Canopies, Climate, and Critters of the Ecuadorian ... - Earthwatch

Canopies, Climate, and Critters of the Ecuadorian Rainforest 2013

Dear Earthwatch Volunteers, First, thank you for volunteering—I am delighted to welcome you to the Canopies, Climate, and Critters of the Ecuadorian Rainforest expedition! You will soon be living in the clouds at the Santa Lucía Cloud Forest Reserve and exploring the stunning Ecuadorian Andes mountain forests while carrying out scientific research on the botany and wildlife of this biodiversity hotspot. I am sure that you will fall in love, as I have, with this beautiful and fragile ecosystem. You will work alongside a friendly and motivated international team that includes expert Ecuadorian and international scientists and inspirational conservationists from the local community. Base camp will be the comfortable eco-lodge at Santa Lucía Cloud Forest Reserve, at an altitude of 1,900 meters, from which you will travel in three directions to work on the projects. There are a number of parallel projects that will address scientific and management questions regarding both

wildlife and habitat. Work is varied, providing you with the opportunity to experience different aspects of the cloud forest. For 2013 we will be setting out a camera trap network to inventory and monitor small forest cats (margays, little spotted cats, and ocelots in particular), continuing one of the largest Andean bird monitoring projects to investigate the impacts of environmental change on bird species, completing a forest monitoring plot to understand the response of Andean forests to climate change, and beginning a long-term forest dynamics survey to understand the evolutionary drivers behind the existence of so many tree species in the tropics. It will not be all hard work, though: we often relax in the hammocks and enjoy the food prepared by the staff of the lodge while discussing the solutions to problems facing one of the hottest of all the biodiversity hotspots in the world. Looking forward to meeting you soon, Dr. Mika Peck and all the research team


Table of Contents General Information�� 2 The Research �� 6 Your Destination �� 8 Daily Life in the Field�� 10 Accommodations and Food�� 12 Travel Planning �� 14 Travel Tips�� 15 Project Conditions��17 Safety �� 21 Project Staff�� 25 Recommended Reading�� 26 Participant Rights and Responsibilities �� 27 Communications�� 31 Message from Earthwatch�� 32

Images © Earthwatch, Alex Bowers, Dorota Laughlin, Dr. Mika Peck, Gitte Venicx, Matt Brown, Mike Mao


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General Information Canopies, Climate, and Critters of the Ecuadorian Rainforest

Earthwatch Scientist: Dr. Mika Peck

Expedition Dates:

Research Site: Santa Lucía Reserve, Andes Mountains, Ecuador

Team 1: June 17 – June 27, 2013

Team 2: June 29 – July 9, 2013

Team 3: July 11 – July 21, 2013

Team 4: July 23 – August 2, 2013

Rendezvous and departure information is available in the print version of the briefing only.

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trip planner To do immediately Book an appointment with a doctor; you’ll need him or her to sign the Health section of your Earthwatch Participation Form. Make sure you understand and agree to Earthwatch policies and participant responsibilities (see pg. 21).

90 days prior to expedition Complete and return your volunteer forms. Below are the specific forms required for this expedition:

Earthwatch Participation Form for Adults

Travel Form

European volunteers can download forms on: www.earthwatch.org/europe/volunteerforms U.S./North American volunteers can download forms at: www.earthwatch.org/volunteerforms Australian volunteers can download forms on: www.earthwatch.org/australia/expeditions/ volunteer_forms/ Japanese volunteers can download forms on: www.earthwatch.jp/getinvolved/condition/ formdownload-i.html Note: If you have signed up for an expedition within 90 days of the start date, you must return your fully completed volunteer forms as soon as possible. Pay any outstanding balance for your expedition.

Book travel arrangements (see the Travel Planning section, pg. 14, for details). If you plan to purchase additional travel insurance, note that some policies require purchase when your expedition is booked (see the Insurance section, pg. 24, for more information). If traveling internationally, make sure your passport is current and obtain a visa for your destination country, if necessary (see the Passports and Visas section, pg. 17, for more details). Make sure you have all the necessary vaccinations for your project site (see the Health Information section, pg. 22). Bring your level of fitness up to the standards required (see the Project Conditions section, pg. 18).

60 days prior to expedition Review the packing list (pg. 4) to make sure you have all the clothing, personal supplies, and equipment needed.

30 days prior to expedition Leave the Earthwatch 24-hour helpline number with a friend or relative (see the inside back cover). Leave copies of your passport, visa, and airline tickets with a friend or relative. Confirm your travel arrangements.

Read this expedition briefing thoroughly. It provides the most accurate information available at the time of your Earthwatch scientist’s project planning, and will likely answer any questions you have about the project. However, please also keep in mind that research requires improvisation, and you may need to be flexible. Research plans evolve in response to new findings, as well as to unpredictable factors such as weather, equipment failure, and travel challenges. To enjoy your expedition to the fullest, remember to expect the unexpected, be tolerant of repetitive tasks, and try to find humor in difficult situations. If there are any major changes in the research plan or field logistics, Earthwatch will make every effort to keep you well informed before you go into the field.


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expedition packing checklist Required Items

Synthetic quick-dry or light cotton long-sleeved shirts

General

T-shirts or short-sleeved shirts

This expedition briefing Photocopies of your passport, flight itinerary, and credit cards in case the originals are lost or stolen; the copies should be packed separately from the original documents

Extra socks (at least one pair of socks designed specifically for hiking is recommended)

Passport and/or visa (if necessary)

Hiking boots

Certification of vaccination (if necessary) Documentation for travel by minors (if necessary) (see Volunteers Under 18 Years of Age in the Travel Tips section)

Clothing/Footwear for Fieldwork For birding, bring clothing in muted colors: e.g., not bright red or yellow Earthwatch T-shirt Synthetic quick-dry or light cotton trousers (avoid shorts, which won’t protect you from insect bites)

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Two sweaters, sweatshirts, or fleece jackets

Rain gear (such as a light rain poncho) Knee-high rubber boots with good tread—essential Sun hat

Clothing/Footwear for Leisure At least one set of clothing to keep clean for end of expedition Trainers (sneakers) or sandals for wearing inside the lodge and cabañas Pajamas or other sleepwear Warm hat for cold evenings


Field Supplies Strong backpack containing all clothing, gear, etc. (to be strapped to mules for transport) Small daypack for daily field trips Two one-liter water bottles Insect repellent spray with DEET (if you react to DEET, effective natural alternatives also exist) Sunscreen lotion with SPF 30 or higher Digital watch for timing observations Flashlight or headlamp with extra (new) batteries and extra bulb. The headlamp is particularly useful if you want to go at dawn to see the male cock-of-the-rock birds perform their colorful and aggressive mating displays at the hillside areas known as leks.

bandages, blister covers, etc.) and personal medications Washcloths and/or reusable microfiber cloths and/or flannels

Miscellaneous Spending money

Optional Items High-protein snacks (Power Bars, nuts, trail mix, etc. for long stretches in the field between meals Binoculars, if you have them (7 x 35 or 8 x 40 power is recommended) Headlamp with extra batteries and extra bulb

Work or gardening gloves

Camera, film or memory card(s), extra camera battery

Small notebook and pens and/or pencils with pocket clip

Hardware for sharing digital photographs at the end of the expedition

Bedding and Bathing Note: Blankets, pillows, and towels will be provided by the project. Sleeping bag, recommended for particularly cold nights, and for optional overnight camping Earplugs—the lodge is not soundproofed, and this is a vital accessory to ensure a good night’s sleep due to the noise of animals in the rainforests.

Personal Supplies Personal toiletries (biodegradable soaps and shampoos are encouraged) Antibacterial wipes or lotion (good for cleaning hands while in the field) Personal first-aid kit (e.g., anti-diarrhea pills, antibiotics, antiseptic, itch-relief, pain reliever,


Travel guide Books, games, journal, art supplies, etc. for free time Biodegradable laundry soap if you might hand-wash your own items of clothing Walking stick (only if you have one—no need to buy one just for this purpose) Jungle hammock, if you want to spend a night outdoors. Note: This opportunity may not arise and will be offered at the sole discretion of project staff Swimsuit Dry box to protect equipment from humidity (cameras, hearing aids, etc.) Note: Required and Optional Items lists are accurate to the best of Earthwatch’s knowledge at the time of publication.

