The Bolivia Expedition 2016 will spend 7 weeks in the Beni savannah region of Bolivia collaborating with a local NGO on conservation projects such as monitoring critically endangered Blue-throated Macaws and studying mammal populations through camera trapping. The expedition will involve basic tent accommodation, self-catered meals, and long days conducting field research. Expedition leaders are seeking 6-8 enthusiastic and hardy volunteers with interests in birds, mammals, herpetology or other topics to join from mid-July through early September. Relevant experience is preferable but not required.

1. Bolivia Expedition 2016
Expedition leaders Jo & ?

4. Reserva Barba Azul
• Situated in the Beni Province – Very large
and very remote
• Savannah with forest islands
• Rio Omi running through
• Constantly increasing in size – exciting!

6. A little bit about the expedition…
• 8 weeks, 7 spent in the Beni savannah
• Collaboration with AssocicArmonia – Bolivian NGO
• Projects include Blue Throated Macaws, Mammals,
Reptiles with any suggestions welcome!

7. Arrival in country
• Arrive in Santa Cruz
• Get last minute equipment and see the sights
• Fancy transport to the city of Trinidad
• Less fancy transport into the reserve (pick up truck)

8. The expedition
• Basic accommodation (tenting)
• Outdoors for 7 weeks – amazing views
• Simple toilets and bathrooms
• Self-catered – looking for chefs.
• Long but rewarding days – not for the faint
hearted

9. Blue-throated macaws
• Critically endangered
• ~ 150 birds in wild population
• Endemic to Beni savannah
• Methodology: weekly point counts, morning
transects
• Study of Motacu Palm Trees (food source)

10. Mammals
• Many mammal species present in the
reserve – capybaras, anteaters, pumas,
howler monkeys, pampas cats and more
• Camera trapping and mammal surveys
across the reserve
• Compare data between different areas
of the reserve
• Possibly find new species to the reserve?

12. • Leaf Cutter Ants
• Herpetological – Amphibian and Caiman
studies
• Passerine Birds – Threatened species eg
Black masked finch
• Raptor Projects
• Open to personal suggestions - write on
application form!
Potential Projects

13. Passerine birds
• Distribution and abundance
• Threatened species such as cock-tailed
tyrant, black masked finch and sharp
tailed tyrant

14. Who are we looking for?
• Enthusiastic people
• Hard-working
• Relative fitness
• People with bird watching experience
• Outdoor or travel experience desirable but topical
experience not necessary
• 6 to 8 spaces available, any year
• Horse riding experience would be desirable but not
necessary

15. I need a co-leader!
• Experience on past expedition not necessary
but desirable
• Write a short paragraph on the application
form if you are interested.

16. Summary
• Opportunity to travel before
• Honours projects possible
• Personal contribution £850 + lots of fundraising
• Approx. dates Mid July to Early Sept
• Application forms at front (or on Ex Soc website)
• Application deadline 5pm on Monday 20th(check
email for interview list on Monday night)

17. Thanks to Chris Field & Teo Crawford for use of their photos!