Today we finished the work at Las Cruces station!!!
The methodological problems and scientific questions we had set ourselves were handled better and precious data on epiphytes were collected. From learning new knots and working with different climbing systems to controlling panic at altitude and working as a team to help less experienced climbers, we all learned important things.
For beginners, a line was set up in a nearby tree at a small height to practice safety knots, setting up and testing climbing equipment, lanyard maneuvers, and descending. We worked in the same groups as the previous day and the work increased in difficulty! We sampled on branches, which meant moving away from the feeling of safety provided by the trunk to swing up to our branch plots.
On this third day of the course, and the last at Las Cruces, the improvement in communication within the groups, the assignment of tasks, the increase in curiosity, and the desire to explore the canopy and venture to new heights was evident. On this third day of the course, it was apparent that we are training to be the best canopy scientists.
...by the way, the camera traps we set up on the second day... worked! In just one night we were able to photograph two mammals in the canopy:
---just kidding...
Potos flavus
Bassaricyon gabbii
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