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The Research Canopies, Climate, and Critters of the Ecuadorian Rainforest

The Story The western slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes constitute one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. Of all the species of plants in the world, 6.7% are endemic to this area (found nowhere else), as are 5.7% of the world’s vertebrate species. Ecuador is home to some 1,600 bird species (about twice as many as in North America, Europe, or Australia). This astonishing diversity and the fact that over 70% of the original habitat has now been lost earned the Ecuadorian Andes a place in the top 25 biodiversity hotspots worldwide as determined by research published by scientists Norman Myers and Russell Mittermeier in Nature in 2000. The Santa Lucía Cloud Forest Reserve, where our research takes place, is at the center of Choco-Andean

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corridor, a protected area that was set up link critical tropical forest habitats from the central Ecuador forests through to the forests of Colombia. The field survey techniques that we use at the reserve can help determine whether these corridors are allowing wildlife to effectively use the protected area corridor, and the long-term plan is to extend the monitoring network to other reserves throughout the Choco-Andean corridor. This scientifically rigorous long-term monitoring program will provide crucial information for reserve and corridor management.

Research Aims The expedition aims to provide scientific knowledge to underpin the conservation of flora and fauna in the cloud forests of northwestern Ecuador in the face of ongoing


deforestation rates of 1.6% per year. We also aim to understand the impacts of climate change on species distribution and forest dynamics.

How You Will Help

In 2013, we will focus on the following projects:

• Establishment and maintenance of a camera trap network to survey wild cat species: This activity includes the mounting of cameras, collection of images from the camera trap network, image analysis, data collection, and input into the database.

• Camera trapping: Camera “traps” do not actually capture animals—they photograph animals automatically as they pass by the traps. Camera traps are valuable tools for surveying an area for the presence of a species and, in the case of animals that have distinctive individual visual features, for the presence of particular individuals. The focus of 2013 is to carry out an exhaustive survey of the smaller wild cat species within the reserve to provide an accurate population abundance estimate. The photo above of a paca was taken by a camera trap. • Bird survey: We will collect information on the status of birds in the reserve and add to over 13,000 records collected since 2008 as part of the long-term database. The dataset is used to determine changes in community structure and altitudinal shifts in the distribution of species as they adapt to local and global environmental changes. • Carbon flux: In 2013 we will continue the establishment of a long-term carbon dynamics plot to investigate how cloud forests are adapting to global change. The standardized plot will allow comparison with data collected in other tropical and temperate rainforests.


As an Earthwatch volunteer, you will participate in the following activities:

• Establishment of plots in the forest to determine carbon dynamics: In 2013 we will finish establishing a permanent plot to monitor forest carbon dynamics. We will measure the diameter of all the trees in a 100-by100-meter plot and fit dendrometer bands around the trees to allow long-term monitoring of growth rates. The results will provide us with information on how fast forest growing in response to environmental changes such as a temperature increase or increased concentration of carbon dioxide—the gas behind global climate change. • Bird surveys: Bird surveys take place from dawn to approximately 8 a.m., and involve recording species, number of individuals, and distance from the observer. The incredible diversity of species requires a high degree of skill in identification, so all data must be verified by the professional Ecuadorian ornithologists leading the surveys. Our study has to date resulted in over 13,000 individual observations of birds, and forms a reserve-wide database linked to habitat and climate characteristics.

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Your Destination About Santa Lucía, Ecuador

The Santa Lucía Cloud Forest Reserve is a 713-hectare protected forest northwest of the Ecuadorian capital of Quito that spans an altitude of 1,400 to 2,600 meters (4,590 to 8,530 feet). The reserve was declared a protected forest in 1988. It contains more than 320 species of birds, thousands of plant species, and an estimated 45 species of mammals, including four cat species (jaguarundi, ocelot, Andean cat, and puma), the raccoon-like coatimundi, and the spectacled bear. Native plants include an amazing variety of orchids, bromeliads, and other epiphytes that reach their crowning glories in these forests. Santa Lucía is a community-based organization formed by local campesino (rural) families who manage their own resources. The organization’s aims are to conserve and protect the cloud forest belonging to member families, to develop sustainable sources of income for the members, and to benefit directly or indirectly the residents of neighboring areas. Santa Lucía has won a number of awards for ecotourism and offers a model of what a community-owned and community-run organization can achieve in terms of responsible tourism, conservation, and development. You will be part of this ongoing experiment

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in sustainable development. In 2012 we expect the construction of a dedicated laboratory “in the clouds” to be completed, funded by a generous donation from a past Earthwatch volunteer. This will allow us, with your help, to extend the scope of the research. Recreational time: On one day during your trip, you may have the chance to visit nearby Tulipe Cloud Forest and its Yumbo civilization archaeological sites, which flourished from around 800 AD until the Spanish conquest of Ecuador in the 1600s. In Tulipe, you can see the remains of tolas—mound-like structures thought to have been used as ceremonial structures and dwellings—as well as Yumbo petroglyphs, sunken pools (piscinas), and trading paths. Or, we might visit Mindo Cloud Forest, home to many rare bird and orchid species. These trips are not included in the costs of the Earthwatch project, so bring some funds (about US$40) to cover transport, food, and entry. Or you can simply relax at the lodge or go birdwatching nearby. There may be an opportunity to spend the night in the forest, depending on weather (if you want to do this, we recommend you bring a jungle hammock).



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Daily Life in the Field Plans and Policies Each day after breakfast from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m., you will receive training on subjects including establishment and maintenance of a camera-trapping network, methods of surveying animal populations, use of the compass and global positioning system (GPS), collection and preparation of botanical samples, analysis of bird survey data, and how data from capture and recapture of animals in traps can be used to estimate population features. You will also be given informal presentations on topics that may include the biodiversity, geography, and ecology of Ecuador, threats to wildlife and the importance of conservation, mammal conservation and the role of monitoring, climate change and Andean forests, climate change and biodiversity, and what you can do for conservation after returning home.

Team Development is essential to the success of the expedition. Staff and volunteers must to work together for successful outcomes. Previous experience has shown that team spirit is a natural outcome of overcoming the physical and mental demands of expeditionary fieldwork. Evening meals are all shared, providing an opportunity for discussion and bonding. Informal 10-minute team presentations at the end of each day will aim to open up more general discussion of viewpoints and experiences.

During research days, you will work in teams of two to four on the major research activities. Each activity is expected to take one full day or less, and teams will rotate between them. Most activities require a high degree of physical fitness. We cover long distances on foot in steep, mountainous terrain and very humid conditions. There will be some flexibility in the choice of activities, but the rotation is mainly driven by research needs. We cannot emphasize enough how important it is that you are in very good physical condition for this expedition; otherwise, you will not be able to experience all the environments within the Santa Lucía Reserve.

Earthwatch Recreational Time Policy Project staff will generally accompany participants from the rendezvous to the end of the expedition. For recreational days, when no research activities are scheduled, Earthwatch scientists will offer either a team activity or a range of recreational activities that comply with Earthwatch standards. Participants may also remain at project accommodations. Those who pursue other options must sign a release form. If there is a period of time during a regular research day when no research activities are scheduled, adult participants may leave the project site on their own; they will have to sign out first. Unless contacted for help, project staff will not search for a participant unless he or she fails to appear the following morning or for the next scheduled research activity. Earthwatch will assess the general risks of adult participants leaving the project site, but cannot guarantee participant safety or an awareness of all issues. In some cases, due to local conditions, adult participants may have to stay at the project site during recreational time, a requirement that will be clearly communicated on site.

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ITINERARY AND DAILY SCHEDULE Weather and research needs can lead to changes in the daily schedule. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

Day 1 Rendezvous at Hostal Posada del Maple, transfer and hike up to the lodge at Santa Lucía Cloud Forest Reserve. Evening social and icebreaking activities.

Day 2 Morning seminar providing overview of project—fieldwork briefing and commencement of fieldwork. Start of evening discussion series and workshops.

Days 3 – 5 Fieldwork. Typical daily schedule: Time

Cat/Bear Survey Group

5:30 a.m.

Bird/Reptile Survey Group

Habitat Assessment Groups

Rise early and start fieldwork

7:00 a.m.

