We have been studying the wildlife in the forest around the lodge since we began protecting the area in 2002.  Our long term studies involve the monitoring of mammal populations and macaws. 

Before we came to the area the forest was selectively logged for Mahogany trees.  Hand in hand with logging activities is bush meat hunting.  Species that are particularly sort after by hunters include deer, peccaries, tapir, larger species of monkey such as Spider and howler monkeys and some species of rodent for example Paca.  Our research involves the monitoring of medium to large bodied mammal populations that would previously have been hunted to see if the populations are increasing.  We follow line transect methodology to collect the data.    

Macaws are a keystone species in the rainforest and some species are endangered due to hunting and loss of nesting trees from deforestation.  Parrots and macaws visit clay licks to feed on the minerals found there but the exact reasons behind this behaviour are not yet fully understood.  We have been studying the clay licks near to the station to gain a better understanding of feeding patterns and behaviour and to also monitor what impacts boat traffic have.

As a volunteer you can join us collecting data the projects as well as help out with other scientific and non scientific projects.  Further details of the projects can be found on the volunteer placement page.

We have conducted surveys of birds, bats, flora, reptiles and amphibians and species lists can be found by clicking on each of the links.

Las Piedras biodiversity station protects a private reserve covering over 6000 hectares of rainforest.  We have over 30km of trails which visit many different forest types and which can be used by researchers for their projects.  Please see the research page for further details.