Sunny Friday!

Today we got introduced to the methods the scientists use to study the rainforest and their objectives. Tomorrow, I'll be able to show us surveying the forest to see how fast (or how slow) the mahogany trees are growing.
The ultimate goal of this research project is to find a way to harvest trees from the forest while having the least impact on the local wildlife. Tons of data has to be collected in order for the scientists to be able to decide if their techniques are effective. The local frogs, coqui, are being monitored to gauge the impact of the logging methods. In a place where there are no large, natural predators, the 4 species of coqui present here in this forest are indicator species. The logic is: If the coqui are healthy, then so is the forest.

In the afternoon, we went out on a hike into the rainforest. Although we were ready for an afternoon thunderstorm, it never came. This is bittersweet because I'm told the frogs don't sing as much when it's not wet... my gear and tent will stay dry though. Tomorrow, we will get to collect data in the forest and I'll be able to better explain what the scientists and volunteers are doing in this unique environment. Check out the pictures below. They get bigger if you click on them.

This is a coqui I saw last night. They are so fun to watch, but they stop singing when the flashlight is on them.
This is an anolis lizard.
They are common around the research station... scurrying on the walls and ceilings.
This little guy is about 6 inches in length.
This is my tent. It is actually pretty comfy! I slept great last night amongst the coqui orchestra.

This is the outdoor patio/classroom where we hang out when meeting or when it is raining.

This is a picture of Sally Silverstone, the Principal Investigator (Head Scientist), giving us an introduction to the site.


This is a view of the forest from my tent!