Breakfast

Breakfast

8:00 a.m.

Briefing on fieldwork

Briefing on fieldwork

9:00 a.m.

Start fieldwork

12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Lunch (either return to station or eat packed lunches in the field)

1:30 – 3:00 or 5:00 p.m.

Fieldwork or processing of field samples (times will vary for ending fieldwork based on activity; for example, bird survey groups may wish to have the afternoon to relax after an early start)

5:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Return to field station and conduct data reduction (depending on project group)

6.00 – 7:00 p.m.

Rest or recreational hour

7:00 p.m.

Evening meal

8:00 p.m.

Seminar and/or social event (some evenings are unscheduled recreational time); nocturnal reptile survey on some nights

Breakfast

Start fieldwork

Day 6 Recreational day.

Days 7 – 10 Fieldwork.

Day 11 Return trek and transfer to Quito.


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Accommodations and Food About Your Home in the Field You’ll stay at the very comfortable Santa Lucía Lodge. You may also get to spend the night in the forest, depending on weather and at the sole discretion of project staff. You may also have the chance to camp overnight at higher in the forest to collect bird data, an activity that requires a high level of fitness and depends on weather. It may not be possible on all teams; this activity will happen at the staff’s sole discretion.

Sleeping Santa Lucía Lodge sleeps about 22 people in rooms that will accommodate two or more of the same gender. Some rooms have double and single beds, while others have bunks. Couples may get to have a separate room depending on team size and gender split; if a room becomes available, it will be given on a first-come-firstserved basis. Please notify Earthwatch if there’s someone you’d like to share a room with. Single rooms are usually not possible. The lodge provides bedding, but we recommend that you pack a sleeping bag for extra warmth when cool, damp weather rolls in. Depending on logistics, four or five Earthwatchers may share cabañas.

Bathrooms The lodge has hot showers—with spectacular views of the forest. While we ask that you conserve water and energy, showers are always available. Three or four people of the same gender will share bathrooms. The lodge has both ordinary flush toilets and composting toilets.

Electricity Electricity is supplied by solar panels but must be rationed; electricity is shut off overnight. The number of outlets are also limited. You may use electricity to recharge small equipment on a limited basis, but project equipment will is priority.

Internet and Communications The lodge has very limited Internet access, and the priority of use is for administrative staff and scientific work.

Facilities and Amenities There are facilities for washing laundry by hand. With prior notice, a hand-laundry service can be provided for a small fee.

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Hiking trails run through the reserve, and there is a fivea-side football/soccer pitch. There are some books for exchange, board games, and a guitar for use.

Distance to Field Site The lodge is within the reserve, and volunteers will walk each day to the work sites. Distances will vary depending on the activity and are highlighted in the Project Conditions section (pg. 18).

Services and Restaurants There are no restaurants or other facilities or services within walking distance of the accommodations. Be prepared to live in the mountain forest for 11 days. You will miss it afterwards!

Santa Lucía Lodge Code of Conduct Around the world, experience has shown that tourism can have both positive and negative impacts on the natural environment and on communities. By visiting Santa Lucía you are playing an essential part in the conservation of the forest and in the provision of sustainable employment. We ask for your help to ensure that ecotourism does indeed benefit the area and local people, and that it does not damage either the environment or the well-being of the local community. We enjoy sharing our way of life with visitors, and we believe that both visitors and local people can benefit by meeting and learning about each other’s lives. You will receive a warm welcome at Santa Lucía, and in turn we ask you to be respectful of our community and its norms and culture, which may be different from your own. Please be aware that your actions have impacts that extend beyond your stay and affect both the ecotourism project and the community. Cigarettes: For the health and safety of all, smoking is not permitted in either the lodge or the volunteer house. Smoking is permitted outside. If you smoke, please be courteous and safe, ensuring your cigarettes are disposed of properly. Alcohol: We ask that alcohol be used responsibly at the lodge and, if you are in a local village or town, on only special occasions such as at fiestas. Irresponsible behavior induced by the use of alcohol will not be tolerated.


Drugs: The use of illegal drugs is not permitted under any circumstances. If you are found to be in possession of or using illegal drugs, you will be asked to leave. Also, bear in mind that the use of drugs in this community is both uncommon and taken very seriously. Please respect this cultural norm. Romantic Relationships: Romantic relationships within the context of different cultures can have serious impacts on the visitor, the local resident, and the community. The special attention that visitors receive may be mistaken for personal attraction, and the general romanticism more common in Latin cultures may be mistaken for personally strong feelings. Conversely, a local resident may develop expectations that the relationship will continue and lead to emigration to your home country. The local resident may also consequently have a difficult time dating other local residents. The community may be affected by the alteration of norms in sexual behavior, a feeling of underappreciation among local women, and the disruption of existing relationships. Quiet Time: Out of courtesy to our guests, staff, and neighbors, we request that everyone be quiet by 9 p.m., seven days per week, in both the lodge and the volunteer house.

Gifts: Please think carefully about the impact of giftgiving in the community. An act of generosity may have unintended consequences, such as engendering jealousies, fostering false friendships, or creating reliance. Please never give or lend money. For the wellbeing of our community, if you are asked for money, loans, or gifts by anyone, please inform one of the Earthwatch scientists.

FOOD Team members and all expedition staff eat together. We use a communal dining area, so other visitors will also be present. Meals will combine traditional Ecuadorian and international recipes, and, where possible, staff will use organic produce from the lodge garden. Guests are not expected to help but are always welcome to lend a hand in the kitchen and the garden. Below are examples of foods you can expect in the field. Variety depends on availability, and while this list provides a general idea of food types, please be flexible. Breakfast: Homemade bread, eggs, granola, pancakes with syrup, fruit salad, juice, hot drinks. In addition, the traditional breakfast of rice is available for those who request it. Lunch: Soup followed by rice and beans or lentils with salad or vegetables Dinner: Chicken, potatoes, vegetables, lapingachos (potato and cheese cakes) with beef stew, salad, pizza, dessert, hot drinks Snacks: Popcorn, banana chips, etc. Beverages: Black and herbal teas, coffee, hot chocolate Water: Drinking water is always available (water is always boiled and tested for safety).

Special Dietary Requirements Please alert Earthwatch to any special dietary requirements (e.g., vegetarian or vegan diets, diabetes, lactose intolerance, nut or other serious food allergies) as soon as possible, and note them in the space provided on your volunteer forms. Accommodating special diets can be very difficult due to availability of food, location of field sites, and other local conditions. It is difficult to accommodate vegans.


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Travel Planning Rendezvous and Departure Information

The rendezvous and departure information for this project has been removed from this web version of the expedition briefing. It is only available in the printed version of the briefing. Please do not make any travel arrangements to join an expedition without having full and up-to-date travel information from Earthwatch. Full rendezvous details, including places and times are available from Earthwatch upon request prior to registration for an expedition. Please use the “Contact Us” button on the top right-hand corner of the website to get in touch with an Earthwatch representative, who will be very happy to help you.

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Travel Tips

Suggestions for the Road Luggage Luggage type: We encourage you to bring backpacks and duffle bags. These are easier and more comfortable for the mules to carry than suitcases. General considerations: Do not bring more luggage than you can carry and handle on your own. If traveling by air and checking your luggage, we advise you to pack an extra set of field clothing and personal essentials in your carry-on bag in case your luggage is lost or delayed. Many airlines have strict baggage policies. Please check with your airline(s) on baggage weight limits, liquid restrictions, fees for checked baggage, etc. Transferring luggage: If you’re taking an international flight with one or more connections within the country of your destination, you must collect any checked bags at the airport where you first arrive in the country. After proceeding through customs, you will have to recheck your luggage before flying on to your final destination. Delayed luggage: If your luggage is delayed on your international flight (not common, but it does happen), our experience is that it doesn’t make sense to hang around in the airport. The bags won’t turn up until the next flight with the same airline, usually 24 hours later, at which point it should be relatively easy just to pick them up. In theory, airport personnel can deliver to an address in Quito or to Nanegal (they have done it once), but that’s an uncertain business and can take several days. Prepare for this by bringing some extra clothing in your carry-on luggage.

