1. Volunteers Help Conserve Biodiversity In Ecuador
Dr. Dusty Becker - Earthwatch Institute & Kansas State University
METHODS: WHAT DO VOLUNTEERS DO?
Volunteers help conduct research on:
Demography & genetics of tropical birds
Seasonal assemblages of birds
Local migration & habitat use by birds
Local knowledge and attitudes about nature
Volunteers assist with:
Environmental Education
Ecological tourism & rural development
Training guide naturalists
INTRODUCTION
Since 1995, Earthwatch volunteers have helped on Dr. Becker’s long-term study of birds & forest conservation at the Loma Alta, Ecuador. In fact, volunteer work lead to establishing this important protected area (Becker 1996, 1999). Teams have also worked in the Andes at Bellavista, a project that is now completed. A related project at Mindo in the Andes will be proposed for 2004.
Loma Alta Ecological Reserve (~1000 ha)
is located in the Colonche Hills of coastal Ecuador.
Volunteers help with environmental
education activities for local children.
We use mist-nets to learn about birds
in the understory of the forest.
Earthwatch team at “La Casita” in the Loma Alta Ecological Reserve.
Team members sleep in the upper part of the cabin and use the area
under the cabin for cooking, working, and social activities. (PI, Becker,
is on far left. Ana Agreda, extreme right, was Co-PI from
RESULTS: Earthwatch Team Discoveries at Loma Alta
Endemic: Pale-mandibled Aracari
The Colonche Hills are covered by tropical forests that thrive on coastal fog and are locally known as “garúa” forests. Earthwatch research (Becker 1999) found that fog capture by these forests supply about half the annual water used by humans and wildlife living in the dry coastal lowlands, providing a clear reason to protect the forests.
Loma Alta’s garúa forest provides an oasis for wildlife during droughts and dry seasons.
* Over 200 bird species depend on the Loma Alta Ecological Reserve (LAER)
* 20 species of hummingbird, including endangered Esmeraldas Woodstar
use the forest, especially during dry months (Nov - Jan).
* 46 of 55 bird species endemic* to the Tumbesian region are in or near LAER.
* 7 threatened and endangered species live and reproduce in LAER.
* Garúa forest patches isolate populations & may explain high regional endemism!
*ENDEMIC: Species that are unique to an area; restricted-range species
Endangered and tiny: Little Woodstar rely on Rubiaceae flowers in LAER
Endangered - Gray-backed Hawk
(Surprising to net! They breed in LAER)
Photo by EW Volunteer - Richard Posey
Help employ and empower local people,
and make new friends.
CONCLUSIONS: Earthwatch teams provide new data about tropical birds and encourage local people to maintain the Loma Alta Ecological Reserve. This community protected area provides habitat and keystone resources for endangered species in a global biodiversity hotspot.
Please join one of my Earthwatch teams! I need your help! Rural Ecuador needs your help, too!
Literature Cited
Becker, C. D Protecting a Garúa forest in Ecuador: the role of institutions and ecosystem valuation. Ambio 28:
Becker, C. D. and Lopez Lanus, B
Conservation value of a garúa forest in the dry
season: A bird survey in the Reserva Ecológica
de Loma Alta, Ecuador. Cotinga Vol 8:
Becker, C. D The people’s choice.
Earthwatch Magazine. Watertown, MA. November/December:
Contacting the PI:
Acknowledgements
Permission to conduct research was provided by CECIA, INEFAN, & the leaders of the Community of Loma Alta. Over 200 Earthwatch volunteers have provided funding and field assistance on the Ecuador Cloud Forest Bird’s Project, contributing to science and the sustainability of local communities in Ecuador. The Hummingbird Society provided funding to study seasonal variation in hummingbird species in the refuge. Ana Agreda, Orfa Rodriguez, Tatiana Santander, Evelyng Astudillo, and Melina Constantino have taken leadership roles on the projects. Pascual Torres, Nestor Marchan, & Mauricio Tomala have served as local research assistants.
Dr. C. Dustin Becker
Assistant Professor of Conservation Ecology
Department of Horticulture, Forestry, and Recreation Resources
2021 Throckmorton
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS 66506