HON 120 Spring 2004 Course:              

From Cloudforest to Rainforest: Behavioral Ecology in the Neotropics

Instructors: Dr. Kate Bruce, Psychology Department & Director, Honors Scholars Program 
                  Dr. Mark Galizio, Psychology Department  

Honors Enrichment Seminar & trip to Ecuador over Spring break!

Here are the specifics: On March 6, 2004 we will fly into the capitol city of Ecuador, Quito, and overnight in this delightful colonial city with an elevation of 9405 ft. In the morning we will venture into the cloudforest habitat outside of Quito. There we will have the opportunity to observe the astonishing changes in plant and animal life as we drive through humid subtropical forest to higher cloud forest to high elevation paramo. The beauty of the Andean cloud forest is unforgettable.

             The next morning we fly across the "Avenue of the Volcanoes" on our way to the town of Coca located on the Napo River, a tributary of the Amazon. We then travel by motorized canoe two and a half hours down the Napo River, followed by a short walk through thick palm forest to Sacha Lodge, our base for exploring the lowland rainforest.

On each of our five days at Sacha we will hike the rainforest trails accompanied by a local Quichua guide. We will look for the startling colors of rainforest birds, study exotic insects, hunt for poison-dart frogs and search for mammals such as pygmy marmosets and howler monkeys.

We will also paddle in dugout canoes along black water creeks and lakes past luxuriant lianas, bromeliads, and enormous palms. Swimming and piranha fishing are also popular (the piranha here are harmless-honest!!!). For the adventurous there are night walks and canoe trips in search of caiman and other nocturnal creatures. Sacha also has a 130-foot observation tower that will allow us to get above the rainforest canopy for incredible views of the area. This is a great place to observe toucans and macaws and with luck spot monkeys or a three-toed sloth. There is a also parrot lick nearby where we can observe dozens of the magnificently colored birds feeding on the salty clay of the riverbank.

We will have many opportunities to directly observe many of the interesting examples of animal behavior that we will have studied earlier in the semester. We may also be able to visit a local village, and perhaps meet the village shaman. After five nights at Sacha we return for a final night in Quito, and fly home March 13.

We will meet as a class several times before the trip to discuss the different animals that we will see and to learn some basic principles of observing animal behavior. We will discuss selected readings and watch videos as we prepare to make the most of our rainforest experience. After we return, we we'll meet to share slides, observations & memories.

Cost includes: Airfare from Raleigh to Quito to Coca and return to Raleigh, NC; Transportation to and from Raleigh; Transportation to and from Quito airport; Three Nights in Quito, Ecuador; Guided Day Tour from Quito to Andean slope cloudforest; All meals in Quito; 5 nights at Sacha Lodge; All meals at Sacha Lodge; International Health Insurance; Exit fee from Ecuador (required for international flights). TOTAL max estimated cost: $2300 per person. Nonrefundable Deposit DUE October 20! $200.

NOT included: Meals en route to Quito, soft drinks, snacks, alcoholic drinks (if over 21), personal items, incidentals, souvenirs. Spanish not required. Hepatitis A vaccine is suggested; malaria prevention is suggested. Your tetanus should be up to date. Ecuador currency is the US dollar. You may need an international student card that can be purchased through International Programs. Limited Space- 12 students max.

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