Local currency: Ecuador uses the US dollar. Smaller bills (US$20 and smaller) in good condition are best, as sometimes it is difficult to get change and damaged bills are often rejected.

Your Destination Language: Ecuadorian Spanish is spoken clearly and is fairly easy to understand if you have some Spanish skills. The project will be conducted in English. Cultural considerations: Tipping is not common in Ecuador. If volunteers wish to leave a tip for staff at Santa Lucía, they can either put it in the “tip box,” which is for all staff, or give money to individual staff. Alternatively, you can leave money for Santa Lucía as a whole. None of this is required or expected, but it is a nice way to show appreciation for exceptional service. Rural Ecuador is in some ways very conservative. Revealing clothes are considered inappropriate. Bathing suits, including bikinis, are fine in designated swimming areas. There is a code of conduct for all visitors to Santa Lucía that covers some aspects of local culture and perception; please see the Accommodations section, pg. 12. Electricity: AC 60 Hz, 120/127 volts. For additional information, see kropla.com/electric2.htm. Time zone: GMT/UTC –5. For time worldwide with GMT/

Money Matters Personal funds: If you wish to join either of the recreational day trips to the Yumbo archeological site or to Mindo, you will need to bring cash to cover the costs of transport, food, and entrance fees (about US$40). Nature guides may also be available for the recreational day for approximately US$30 per day. There are ATMs at the Quito Airport. Once in the field, however, you will be unable to access ATMs or banks. Of-age volunteers may purchase beer (US$2) and wine (US$12) at the lodge (the legal drinking age in Ecuador is 18). If requested ahead of time, we can also sell snacks such as chocolate bars. Bring cash (U.S. dollars) in good condition in small denominations, as change is hard to find. Change any other currency in Quito or before arrival in Ecuador. The lodge doesn’t accept travelers’ checks.


UTC, see worldtimeserver.com. Telephone dialing codes: When calling Ecuador from another country, dial the country’s international dial-out code, followed by (593) and the number. When calling within Ecuador, omit the (593) and dial (0). When calling another country from Ecuador, dial (00), followed by the other country’s country code and the number. PLEASE NOTE: You should check with your cell phone provider to obtain any carrier-specific dialing codes you may need; many providers have dialing procedures that may differ in whole or in part from these directions. For additional information, see kropla.com/dialcode.htm.

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PASSPORTS AND VISAS Will You Need a Passport? Most volunteers traveling from outside Ecuador will require a passport valid for at least six months beyond the dates of travel.

Will You Need a Visa?

Suggested Agencies In the U.S.: Travisa; 212-613-2223; www.travisa.com

Citizens of the U.S., EU, Australia, Canada, and Japan DO NOT need tourist visas for entry. Citizens of other countries should check with their travel agent or a visa agency for specific visa and entry requirements.

In Europe: CIBT, Inc. (UK); [email protected]; www. uk.cibt.com

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

Required information: You will need to send your passport (valid for at least six months beyond your stay), a visa application and immigration form, two to four passport-size photos, and payment to the embassy or visa agency (if applicable). Please be sure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your stay.

If you are traveling from outside the U.S. and have a stopover in the U.S., you are required to register through the ESTA program. ESTA is used to screen short-term visitors who are citizens of the 36 countries eligible for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). For a list of those countries, see http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/ without/without_1990.html#countries. Visitors are required to complete ESTA at least three days before traveling to the U.S. Once approved, the authorization is valid for up to two years if the individual’s passport does not expire in the meantime. Submit applications through the ESTA website: https:// esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/. As of publication, ESTA costs approximately US$14.00. Citizens of countries covered by the VWP traveling to the U.S. for tourism or business for 90 days or less do not need to obtain a visa provided they have a valid passport (for exceptions see the VWP Quick Reference Guide: http://travel.state.gov/pdf/VWP-QuickReferenceGuide. pdf).

Information for Volunteers Requiring Visas ONLY Type of visa to get: TOURIST The purpose of your visit is for vacation, holiday or travel. Immigration officials do not always understand the concept of a “working vacation” or “volunteering.” Words such as “working,” “volunteering,” “research,” or “scientific expedition” can raise questions concerning the country’s foreign labor laws and about official scientific research permits and credentials, etc., to which volunteers will not be equipped to respond on their own. All required research permits for the project are in place and have been approved by the proper authorities. Where to get a Visa: Contact the nearest Ecuadorian embassy or consulate to find out how to apply. Please

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note that this process can take weeks or even months. We strongly recommend using a visa agency, which can both expedite and simplify the process.

In Australia: Ask your travel agency if it can send your visa application on your behalf.

Contact information: You may be required to list the following contact information on your visa application and immigration form: Francisco Molina, Administrador, Santa Lucía Recepción de Santa Lucía, Nanegal – Barrio la Delicia, Quito, +593 2 2157 242 Cost of a visa: Generally between US$40 and $100, but varies from country to country and can cost up to US$180. A visa agency will charge an additional fee.

Volunteers Under 18 Years of Age In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have procedures at entry and exit points to protect minors. Thus, if a minor will be traveling with only one guardian or alone, he or she may need a notarized letter from all legal guardians stating that the minor may travel unaccompanied or in the presence of a single guardian. If necessary, this letter must give an explanation for why only one parent or someone other than a parent is signing the letter. For example, if one parent is deceased, only one parent has legal guardianship, or someone other than the parents are legal guardians, the letter should state that. Airlines may also have documentation requirements for unaccompanied minors, e.g., a birth certificate or a notarized letter like the one described above. Important: Requirements of specific countries and airlines vary and change frequently. You must keep informed of the requirements on your own to avoid problems at immigration. If the minor is refused entry into a country or onto a flight because of lack of documentation, there is nothing Earthwatch can do to help.


Project Conditions The Field Environment Please show this section to a doctor when he/she is completing the Health section of your Earthwatch Participation Form. Be sure to discuss vaccination requirements with the doctor well in advance of your departure date. See the Health Information section (pg. 22) for vaccination information. To the doctor: This patient has volunteered to join a field research team that has specific physical demands of which you and the patient should be aware. We need your accurate evaluation of this patient’s ability to meet the conditions detailed below in order to care for his or her health and safety, and to assess that he or she can participate fully and effectively.

General Conditions The information that follows is as accurate as possible, but please keep in mind that conditions may change. The research site is in the Ecuadorian Andes, and it is made up of many steep valley systems that form the source of waters for the lowlands. You must be prepared for some hard walking, as the slopes can be very steep. Get to the gym and start practicing! The base station at 1,900 meters has a pleasant daily temperature in the mid to upper 20s oC (upper 60s oF), although afternoons and evenings can be chilly as the clouds envelop the mountain in the late afternoon. You will be working in the region during the drier season, from June to August, although rainfall still occurs on most days during this period. To give you an idea of how very wet it is, the average annual rainfall is more than three meters. The weather is expected to vary within the limits below. Project conditions during June and July Humidity: 20% to 80% (cool and damp) Temperature: 9°C/49°F to 21°C/70°F Altitude: 1,400 meters/4,590 feet to 2,600 meters/8,530 feet Rainfall: 25 – 50 mm/1 – 2 inches per month

Eligibility Requirements All participants must be able to: Hike over steep, mountainous, muddy terrain on a daily basis. Daily fieldwork at Santa Lucía involves trekking within the reserve for up to four hours for a distance


of up to six kilometers (four miles) on most days, and up to six hours for a distance of up to 10 kilometers (six miles) on one or two days. At times, you’ll need to hike off trail through dense undergrowth or uphill on slippery vegetation. This is a very physically demanding expedition. Hike two hours uphill over difficult terrain along a switchback trail to reach the project accommodations at the start of the project. You do not need to carry luggage; mules will transport everything to the lodge. Independently follow verbal and visual instructions. Enjoy being outdoors all day in all types of weather, including very high humidity. Enjoy being outdoors in the potential presence of wild animals, snakes, and insects. Carry personal daily supplies of two to 10 kilograms (four to 22 pounds), such as lunch, water, cameras, and some small field equipment. Get low enough to access and collect samples on the ground and in the brush, and to access or set up cameras and Sherman or other live collection traps. Tolerate working at high altitude. Tolerate heights in order to hike comfortably on steep trails with nearby steep slopes and sheer faces. Consistently and immediately comply with staff instructions. Collect data (images, samples, etc.) while moving over muddy, uneven, sometimes unstable terrain with areas of dense, tangled vegetation, while steering clear of obstacles and animal holes. Live comfortably without electricity throughout the night for the length of the project. Be realistic about physical limitations and practice good self-care in this remote tropical environment (take sensible precautions, practice good hygiene, heed staff instructions, etc.). Traverse over difficult terrain from 30 minutes to four hours for the bird, reptile, amphibian, and invertebrate surveys, as the survey points cover the entire reserve. Traverse distances varying from 200 meters (656 feet) to over nine kilometers (5.58 miles) for carbon

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dynamics study sites. Site work involves collection of botanical samples and recording of habitat data. This work involves walking, standing, and scrambling on the steep slope of the forest floor and requires a high degree of physical fitness.

expediton), and report any illness (headache, lethargy, appetite loss, nausea, etc.) to staff immediately.

