Reserva Amazónica - Peru
My research in Peru focuses on integrating biodiversity and conservation with sustainable ecotourism and education. Past research efforts include surveys of reptile and amphibian species diversity to assist with the creation of field guides to educate tourists and train interpreters on natural history of amphibians and reptiles. Future research directions include studies of speciation and evolution of amphibians, larval amphibian communities and interactions with invertebrate predators, and invertebrate biodiversity surveys.
Orlofske, S.A., Hedman, H.D., Koechlin, J.E. and Jadin, R.C. 2012. Herpetological Ecotourism and Conservation: Reserva Amazónica, Peru. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 19(4):254-262. pdf
Top L: On Lake Sandoval. Top R: Surveying Trail B. Bottom L: Keying out frogs. Bottom R: Giving a presentation on amphibians to the interpreters.
Top L: Forests near El Cope. Top R: Sarah and Robert at the amphibian ARK. Bottom L: Road to Parque Omar. Bottom R: On the trial at Parque Omar. Left: Hugging a spiny palm tree.
El Copé, Panama
In December 2009, I had the opportunity to travel to the newly established La Mica Biological Station and participate in amphibian and reptile surveys. This area encompasses a cloud forest ecosystem and has been affected by the amphibian Chytrid fungus leading to population declines and extinctions.