EXPEDITION DOSSIER 2018 You can contribute to the conservation of endangered amphibians by joining our Xucaneb Amphibian Project. Join the Indigo Field Team surveying for amphibians in the cloud forests of Alta Verapaz, and discover some of these amazing species for yourself! Explore with us! #indigoherpers XUCANEB AMPHIBIAN PROJECT Alta Verapaz, Central Highlands, GUATEMALA 2 WEEK EXPEDITIONS SUMMER 2018 Cost: 1,225 exc. flights
Contents 03 Welcome 04 The Indigo Team 05 About Us 06 Research Aims & 07 Objectives 08 Map 09 Travel 10 What to bring 11 Travel Notes 12 Testimonials
Welcome Dear Research Assistant, Welcome to Indigo Expeditions, and thankyou for connecting with us! Our Xucaneb Amphibian Project promotes the conservation of amphibian biodiversity in the highlands of Guatemala, a hotspot of amphibian endemism. Our flagship species Plectrohyla teuchestes is endemic to the Xucaneb mountains of Alta Verapaz. Listed as Critically Endangered, its survival is threatened by habitat loss and disease. As a Research Assistant on this Expedition, you will be conducting field surveys of both reptiles and amphibians, with a focus on Plectrohyla teuchestes, to help us establish critical baseline data. You will also have the opportunity to: Develop your field herpetology skills, Evolve your understanding of reptile & amphibian biology, Learn ethical & respectful animal handling methods, Contribute to the conservation of critically endangered amphibians, and Develop a deeper appreciation of the amazing creatures that we share this planet with. We have established our key amphibian research in Alta Verapaz, deep in the central highlands of Guatemala. The facilities here are built using sustainable principles, deriving power from solar and hydro electric, making it the most environmentally friendly research site we have the pleasure of working at. Due to the nature of the expedition, the group size is limited to 6 places, and 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
THE INDIGO TEAM Rowland Griffin CONSERVATION ENTREPRENEUR Advocate for the conservation of reptiles and amphibians. rowland@explorewithindigo.com Adela Mei CONSERVATION ENTREPRENEUR Catalyst for positive planetary change and earth healing. adela@explorewithindigo.com
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. Thank you for demonstrating your profound appreciation for nature and every living creature and the vast complexities of our inter connectedness. We appreciate your professionalism and skilful handling of all the animals, with great care. We are impressed by your serious, patient and generous teaching of others, your wealth of knowledge, expertise and skill for working with and understanding reptiles and amphibians. We are pleased to count you as our friends and part of our conservation team. You are welcome here! ~ ROB & TARA CAHILL INDIGO EXPEDITIONS UNITY IN DIVERSITY 0 5
Research Aims & estimonials IUCN Critically Endangered Amphibians Plectrohyla teuchestes INDIGO EXPEDITIONS UNITY IN DIVERSITY 0!6
Objectives OUR RESEARCH Indigo Expedition s research is critical to the conservation of reptiles and amphibians in the Alta Verapaz region of Guatemala. We contribute to amphibian conservation by providing crucial data on the population, distribution, range, health status, and risk from disease for amphibian assemblages. MAIN OBJECTIVES Our main objective is to conduct detailed surveys for IUCN red data list amphibians with a focus on the critically endangered Plectrohyla teuchestes in the Xucaneb mountains. We also perform sampling to identify the potential presence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd, chytrid fungus) within populations and monitor its status. 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 the area. VISUAL ENCOUNTER SURVEY The main survey technique that you will use is the Visual Encounter Survey. These surveys will be conducted in selected forest types. 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. A huge thanks to Rowland and Indigo Expeditions for yet another incredible experience. This is the third time I have been out to this amazing country and spent it not only with a good friend, but a great teacher in fieldwork and practical herpetology. This trip in particular was important for me to learn the techniques of amphibian disease sampling and the continuing and vital conservation work Rowland is achieving. I couldn t recommend this experience more! ~ ADAM RADOVANOVIC INDIGO EXPEDITIONS UNITY IN DIVERSITY 0 7
EXPEDITION MAP RESEARCH SITE FOR XUCANEB AMPHIBIAN PROJECT ARRIVAL LA AURORA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (GUA) GUATEMALA CITY
Travel ARRIVAL Please arrive in Guatemala City the day BEFORE your expedition starts. Most International flights to La Aurora International Airport arrive in the evening. DAY 1: DEPART GUATEMALA CITY In the morning, we leave Guatemala City by private bus, and spend the day travelling to our research site making our way through the central highlands of Guatemala experiencing spectacular landscapes. Arriving at our research site in the afternoon, we get oriented with our surroundings. DAY 2 TO 13: EXPEDITION During your expedition you will receive training that will cover identification techniques, cloud forest ecology, safe and respectful animal handling, survey techniques, and amphibian disease and sampling. 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. DEPARTURE Please arrange your International flight from Guatemala City departing the day AFTER the last day of the Expedition. EXPEDITION COST 14 days / 13 nights Cost: 1,225 (exc. flights) * NOTE: YOU WILL NEED TO BOOK A HOTEL IN GUATEMALA CITY ON YOUR ARRIVAL AND PRE-DEPARTURE DAYS. * We will survey various habitats for amphibians and reptiles including pine/oak forest, cloud forest, riparian habitat, and agricultural areas. DAY 14: RETURN TO GUATEMALA CITY An early start for our return by road to the City. INDIGO EXPEDITIONS UNITY IN DIVERSITY 0 9
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. WASH BAG Toileteries: Including travel towel, talcum powder, sun block, and ear plugs! INDIGO EXPEDITIONS UNITY IN DIVERSITY 0 10
Travel Notes
Testimonials Many many thanks to Rowland for your tireless effort and enthusiasm and for imparting your knowledge of this magnificent habitat. My expectations have been blown out of the water in every respect. We have spent 10 days in the most awesome of places, in great company, with exceptional food and have found some truly amazing creatures. To be able to be part of such important work is a truly gratifying experience. To have found four Bothriechis has just been amazeballs! I was over the moon at finding one on the first night, but to have gone on to find three more was beyond cool. I have learnt new skills in terms of the chytrid and biometric work as well as brushing up on my field survey skills. The whole experience has been one of inspiration and personal enrichment, truly, truly unique. I cannot wait to return to Alta Verapaz (hopefully before the year is out). ~ AMY SHURING Research Assistant Thank you very much for letting me share another wonderful adventure with Indigo. I consider it a privilege, not only being able to experience so many great moments, but also having the opportunity to learn from such a great human being in a herpetological and personal way. I have enjoyed every last minute of it, (except when I had to pull 3 ticks off me) and I hope this is only the second of more adventures together. Thank you for teaching me so much and for all your effort put in protecting Guatemalan flora and fauna. ~ DANI GYGAX Guatemalan Student INDIGO EXPEDITIONS UNITY IN DIVERSITY. 0 12
PLECTROHYLA QUECCHI CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (IUCN) PHOTO: ROWLAND GRIFFIN INDIGO EXPEDITIONS UNITY IN DIVERSITY explorewithindigo.com 13
PLECTROHYLA POKOMCHI CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (IUCN) PHOTO: ROWLAND GRIFFIN INDIGO EXPEDITIONS UNITY IN DIVERSITY explorewithindigo.com 14
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