The Effects of High Altitude

Also remain well hydrated. The sun is strong at these altitudes, so a high-factor sun cream and protective clothing (wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, long sleeves) are essential. If you have any condition that might be affected by increased sun exposure or if you are sensitive to heat, please consult a physician. Be aware that many common prescription medications can increase your sensitivity to sun and heat.

You may need several days to adjust to working at high altitudes. Even people who are very fit at sea level can find themselves struggling as they walk at higher altitudes. Take the first few days slowly (project staff will provide activities that require less exertion at the beginning of the

Illnesses that may be aggravated by altitude include sickle cell anemia and chronic heart and lung diseases. Those with asthma or other breathing problems may experience altitude-related discomfort and may wish to consult with their doctors in advance.

Walk mountainous forest trails, rain or shine, for distances of between two and six hours for camera trap network establishment and maintenance.

POTENTIAL HAZARDS

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Transportation

The Ecuadorian road system can be risky by Western standards due to fast and reckless drivers, rain, poor or no lighting, and poor road conditions. Road conditions in rural areas are often poor because of heavy rains and landslides. Driving at night will be avoided. Seat belt use is required whenever possible. Volunteers are not permitted to drive.

Dehydration

Due to the altitude, the climate, and the demanding nature of the research activities, take care to avoid dehydration by carrying and drinking plenty of water. Also be sure to get enough to eat. Do not overexert yourself and inform a staff member right away if you feel tired or ill. Rehydration solution can be given to anyone who is suspected of having become dehydrated. Radio communication between the field teams and the field stations at both sites is maintained in order to facilitate quick responses to illness or accidents.

Terrain

Covering the distances required for the work on foot is physically demanding. Take care when working on steep slopes and walking on the muddy, slippery trails. The research site has uneven terrain, unstable hiking surfaces, and unprotected overhangs. There is a risk of sprains, strains, and breaks due to falling or missteps; the dense undergrowth can also cause tripping or falls. You must wear appropriate footwear (hiking boots with ankle support or Wellington boots with good tread) and long trousers. Do not go near the edges of steep slopes or sheer faces. Use a walking stick for balance as needed, and always walk slowly and carefully. Be aware of your surroundings, heed staff instructions, and always watch your step.

Insects

Biting insects such as mosquitoes are common, so bring and use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants to avoid being bitten as much as possible. Teams working in forested areas may occasionally be bitten or stung by bees, wasps, ants, or spiders. Bites are usually not severe. Team members who develop an allergic reaction will be transported to the nearest clinic. Participants with allergies to biting and/or stinging insects should bring medications as appropriate (antihistamines, at least two EpiPen, etc.), indicate their specific allergy and treatment needs on their health form, and inform staff on site as to their treatment needs and location of their medications. To avoid risks, appropriate footwear and clothing should be worn and insect repellent applied. Avoid touching caterpillars, which can provoke a skin rash and potentially more severe reactions in those who may be allergic, including anaphylactic shock.


Snakes

Venomous snakes, including eyelash vipers, are found in the study areas, but sightings of venomous snakes are rare particularly at the higher altitudes; no participants have been bitten to date. Although snakes are generally very wary of humans and you are unlikely to see one, it is sensible to wear sturdy footwear with ankle protection if walking off track. If you do sight a snake, do not disturb, antagonize, or try to handle it under any circumstances. Do not make any sudden movements or loud noises, back away from the snake very slowly, and inform a member of project staff right away. Should a dangerous bite occur, we will transport the injured person to the clinic at Nanegalito where antivenom is available. All field teams carry venom extractors and pressure bandages.

Plants

Take care when touching the forest flora. Some trees or plants have spines and prickles. Do not eat any plants in the forest, as many are extremely poisonous.

Climate/ Weather

Although cloud forests are cooler than lowlands, it is important to protect the skin from the sun with appropriate clothing and sunscreen (30-60 SPF). The risk of sunburn is particularly high due to the high altitude of our location. It can rain during any time of the year, so light rain gear suitable for tropical climates is essential. At night the temperature can be chilly, so it is also important to have appropriate warm clothing. Because of the high humidity, persons using a hearing aid device may find it doesn’t work properly. Consider purchasing a hearing aid dehumidifier.

Political/ Social/Cultural

Ecuadoran society is generally tolerant and also traditionally conservative. It is vital to be courteous to all people you meet in Ecuador—it is common to greet people in the countryside and considered rude to pass by or ignore anyone passing.

Project Tasks/ Equipment

Take care when collecting plant samples. A ground-based catapult system is used to get samples from high branches. It is vital that you listen to directions from staff while collecting samples and stay clear of areas when warned. If climbing is necessary, only trained and qualified project staff will do so. When georeferencing images in the field, watch where you step in the forest due to holes, tangled vegetation, and animals. Do not stare at the canopy while walking; be aware of your surroundings and always wear appropriate hiking footwear.

Personal Security

Take precautions for personal safety while traveling both before and after the expedition. Use common sense in urban centers (i.e., Quito and Guayaquil) and when traveling to and from the site because of the risk of petty or violent crime. Travel in pairs or groups, avoid displays of money or other valuables, take taxis, and avoid traveling at night. It is always best practice to leave unnecessary valuables at home. In Quito, in particular, the old city center, city parks, Virgin of the Panecillo (El Panecillo) shrine, Calle Morales (often referred to as Calle La Ronda), El Tejar, Parroquia San Sebastián (old city), Gonzalez Suarez (old city), Avenida Cristóbal Colón (new city), and La Mariscal, La Carolina, La Floresta, and La Marin districts should be avoided at night due to the high risk of petty crime. Travelers are advised to avoid hiking in the areas surrounding the antennas of Volcan Pichincha and the Teleferico (cable car).


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In/near Water

There is a danger of slipping on rocks in streams and at waterfalls. Wear appropriate footwear with good tread and be sure to walk slowly and carefully at all times. Swimming may be available during your recreational time. No lifeguard is on duty, so volunteers will swim at their own risk. Risks (including strong currents, dangerous wildlife and invertebrates, etc.) and strict safety guidelines will be discussed before any swimming is permitted. Participants must inform staff when and where they will be swimming. No swimming by team members will be permitted if the project staff determines water conditions are unsafe. Recreational swimming alone or at night is prohibited. Avoid ingesting river water.

Drinking Water

Health hazards to consider include contaminated water that can make you sick and make expedition life miserable. It is recommended that those volunteers sterilize water that has not been boiled using iodine or chlorine tablets. All drinking water at the Santa Lucía lodge is boiled and safe to drink. See the Health Information section (pg. 22) for information on diseases and vaccinations.

Distance from Medical Care

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It may take up to two hours to arrange transport and reach the nearest hospital in Nanegalito from the project site. It will take an additional 1.5 hours from Nanegalito Hospital to a Quito hospital in the event that a larger hospital is needed. If you have a chronic condition that could require immediate medical care (e.g., heart conditions, kidney problems, severe asthma, etc.), or if you are pregnant, please discuss your participation on this expedition with your physician.


Safety Health Information Routine Immunizations All volunteers should have the following up-to-date immunizations: DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), polio, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), and varicella (if you have not already had chicken pox). Please be sure your tetanus shot is current. Medical decisions are the responsibility of each volunteer and his or her doctor, and the following are recommendations only. Earthwatch can only provide details regarding suggested vaccinations, and we are not a medical organization.

