Projeto Biodiversa

The project will install field infrastructure (trails and permanent plots, RAPELD model) in two areas in the western zone of the Rio Negro Sustainable Development Reserve to complement the existing module. The infrastructure will be used to complete surveys of the region for some groups already studied in the first module (birds, amphibians, lizards, bats and ants) and new groups (Scarabaeidae beetles, fungi, fish, trees). The installation of infrastructure and surveys will be done in collaboration with local residents, who will receive training in identifying species of interest to tourists. Digital and/or printed guides will be produced for at least three taxonomic groups of interest for ecotourism in the area. In addition, new species will be recorded for the region and papers will be published relating vegetation structure and edaphic factors to the distribution of target groups.
 
The general objective is to deepen knowledge about the biodiversity of the Rio Negro Sustainable Development Reserve and generate dissemination material on biodiversity to enable ecotourism activities in the reserve. The specific objectives are:
 
1) Install two RAPELD modules in the western RDS of Rio Negro, each with 12 km of trails and > 10 permanent plots of 250 m in length. 
2) Produce field guides suitable for use by tourist guides for at least three biological groups of interest for ecotourism.
3) Conduct standardized surveys in modules for at least 4 biological groups. 
4) Train local community residents to identify species of interest to tourists.
5) Map illegal activities (logging and clandestine road construction) in the module areas.
 
The methods for Objective 1 are explained in the book by Magnusson et al. (2013). The detailed methods for each stage of the process are available at Installation of Grids and Survey Plots. The methods for Objective 2 follow those used for the preparation of field guides by PPBio. Examples of books can be obtained from Species Identification Guides. The methods for Objective 3 will depend on the target groups identified in consultation with local residents and SEMA technicians.