 Travel Notes 15 Testimonials

3 Welcome Dear Research Assistant! Welcome to Indigo Expeditions, and thankyou for connecting with us! One of the main aims of Indigo Expeditions is to promote the conservation of biodiversity in the Laguna del Tigre National Park. Our Conservation Expeditions & Research Projects in this biodiverse area allow us to further our understanding of the ecology and behaviour of reptiles and amphibians in Guatemala. We have developed a unique training programme offering our Research Assistants invaluable experience in tropical field biology to support them with their future careers in conservation. As a Research Assistant with Indigo, you will be involved in both terrestrial and riparian surveys for reptiles and amphibians. You will have the opportunity to: Develop your tropical field ecology skills, Evolve your understanding of reptile & amphibian biology, Learn ethical & respectful animal handling methods, and Contribute to the conservation of biodiversity in the Laguna del Tigre National Park. During your time with us, we also hope you will develop a deeper appreciation of the amazing creatures that we share this planet with. We have established our Herping for the Future Training Programme at Estación Biológica las Guacamayas. The facilities here are out of this world, making it the most comfortable biological station we have had the pleasure of working at. Expedition places are limited to 12 Research Assistants. No previous field experience is required. Thank you for expressing an interest to explore with us! Any more questions? Please just get in touch! info@explorewithindigo.com Rowland Griffin - Director, Indigo Expeditions INDIGO EXPEDITIONS UNITY IN DIVERSITY 0 3

4 THE INDIGO TEAM Rowland Griffin CONSERVATION ENTREPRENEUR Advocate for the conservation of reptiles and amphibians. Adela Mei CONSERVATION ENTREPRENEUR Catalyst for positive planetary change and earth healing.

5 About us OUR VISION Our Vision is of a world where the interconnectedness of all life is honoured & appreciated, bringing humankind into harmonious relationship with Nature, the Earth and all Creatures in the web of life. OUR MISSION Our Mission is to be of Planetary Service, effecting Positive Change for humanity, by addressing wildlife conservation needs, and demonstrating an Appreciation for All Life. INITIATIVES Conservation expeditions promoting the importance of field biology, ecology, and experiencing nature directly. We encourage developing an appreciation for all life. Field Biology Training providing training with a focus on ethical and respectful survey and monitoring protocols. We encourage applying these ethics in our personal lives and in the world. Inspiring others by modelling planetary service. We encourage working with integrity and compassion for all life. Although I have been working with herps for the past 6 years, this trip has opened my eyes and my heart to the full exhilaration of spending time with these amazing animals plus all the other inhabitants of the forest. I would also like to highlight the amazing care & support we have received since being here. Rowland is an incredible individual and an excellent teacher, and my confidence with handling snakes in particular has grown (though still a work in progress). ~ ANGIE JULIAN INDIGO EXPEDITIONS UNITY IN DIVERSITY 0 5

6 Research Aims & IUCN Critically Endangered 0!6 Central American river turtle - Dermatemys mawii INDIGO EXPEDITIONS UNITY IN DIVERSITY

7 Objectives OUR RESEARCH Indigo Expedition s research at Las Guacamayas is critical to the conservation of reptiles and amphibians in Laguna del Tigre National Park. Since 2013 our work has been successful in increasing the number of species recorded in Laguna del Tigre from 36 to 90. A number that continues to grow with each field season. This has highlighted the importance of Laguna del Tigre in terms of its reptile and amphibian diversity, as well as its known importance for birds and mammals (256 and 40 species respectfully). CONAP We work closely with CONAP, the government body responsible for the management of protected areas in Guatemala. Our data and findings are reported back to CONAP annually and help inform ongoing management of Laguna del Tigre National Park. SPECIES DISTRIBUTION In addition to continuing our inventory of the reptiles and amphibians of Laguna del Tigre National Park, we are interested in the distribution of species throughout the forest around Las Guacamayas. Our chosen survey areas allow us to ask questions about how local agricultural practices are effecting reptile and amphibian assemblages. VISUAL ENCOUNTER SURVEY The main survey technique that you will use is the Visual Encounter Survey. These surveys will be conducted along fixed length transects that are set up in each of our selected forest types. OUR METHODS Other survey techniques that are used during your expedition may include leaf-litter quadrats and riparian surveys. You will gain experience of collecting biological, habitat and environmental data. This data will then be used to help understand the relationship between species their habitat requirements. ETHICAL One of our core values is to provide training with a focus on ethical and respectful survey and monitoring protocols. We promote the use of non-invasive techniques whilst carrying out our research in a meaningful way. Respect for the animals and environments with which we work is key to our research at Indigo Expeditions. The expedition is run in a very unique way to previous experiences I have had, with a research objective in mind, yet an unrivalled respect for both fauna and flora of the area. ~ MAX JONES INDIGO EXPEDITIONS UNITY IN DIVERSITY 0 7