Project Vaccinations REQUIRED: If traveling from countries or region where yellow fever is endemic, you must have a certificate of vaccination. RECOMMENDED FOR HEALTH REASONS: Typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B

Advice Regarding Diseases Traveler’s diarrhea affects many international travelers. Diseases found in Ecuador may include malaria, dengue fever, typhoid, filariasis, leishmaniasis, onchocerciasis, trypanosomiasis, schistosomiasis, and viral encephalitis. Please see the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov) or the World Health Organization (www.who.int/) websites for more information on these conditions and how to avoid them. You can decrease your risk of most diseases above by avoiding mosquito bites, practicing good hygiene, and drinking only bottled or filtered water when appropriate. If you feel ill once you return from your trip, make sure you inform your doctor that you have recently returned from a tropical region. A few notes on vaccinations and treatment: • Malaria: The risk of malaria is extremely low on this


project as long as you only travel between Quito and Santa Lucía, in which case you will remain at high altitude; chloroquine-resistant malaria exists throughout the year in most areas of Ecuador at altitudes below 1,500 meters (4,921 feet). Volunteers traveling elsewhere in Ecuador should consult their physician or travel health provider for advice on malarial prophylaxis. • Rabies: Santa Lucía is located approximately two hours from a hospital that can treat those who have not received pre-exposure vaccination for rabies. Direct contact with mammals is neither planned nor expected on this project, but there remains a risk from stray dogs in the area. Avoid stray or unknown dogs at all times. The rabies pre-exposure vaccination consists of three doses over a 28-day period. Please be sure to consult your physician or travel health clinic well before your expedition to ensure that you have time for the full vaccination series. If you have previously been vaccinated, a booster shot may be required. The pre-exposure vaccination does not eliminate the need for post-exposure medical attention and treatment, but it does provide additional protection against the disease in event of a delay in treatment. In addition, bites or scratches should be immediately and thoroughly washed with soap, clean water, and a topical povidone-iodine solution or ethanol. • Tuberculosis: Volunteers returning from developing countries may wish to to have a (PPD)-tuberculin skintest to screen for potential infection. • Yellow fever: A vaccine protecting against yellow fever is available, although pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals cannot be vaccinated. Your home country may require a certificate of vaccination for re-entry if you travel to an area where yellow fever is endemic.

Emergencies in the Field Lodge staff is trained in basic first aid. If an injured person cannot walk down the trail, staff will carry him or her. Transport can be arranged from the foot of the trail to the Hospital de Nanegalito, an hour‘s drive away. The lodge

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has radio and cellphone communication with Santa Lucía staff in the valley 24 hours a day. Hospital de Nanegalito is equipped for most emergencies and non-emergencies, and has ambulance transport in the event that the person needs to be transported to a hospital in Quito. There is a doctor in Nanegal from Saturday through Wednesday. Out-of-pocket medical expenses will be the responsibility of the volunteer (most medical expenses can be covered by Earthwatch’s travel insurance, but sometimes this means requesting a reimbursement after the fact). There is a small charge for treatment in Nanegalito (usually less than US$10). In Quito, costs are higher. Medicines are cheaper than in Western countries, but some can be expensive. Volunteers should bring around US$100 to cover transport, medicine, and treatment in the event of an emergency. You must bring all the prescription medications you need with you. And those with life-threatening allergies must carry the relevant antidote (e.g., antihistamines or at least two EpiPens).

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Santa Lucía Lodge can help arrange transport to Quito in the event of personal emergencies.

Proximity to Medical Care Physician, nurse, or EMT on staff: Project staff members are not medical professionals.

Staff certified in safety training CPR and First Aid: Jorge Noe Morales Edison Tapia Julio Ayala Eduardo Tapia Vicente Molina Francisco Molina Paulina Tapia

Wilderness First Responder: Mika Peck Matthew Brown


Nearest hospital and clinic

INSURANCE

Hospital de Nanegalito Eloy Alfaro y Guayaquil Nanegalito

MedEvac assistance, advice, and insurance are included in the contribution you pay to Earthwatch. The insurance covers your travel medical risks, including medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation, while you are traveling. It also provides trip cancellation insurance and baggage and personal money insurance. It doesn’t provide personal liability insurance. This coverage is valid in the country of your Earthwatch expedition and during travel to and from your expedition. Note: For U.S. volunteers, the coverage is valid only when the expedition is over 100 miles from your place of residence. For Australia volunteers, the coverage is limited if the expedition is less than 50 kilometers from your place of residence.

Tel: +593 (0) 2 211 6376 /197 (24 hours) Distance: 45-minute walk down from the lodge (longer if person needs to be carried) followed by an hour’s drive to Nanegalito Hospital Nanegal Sub Centro Cumandá y Centinela Nanegal Tel: +593 (0) 2 215 7081 Distance: 45-minute walk down from the lodge (longer if person needs to be carried), followed by a 45-minute drive to Nanegal.

This insurance policy is secondary to your existing health insurance policy (e.g., NHS in the U.K., Medicare in Australia). Because of different governing laws in each country, policies are specific to each regional Earthwatch office. Please check with your sign up office about your insurance coverage. If you signed up through Earthwatch U.K. or Earthwatch Japan, visit: www.earthwatch.org/europe/insuranceinfo.


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If you signed up through Earthwatch U.S., visit: www. earthwatch.org/insurance.

Emergency Medical and Evacuation Assistance

If you signed up through the U.K., U.S., or Japan: If you have additional vacation time before and/or after your Earthwatch expedition that forms part of your overall time away from your place of residence, this additional vacation time is not covered under this policy.

Emergency medical and evacuation assistance from CEGA Medical, a 24-hour international service, is also included in your contribution. Please see the contact information in the Medical and Security Assistance Helpline Numbers section on the inside back cover.

If you signed up through Earthwatch Australia, visit: www. earthwatch.org/australia/expeditions/insurance/ or contact Earthwatch Australia.

You can also call CEGA for non-emergency information before your trip, such as advice on visas and vaccine requirements.

Please refer any queries regarding Earthwatch’s policy to Earthwatch’s Operations Department at 978-450-1222 or [email protected].

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Project Staff Your Resources in the Field Earthwatch scientist Dr. Mika Peck led an expedition to the Ecuadorian Andes in 1995 funded by the Royal Geographical Society. He then pursued a Ph.D. in tropical ecology at the University of Stirling, Scotland, with fieldwork based in the Kakadu National Park in northern Australia. The impact of anthropogenic activity on natural systems in tropical and temperate countries became the main thrust of his research, and he held a series of postdoctoral positions investigating this issue. In 2005 he received funding from the U.K. government’s Darwin Initiative for the PRIMENET Project (www.primenet.org.uk), which aims to conserve the critically endangered brown-headed spider monkey (Ateles fusciceps) and other primates of northwestern Ecuador. He is a lecturer and research fellow at the University of Sussex, U.K., and has taught postgraduate courses in primate conservation at Oxford Brooks University, U.K. He is the lead Earthwatch scientist on this expedition and will be responsible for the coordination of the overall project. Present on teams 1 and 2.

Earthwatch scientist Ana Mariscal, born in Quito, has a degree in botany and extensive experience working on conservation issues at the community level throughout Ecuador. Based at the National Herbarium of Ecuador (QNCE), she is currently undertaking her Ph.D. Her interests lie in forest conservation, and she has played a lead role in establishing a number of protected forests within Ecuador. During this expedition, she will lead the botanical fieldwork components and play a key role in field supervision and identification of plant species. A native Ecuadorian, she speaks fluent English. Her schedule has yet to be determined. Tamara White, M.Sc. has previously worked on the pollination of a high altitude plant species (Puya hamata) by hummingbirds in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador. She is an experienced biologists and joins us this year to establish and maintain the camera trap network and collect data for her postgraduate degree to investigate species diversity of medium and large mammals of the Santa Lucia Reserve. Present on all teams.

Amber Kleiman M.Sc., joins us this year again to support the establishment of the camera trap network and focus on the small felines—we are trying to gain a better understanding of the population numbers of these elusive small cats, and she brings her expertise to lead the camera trapping group. Present on all teams. Note: Staff schedules are subject to change.


