Nature Reserve and Biological Field Station -Un poco del Chocó-

Field investigations at the biological station Un poco del Chocó are conducted and supervised mainly in the following areas. Furthermore individual research ideas are welcome!!

Ornithology

Bird Monitoring
A special focus lies on the monitoring of the avian fauna. Bird counts are realized continuously, both counting the number of different bird species found, as wells as the number of individuals. The bird counts take place in the nature reserve and on different parts of the road to Las Tolas.
The gathered data shall give more information about migratory behavior of certain bird species in between different altitudes, as well as alterations in the ecosystem, e.g. changes in population size, habitat use and diversity.
Equally phenological data can be used as an indicator for alterations in ecosystems. Therefore flowering seasons, flower densities, fruit and seed production are continuously recorded and examined for correlations with the results of the bird monitoring.

Mist netting
For detailed studies of the passerines in the reserve, birds are caught with mist nets. Then birds are weighed, measured and examined (for moult or parasites). Furthermore birds are individually marked.
The data is used to study ecological parameters (e.g. breeding season or population size). The analysis of recapture rates helps to determine territories of resident bird species.

Avian Mixed Species Flocks
In tropical forests avian mixed species flocks can be found frequently. These flocks are groups of birds that join each other and move together while foraging. The various bird species in a flock pursue different foraging strategies and thus avoid food competition. The advantage of flocking behavior is probably due to prey capture benefits and a reduced predation risk. The composition of mixed species flocks can be very distinct and depends on territories.

The composition, structure, seasonality and initiation of mixed species flocks are studied in a long term-project.

Pollination Ecology

Flower and Pollination Ecology
Research on flower ecology is very well suited for the investigation of ecosystems. In tropical ecosystems the interactions between flowering plants and their pollinators are very important. On the one hand pollinators often use flowers as their sole energy resource and on the other hand the reproductive success of flowering plants depends on the visitation of pollinators. Therefore, an emphasis of the biological work at Un poco del Chocó lies on flower ecology research.
In detail this means that, for example, daily nectar production of flowers is measured with microliter syringes and the sugar concentration is measured using a refractometer. In turn this data enables the calculation of the energy offered to pollinators. The variety of flower visitors is investigated by observation. During these observations the visitation frequency is also taken down. The reproductive success of the different flowering plants is studied by determining the fruit and seed production.

Hummingbird Feeder Project
In the Ecuadorian rainforests hummingbird feeders are used in order to attract hummingbirds and observe them easily. Especially ecotouristic facilities often employ many feeders. The possible negative effect on the reproductive success of surrounding hummingbird pollinated plants has always been disregarded. Scientific investigation on this aspect still needs to be completed. A long term study at the biological station Un poco del Chocó examines the possible negative consequences of hummingbird feeders on their environment.

Biodiversity

Identification work and collection
The biodiversity of the nature reserve Un poco del Chocó has not yet been well researched. Therefore the identification of the existing animal and plant species is of great interest. Collected organisms can be identified at the station using the available literature and are prepared (herbarpresse, preparation) for the station’s collection. However it is often required to consult a specialist.
To facilitate the identification of certain species to future visitors of the station, species lists and field guides to certain animal or plant families are compiled.

Lepidopteran Project
As well as many other insects most lepidopterans can only be identified in their adult stages. Therefore lepidopteran larvaes and pupaes are collected and observed at the field station. Their different stages of development are documented (incl. food plants and behavior) and finally adults can be identified.

Ecology of Insects

Due to their high quantities insects are very reliable study objects. Furthermore a variety of aspects on the ecology of tropical insects are not yet researched. Currently there is no project working on insect ecology but scientific research methodology can be well illustrated by means of exemplary investigations on the behavioural ecology, food preferences and reproductive behaviour of insects. We are happy to receive research proposals.