8 Laguna del Tigrel Source of the San Pedro river INDIGO EXPEDITIONS UNITY IN DIVERSITY 0!8

9 National Park NATIONAL PARK The Laguna del Tigre National Park is the largest core zone within the Maya Biosphere Reserve. It covers 289,000 hectares of forest in the northwestern corner of Guatemala. The forest of Laguna del Tigre is classed as Tropical Humid Forest and receives around 1600mm of rain annually. The limestone bedrock undulates creating drier forest on the hills and wetter forest in the low lying areas. The forest is taller and denser in these low lying areas that are known as bajos. Like many tropical forests Laguna del Tigre is under pressure from agriculture and illegal logging. The research you will be contributing to during your expedition will help us protect the biodiversity of the region. SAN PEDRO & SACLUC The San Pedro and Sacluc rivers are important components of the ecosystem here. They provide resources for fish, birds, turtles and crocodiles. LAS GUACAMAYAS We work in the southeast region of Laguna del Tigre in the forests around Estación Biológica Las Guacamayas and the ancient Mayan city of Wak'a. The Estación Biológica Las Guacamayas can be found on the banks of the San Pedro. This will be our base during your expedition to Laguna del Tigre National Park. With its first class facilities, it is perfectly situated for easy access to our study sites, and to allow us to continue our exploration of Laguna del Tigre. MAYAN RUINS OF WAK A The Mayan ruins of Wak'a (also known as El Perú) are situated 7km from the banks of the San Pedro river. Little explored, and still covered by forest, this city is steeped in secrets and mystery. If conditions allow we will make the journey here by foot. This allows us to observe the abundant wildlife in the forests here. INDIGO EXPEDITIONS UNITY IN DIVERSITY 0 9

10 EXPEDITION MAP ESTACIÓN BIOLÓGICA LAS GUACAMAYAS MEETING POINT CITY OF FLORES ARRIVAL LA AURORA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (GUA) GUATEMALA CITY

11 Itinerary EXPEDITION DAY 1: DEPART FLORES Your Expedition starts in Flores. After breakfast, we travel into Laguna del Tigre National Park by road for 2.5 hours. At the community of Paso Caballos, and the source of the San Pedro River, we will be met by boat and take the 30 minute river journey to Las Guacamayas. We can expect to see abundant wildlife along the river banks from herons to osprey, and river turtles to crocodiles. We will arrive at Las Guacamayas in time a a late lunch. After we get settled in, we will spend the afternoon getting oriented with our surroundings. In the late afternoon and evening we will take our first forays into the forest. DAY 2: After a hearty breakfast the expedition will begin in earnest. We will spend the morning learning about the various survey methods and handling techniques that we will be using throughout our stay at Las Guacamayas. In the afternoon we will take a long hike through the forest to get used to being in the tropical environment, and to tune into our vibrant surroundings. In the evening we will conduct our first proper survey for reptiles & amphibians. DAY 3 THROUGH 13: Over the next 11 days we will survey various habitats from rivers and swamps, to agricultural forest edge and dense low lying forest deep in the National Park. We will also get the chance to visit the little explored Mayan ruins of Waka el Peru that are a day s hike from Las Guacamayas. Some of the many species of reptiles and amphibians we might expect to find here include red-eyed treefrogs, casque-headed treefrogs, helmeted iguanas, boa constrictors, coral snakes and fer-de-lance to name a few. Other sightings may include spider monkeys, tayra, howler monkeys, coatis, armadillos, tapir and even the elusive jaguar. DAY 14: RETURN TO FLORES After breakfast we will leave Las Guacamayas and return to Flores. We will arrive in time for a late lunch. In the evening the group has the opportunity to meet for a final meal before heading home the following day. Expedition Dates: 23 June 2018 to 6 July 2018 INDIGO EXPEDITIONS UNITY IN DIVERSITY 0 11