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Recommended Reading Your Resources at Home resources Books

Project Field Report

• Forsyth, Adrian and Ken Miyata. Tropical Nature: Life and Death in the Rain Forests of Central and South America. Beaverton, OR: Touchstone Press, 1987. Note: The conversational style of the book makes it a key introductory text for understanding the incredible interrelationships that make up tropical rainforests. Ideal for the field, it contains facts about climate, flora, and fauna, with many examples from Ecuador.

Each Earthwatch-supported project submits a report on past research and results. The most recent field report for this project is available online at www.earthwatch. org/FieldReportpdf/Peck_FieldReport2010.pdf. Note that reports are not available for all projects.

• Ghazoul, Jaboury and Douglas Sheil. Tropical Rain Forest Ecology, Diversity and Conservation. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2010. Note: Highly recommended; the most up-to-date textbook on the state of knowledge on the tropical rainforest. Wellwritten and informative. • Kricher, John. The Neotropical Companion. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1999. Note: The ideal guide for the tropical naturalist. Kricher gives a broad overview of the important themes without compromising accuracy. He clearly explains ecological processes and provides descriptions of wildlife with a strong emphasis on conservation.

Project-related websites • Santa Lucía Cloud Forest Reserve: www. santalucíaecuador.com • New laboratory (website still in development): www. santaluciascience.webeden.co.uk • Twitter: www.twitter.com/santaluciaresve • Flicker: www.flickr.com/photos/santaluciaecuador

Earthwatch’s Volunteer Resources Please see Earthwatch’s Volunteer Resources pages for additional information on: • Travel agencies with whom Earthwatch volunteers can get preferential rates • Recommended kit and clothing providers • Recommended travel booksellers Volunteers who sign up through our US office, visit: www. earthwatch.org/volunteerresources Volunteers who sign up through our UK office, visit: www. earthwatch.org/europe/volunteerresources Social media: Find Earthwatch on Facebook at www. facebook.com/Earthwatch, follow us on Twitter at @ earthwatch_org, and see videos of many Earthwatch expeditions on YouTube at www.youtube.com/ earthwatchinstitute. If you’re on Twitter, use the hashtag “#globaltweet” when in the field with Earthwatch to help literally put your work on the map of worldwide volunteering efforts. We also invite you to use the Facebook and TurnTo plug-in features right on our website’s expedition pages to connect with other volunteers and staff.

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/santaluciaecuador

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Participant Rights and Responsibilities This document contains important information concerning Earthwatch Institute policies and participant rights and responsibilities for inclusion in an Earthwatch expedition. Please read this document thoroughly and sign the Liability Release section of your Earthwatch Participation Form to indicate that you understand and accept the risks inherent to your expedition and the policies, rights, and responsibilities enumerated in this document. You will not be permitted to participate in an expedition until Earthwatch has received the signed release form.

Intellectual Property Rights It is permissible to share photos, videos, and stories of your expedition with family, friends, local media, and in a public forum. Sharing your new perspectives and experiences is welcomed and encouraged. However, please recognize that all information, data, and images shared or gathered in the course of your expedition’s field work become the intellectual property of the Earthwatch scientist. Co-opting or plagiarism of data, images, or information gathered during an expedition for use in a scientific thesis, master’s, or Ph.D. work, or for profit or for the academic or business use of a third party without the permission of the Earthwatch scientist is strictly prohibited. Please be aware that data gathered during the interviewing of local people become the intellectual property of the Earthwatch scientist. Earthwatch scientists have the right to place additional restrictions on your ability to share data or certain research-related images.

law and respects participants’ right to privacy. However, you must be aware that local laws in countries in which Earthwatch operates may not be antidiscriminatory and that the possibility exists that local residents may not have an awareness of preferred practice regarding discrimination. Discrimination on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation will not be tolerated on Earthwatch teams. Disruptive behavior or verbal, physical, or any other type of abuse or harassment will also not be tolerated. Violation of Earthwatch’s nondiscrimination policy is grounds for expulsion from the program without a refund.

Intimate relationships Earthwatch scientists, their staff, their colleagues, and their associates are prohibited from becoming romantically involved with participants during the entire duration of the period that the team is in the field. Romantic relationships that may otherwise seem permissible may eventually create an unpleasant or unproductive work environment and are therefore prohibited for the duration of an Earthwatch project.

Sexual Harassment Please recognize that the relationship that exists between Earthwatch scientists and staff and participants is analogous to the student-teacher relationship. Therefore, please be aware of the following policies.

Conversely, an Earthwatch scientist may give written permission to use data and images for academic or profitable activity. Please be sure to ask what is acceptable to the Earthwatch scientist.

Sexual harassment of participants by the Earthwatch scientist or Earthwatch staff is prohibited. Likewise, sexual harassment of other participants, Earthwatch field staff, or local people by participants is also prohibited.

Fellows or scholarship recipients are sometimes required to submit a written report reflecting what they have learned on a project, sometimes as a step toward developing a curriculum. Earthwatch scientists have the right but not the obligation to review and edit materials involving information gathered on one of their expeditions.

Sexual harassment infringes on an individual’s right to an environment free from unsolicited and unwelcome sexual overtones of conduct either verbal or physical. Sexual harassment does not mean occasional compliments of a socially acceptable nature.

Discrimination Earthwatch does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or any other reason prohibited by applicable


Sexual harassment refers to conduct which is offensive, which harms morale, or which interferes with the effectiveness of Earthwatch expedition teams; such conduct is prohibited. Lewd or vulgar remarks, suggestive comments, displaying derogatory posters, cartoons, or drawings, pressure for dates or sexual favors, and

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unacceptable physical contact or exposure are examples of what can constitute harassment. No one should be touched in areas that would be covered by a bathing suit. It is important to realize that what may not be offensive to you may be offensive to participants, the local population, or Earthwatch field staff. Any individual who feels subjected to sexual harassment or has any knowledge of such behavior should report it at once to the Earthwatch scientist, Field Team Leader, or other Earthwatch staff member. The Earthwatch scientist or Field Team Leader will notify Earthwatch when an accusation of sexual harassment or abuse is made or when such conduct is witnessed. All reports of sexual harassment will be handled with discretion and will be promptly and thoroughly investigated. Any participant who is found to have engaged in conduct constituting sexual harassment will be removed from the expedition at his or her own expense. If a minor is involved in allegations of sexual harassment, his or her parents or guardians will be contacted.

Drugs Laws on drug use in most countries are severe and may impose lengthy prison terms or the death penalty. The manufacture, possession, use, purchase, or sale of illegal drugs or other illegal substances while on an Earthwatch expedition is strictly prohibited. Prescription drugs may only be purchased and used by the individual indicated on the prescription in keeping with their intended use guidelines.

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Alcohol Local statutes, customs, practices, ordinances, and regulations with regard to the use, possession, sale, or purchase of alcohol are applicable to all participants and project staff on Earthwatch expeditions. Participants and project staff on Earthwatch expeditions must comply with the law of the country in which a project is located regarding the minimum age required to consume alcohol. In addition, restriction on the use, possession, sale, or purchase of alcohol may be set by the Earthwatch scientist. Any restrictions on the consumption of alcohol should be clearly outlined by the project staff in the on-site briefing to participants at the start of the project and in the expedition briefing. Consumption or possession of alcohol or smoking is not permitted on any Earthwatch Teen Team, regardless of local law. Excessive consumption of alcohol by staff or participants is not acceptable on any Earthwatch project. Intoxication can jeopardize personal safety, in addition to the safety of the team. It can also cause delay and hinder response in the event of a crisis or emergency situation. Earthwatch staff and the Earthwatch scientist have the discretion to remove individuals from the project who consume alcohol in a time and manner that endanger the safety and/or productivity of the expedition.

