The Amazonia Cloudforest photographic documentation project combines photographing this hemisphere’s most pristine tropical ecosystems with an collecting photographic data of endangered and threatened species. Participation is open to all, particularly those interested in tropical Rainforest studies, Biogeography, and man's influence upon the ecosystem.

Participants will learn about the ecology Amazonia, the geography of the region, the cloud forest ecosystem, biodiversity, and man's impact upon the Upper Amazon Region. During the mornings, members will donate physical and intellectual energies to assist in improving the San Martin Zoological Garden, a local zoo that has approximately 100 animal species and is in great need of physical maintenance, establishment of docent programs, development of management skills, and on-going programs that will provide better care and protection of the animals. Our course this time will be the complete photographic documentation of the species housed at the zoo and identifying their Latin taxonomic name.

The Zoological Center is the only repository in the Ecuadorian Cloud Forest for hurt and injured animals. Consequently, there are several endangered animals that are always being nursed back to health. The need for medical services is great.

This project is intended to promote understanding of the Biogeography of the Amazonia cloud forest with hands-on community service contributions. In addition, the rural nature of Baños provides an ideal setting for learning Andean culture and language. Located at 6,000', it is one of two primary entrances into the Amazon Basin and is far removed from the large metropolitan centers of Quito and Guayaquil. It is a perfect setting for the nature/wildlife photographer interested in Ecuadorian Sierra cultural, ecology of the cloud forest, and biodiversity.

Day 2 - optional sessions:

Session 2: Wildlife/Nature Photography

Session 3: Biogeography of the Amazonia Cloudforest

Session 4: Taxonomy & Classification

Session 5: Biodiversity 

7:00-11:00 AM Photo census course

2:00-5:00PM Data Collection and Field Analysis 

7:00-10:00 AM Photo Census Course

2:00 - 5:00PM Data Collection and Field Analysis

7:00-10:00AM Photo Census Course

10:00AM-8:00PM Trip to Puyo - Plant Biodiversity

7:00-11:00AM Photo Census Course Summary

1:00 PM Data Collection Summary

Program cost: $1490 includes airfare from Miami, all lodging, breakfasts and dinners in Baños, the ground portion of the program in Baños, and transportation to Baños.

Deposits: A refundable deposit of $50 is now due from each participant; the balance is due no later than three weeks prior to departure.

Payments: Please make all deposits and payments through PayPal, click “SEND MONEY”, then enter this e-mail address: barkerb@wildspotsfoundation.org

Passports: You will need a valid passport. Visas are not required for U.S. citizens.

Medical: It is your responsibility to check with your doctor and/or local public health people for proper up-to-date information on any immunizations that may be needed. Do not drink the tap water; drink only bottled water and beverages. Do not eat food from the street.

Safety: Carry your passport and money in a passport pouch around your neck. Pickpockets are very skilled at ripping off tourists in Ecuador... protect yourself. Although quite safe, Baños is the gateway to the Amazon and a variety of people from all over the world migrate through this gateway. Never walk the streets alone; always travel in a small group of 2 or more.

Press: Ecuadorian officials love this program and its potential. They plan to have various press agencies, photographers. Please cooperate and provide intelligent answers to questions so that NSU and other supporting groups are represented in a positive way.

Money:  Meals in Quito ($10), lunches in Baños ($40), and departure taxes from Ecuador (USD$25) + personal spending money.

What to bring: Two pair of tennis shoes (or old shoes), swim suits. Baños will be warm in the days (70-80_) and cool at nights (50-60_). You will also need a light jacket, raincoat or poncho.

Insurance: Travel insurance is required.  Any travel insurance company can be used; we have a link to Travelex Insurance on our homepage.

Release forms: The Foundation requires all participants to sign a release form for this course.

What to bring for the zoo: Any taxonomic guide to Amazonia animals will be very helpful. Below is a list of needs for the zoo. Some of these items can be packed away in a suitcase. Contact Dr. Barker for larger items you wish to bring and contribute to the zoo.

1.       freezer for keeping food & meat

2.       laboratory instruments

3.       medicines & vitamins

4.       technical books of management

5.       books, care, physiology of animals

6.       recapturing devices for animals that escape

7.       tranquilizers & sleeping agents

8.       prescription doses for animals

9.       scales for weight

10.   office equipment: typewriter, computer, video camera, still camera,

kitchen utensils,

11.   Plumbing faucets for each cage

12.   uniforms for employees, shoes, work garments

13.   nylon nets for containing birds

14.   water purifier

15.   construction tools

16.   walkie talkies & cellular telephone

17.   television/VHS tape system/videos on subjects

18.   books, vet med. literature, journals

19.   hand tools, i.e., screwdrivers, hammers, pliers, etc.

20.   knives, axes, hatchets

Problems & hazards participants can experience:

1. poor quality drinking water... drink only bottled water/beverages

2. poisonous biotic materials: by ingesting or handling certain plant materials by being scratched by certain plant thorns or nettles by handling certain fungi by handling/molesting certain snakes

3. mosquitoes

4. pick pockets

5. sexual harassment from local citizens

6. poor quality food on the streets

7. natural events, i.e., earthquakes, volcanic activity

8. high altitude nausea, nose bleeds, headaches

9. close proximity to wild animals, i.e., scratching, bites, fleas

10. exceedingly steep and dangerous canyon walls

11. wandering off alone

12. drug availability and severe police/legal penalties

13. possible political instability

14. Living conditions on the zoo compound are very modest, but clean and comfortable,