12 Travel ARRIVAL Please arrive in Guatemala City the day BEFORE your expedition starts. Most International flights to La Aurora International Airport, Guatemala City arrive in the evening. DAY 1: FIRST DAY OF EXPEDITION Fly from Guatemala City to Flores on the morning of the FIRST DAY. We recommend you take the domestic flight operated by Avianca. Flights leave Guatemala City in the early morning, and arrive in Flores in plenty of time for your Expedition! You will be met at Flores airport by the Indigo Team when you arrive. We will then go for a welcome breakfast in Flores. After breakfast we head off into Laguna del Tigre National Park! THE EXPEDITION! You will be based full board at Las Guacamayas. LAST DAY OF EXPEDITION We depart Las Guacamayas. We head back to Flores after a leisurely breakfast, and upon arrival Research Assistants have a free day. We usually arrive in time for a late lunch. In the evening there is the option to meet up for a final meal. We can recommend the Casa Amelia which is clean, friendly and in a great location! DEPARTURE Please arrange your domestic flight from Flores to Guatemala City the day AFTER the last day of your expedition. A taxi can easily be arranged for your airport transfer at the Casa Amelia Reception. Early morning flights from Flores arrive in Guatemala City in plenty of time to check-in for your international flight. FOOD & ACCOMMODATION You will be based full board at our research sites. Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and an evening meal. And plenty of fresh drinking water. EXPEDITION DATES 23 June 2018 to 6 July weeks * NOTE: YOU MAY NEED TO BOOK A HOTEL IN GUATEMALA CITY ON YOUR ARRIVAL AND PRE-DEPARTURE DAYS. * We recommend staying one night in Flores and arrange to fly out the following morning. INDIGO EXPEDITIONS UNITY IN DIVERSITY 0 12

13 What to bring While this is not intended to be an exhaustive list, it is recommended to bring these items with you on your Indigo Expedition: TRAVEL DOCUMENTS Passport and other travel documents, including your travel insurance policy. It is also a good idea to bring duplicates of these documents and a photocopy of your passport. ESSENTIAL FIELD KIT Sturdy walking boots: Essential! Field clothes: At least two sets of suitable field clothes. Quick drying long sleeved tops and trousers. We recommend thicker fabrics as they will protect you from biting insects more effectively. Don t forget a sun hat! Waterproofs: Light weight waterproof jacket & waterproof trousers. Casual wear: Clothes to relax in, including warmer items for the evening. Day pack: For carrying cameras, batteries, snacks and water etc. Batteries: For any electrical equipment such as head torch and camera. Rechargeables if possible. Head torch: You will need a decent head torch for nocturnal surveys. ESSENTIAL minimum 200 lumens. Adaptors: For plugging in, and recharging, equipment and batteries. Guatemala uses a standard US two pin plug. Zip lock bags and dry bags: These help keep important documents and electrical equipment dry and free of humidity. TOP TIP: add sachets of silica gel to zip lock bags and dry bags with the things you need to protect from humidity. Water bottle and rehydration sachets. Insect repellant: Lots of it! Preferably natural and non-deet formula. Please note: DEET is harmful to amphibians and reptiles. Personal Medical Kit: Please bring a basic first aid travel kit. Please note although Indigo Expeditions has medical kits, it can not provide any medication to volunteer researchers. OTHER ITEMS Camera and/or binoculars: Optional but highly recommended! Snacks: while you will receive three meals a day while on your expedition, field work can be hard going and having some dried fruit or nuts, cereal bars and energy bars are highly recommended. Prescription medicines: Bring enough to last the expedition. Anti-malarials and immunizations: We recommend that you seek the advice of a medical professional regarding anti-malarials and any immunisations you may need. Toileteries: Including travel towel, talcum powder, sun block, and ear plugs! INDIGO EXPEDITIONS UNITY IN DIVERSITY. 0 13

14 Travel Notes

15 Testimonials I have learned so much during my time here I have learned so much during my time here, not only about the world of herpetology and wildlife conservation but about myself too. Indigo Expeditions has helped me realise that I am more than capable of surpassing what I thought I was able to do. ~ HANNAH KEENAN Research Assistant For a student without tropical field experience it has been an opportunity like no other. The sheer range of herpetofauna is mind blowing, and those that have been recorded combined with the fact that species new to the park are recorded each year makes every walk in the forest or trip down the river a thrilling experience. Indigo s commitment to supporting conservation across Guatemala is inspiring and provides a taste of what being at the forefront of a regions conservation is like. Every volunteer can make a difference, and being a part of this effort has been an honour. It is an environment where you can find the freedom to grow in your own right as well as being taught by an exceptionally sound herpetologist. ~ JOSH SMITH Research Assistant INDIGO EXPEDITIONS UNITY IN DIVERSITY. 0 15

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HERPETOLOGY RESEARCH 2018

HERPETOLOGY RESEARCH 2018 Contribute to the conservation of reptiles & amphibians in the Laguna del Tigre National Park, Guatemala. Develop your field biology skills. Learn ethical and respectful wildlife