Minors Earthwatch considers participants less than eighteen (18) years of age to be minors. Minors are not permitted to


participate on any of Earthwatch’s standard teams unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, in which case the minimum age is fifteen (15). Guardians accompanying minors on standard teams must be 21 years of age or over. Minors on standard teams do not receive additional guidance or supervision from Earthwatch beyond what is offered to the adult participants. The total number of minors on standard teams may be limited on a project by project basis; this will be noted in the expedition briefing. A maximum of two minors may accompany each parent or guardian on a standard or Family Team. Earthwatch has developed teams specifically for 15-, 16- and 17-year-olds (“Teen Teams”) as well as teams specifically for families (“Family Teams”) with children as young as 10 years. These teams focus on the same research activities and have the same expectations as our regular teams, but with more facilitation and support. Exceptions for some projects may be made at the discretion of Earthwatch and the Earthwatch scientist. Due to a more in-depth screening process for certain programs that select candidates based on school year rather than age, there may be 18-year-olds fielding on the same team as 15-, 16- and 17-year-olds. Please be aware that some Earthwatch projects do not allow participation by minors in any circumstance.

Participants and Driving Participants are not allowed to drive project vehicles (including motorcycles or all terrain vehicles) or aircraft


during an expedition. In select circumstances, participants may be able to drive boats under the direct supervision by project staff. These circumstances are predetermined by project staff in collaboration with Earthwatch. Participants must respect the restrictions for boat driving in place for each project. If a project environment is such that participants can drive their own vehicles to the rendezvous, those who have driven themselves to the project may not drive their own vehicles to, from, or for project activities, including the transport of project equipment after arriving at the site. Participants who have driven themselves to the project may choose to utilize their own vehicles during recreational time, but project staff will brief them on any driving restrictions. All driving during recreational time is done at your own risk. Please be advised that the only exception to the above driving restrictions is emergency situations. Riding in other participants’ vehicles is not covered under the participants’ insurance policy for the expedition. Riding in another participant’s vehicle is done at a participant’s own risk.

In the Event of an Emergency In the event of emergencies, judgments must be made by Earthwatch field staff and participants. While Earthwatch

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makes an effort to ensure that qualified people make the most informed decisions possible, occasionally first aid may be administered and other immediate steps taken by expedition participants who are not licensed medical providers. Each Earthwatch expedition has safety protocols and emergency procedures in place. Earthwatch encourages team members (the field staff and participants) to exercise their best judgment with regard to their own safety and the safety of other team members. Other participants may perform “Good Samaritan” actions, or actions taken to assist fellow participants during emergency situations in the field. However, Earthwatch does not encourage or expect you to jeopardize your own safety or that of others in attempting to rescue or assist your fellow team members.

Right of Refusal Earthwatch reserves the right to refuse an applicant’s participation in an Earthwatch project at any time and to terminate any work being done by a participant and require the participant to vacate the project site if the Earthwatch scientist, Field Team Leader, or other Earthwatch staff member in his or her absolute discretion considers it appropriate. In this event, the participant (and his or her parents or guardians, if appropriate) will be responsible for arranging and paying for any accommodation, travel, or other arrangements which may be necessary following the termination of a participant’s involvement in a project, for whatever reason, and will not be eligible for a refund. Earthwatch may not refuse an applicant’s participation in a project for discriminatory reasons (race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or any other reason prohibited by applicable law). However, an application may be denied in the interest of team compatibility or due to logistical limitations. Earthwatch will make reasonable efforts to accommodate participants with disabilities, and the organization endeavors to

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find appropriate expeditions for those participants who have physical limitations. Refusal of an applicant is an unusual event and is generally done either because of an applicant’s failure to meet the essential eligibility requirements of a particular project or in the interest of team compatibility. In the event that an applicant is refused participation for health reasons, Earthwatch will refund in full any deposit or payment made toward the expedition. Earthwatch scientists have the right to refuse special requests, such as visits by media (film, photography, or print), special groups, or teams (students, donors, etc.), if they conflict with Earthwatch scientist schedules, safety, research objectives, or general performance of the team. Any participant found in violation of any of the policies described in this document (“Participant Rights and Responsibilities”) is subject to removal from the team at his or her own expense. By signing the Liability Release section of your Earthwatch Participation Form, you are indicating that you have read and understand the policies in this document. Removal of a participant from a team is at the discretion of the Earthwatch scientist, Field Team Leader, or other Earthwatch staff. In addition, Earthwatch will support the right of the Earthwatch scientist, Field Team Leader, or other Earthwatch staff to send a participant away from a project once in the field should his or her behavior compromise the safety, research objectives, or general performance of the team, or if the participant has violated a stated policy. In the event that a minor is dismissed from a project, Earthwatch will contact the participant’s parents or guardians prior to his or her dismissal. Should a participant be removed from a team, he or she is responsible for any and all costs associated with departure from the team and will receive neither refund of the minimum contribution for the expedition nor any expenses incurred by participation on the expedition. (November 2012)


Communications Contact Information

Emergency Communications The mobile phone network is effective throughout most of the reserve and is used to communicate between field groups and the base camp. In emergency situations, messages are relayed by radio or cell phone to the lodge from the reserve headquarters situated near the local village.

Personal Communications There is cellphone reception at the lodge, so you can bring and use your own cellphone during recreational time. Check with your carrier to find out if your phone will work in Ecuador and how much calls will cost. Cellphone use is not permitted during project activities. Unless you bring your own phone, expect to be isolated for the duration of your time at the lodge. There is reception for most cell phones at the lodge, but in the valley there is only reception for PORTA phones.


Personal communication with outsiders is not always possible while participating in an expedition. Earthwatch encourages volunteers to minimize outgoing calls and immerse themselves in the experience; likewise, family and friends should restrict calls to urgent messages only.

Volunteer Contact Info This information is available in the print version of the briefing only. Contact Earthwatch for assistance.

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Message from Earthwatch Dear Earthwatcher, Thank you for joining this expedition! We greatly appreciate your decision to contribute to hands-on environmental science and conservation. As an Earthwatch volunteer, you have the opportunity to create positive change. And while you’re out in the field working toward that change, we are committed to caring for your safety. Although risk is an inherent part of the environments in which we work, we’ve been providing volunteer field experiences with careful risk management and diligent planning for over 40 years. You’re in good hands. We hope this expedition will inspire you to get more involved in conservation and sustainable development priorities—not just out in the field, but also when you return home. We encourage you to share your experiences with others, and to transfer your skills and enthusiasm to environmental conservation efforts in your workplace, community, and home. If you have questions as you prepare for your expedition, contact your Earthwatch office. Thank you for your support, and enjoy your expedition! Sincerely,

Larry Mason President and CEO

Connect wit h other Earthwatch ers! Find us on Face book at facebook.c om/ Earthwatch

Earthwatch’s 24-Hour Helpline If you need help at any time, call Earthwatch’s 24-hour on-call duty officer in the U.S.: +1 (978) 461-0081 +1 (800) 776-0188 Note: The 800-number works as a toll free call only for calls placed within the U.S. After business hours, leave your message with our live answering service. State that you have an emergency communication and leave a clear message with the name of the field program, your name, location from which you are calling, and if possible, a phone number where you can be reached. An Earthwatch staff person will be contacted and will respond to your call within one hour.

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us on d n i f or r at Twitte h_org hwatc @eart

Medical and Security Assistance Helpline Numbers (For assistance while in the field) When calling any of the helplines, please mention Earthwatch and policy reference number 560020011200. CEGA Emergency Medical & Travel Assistance: +44 (0)20 3059 8770 You may call this number collect or reverse charges if necessary in a medical emergency. Henderson Risk Security Assistance and Advice: +44 (0)20 3059 8772 [email protected]


Earthwatch U.S. 114 Western Ave. Boston, MA 02134 [email protected] www. earthwatch.org Phone: 1-978-450-1246 Toll-Free: 1-800-776-0188 Fax: 1-978-461-2332

Earthwatch U.K. Mayfield House 256 Banbury Rd. Oxford, OX2 7DE United Kingdom

Earthwatch Australia 126 Bank St. South Melbourne, VIC 3205 Australia

Earthwatch Japan Food Science Bldg.4F The University of Tokyo 1-1-1, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan

[email protected] www.earthwatch.org.uk

[email protected] www.earthwatch.org/ australia

[email protected] www.earthwatch.jp

Phone: 44-0-1865-318-838 Fax: 44-0-1865-311-383

Phone: 61-0-3-9016-7590 Fax: 61-0-3-9686-3652

Phone: 81-0-3-3511-3360 Fax: 81-0-3-3511-3364