How to Help the Amazon and Save on a Research Adventure #CitizenScience #science #travel
Do you dream of being a research scientist abroad, but realistically need to be a citizen scientist from your home? Well, now you can do both thanks to Rainforest Expedition’sWired Amazon according to their press release. The eco-tour/research company has partnered with citizen science site Zooniverse to offer two projects, but what makes this such an unusual opportunity is that you can earn travel dollars for a real Amazon eco research adventure by participating! One of the projects is Aerobotany, which requires citizen scientists to ID flora and fauna in aerial tiles of the rain-forest. The other project which will be launched soon, Amazoncam Tambopata, promises pics of jungle life from trail cams. Of course the real treat is cashing in the travel dollars towards a visit in real life.
According to Rainforest Expeditions, the big visit called “Science Season” happens in March, allowing you to mix with scientists helping the conservation efforts in Perú.
Throughout the month, our lodges are packed with botanists, zoologists, entomologists, veterinarians – a diversity of biologists doing exciting field research. Year after year, they make new discoveries that increase our knowledge and understanding of the Amazon rainforest – but there is still MUCH to be discovered and understood.
Here are some of the projects available on-site:
Help to collect drone footage of the rain-forest canopy to monitor flowering and fruiting activity of giant Brazil nut trees
Set your own camera traps to capture images of elusive rain-forest animals
Discover insect species new to science, and help Barcode Tambopata further the mission of the International Barcode of Life project
Visit a spectacular clay lick and help to observe and document macaw behavior
Science Season is not the only work of Rainforest Expeditions. They have spent years working with the communities in Perú to protect the land, create eco friendly lodges and offer research and educational opportunities that work toward a sustainable economy. So, if you want an interesting angle on the rain-forest, this could be for you. Oh yes, you may want to spend a few extra days over there to visit Hack Space Perú—don’t forget your Hackerspace Passport!
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