The River Piedras represents an exciting new area for the study of tropical biology. Piedras Biodiversity Station provides an ideal base for both long-term MSc and PhD studies or short term expeditions, undergraduate or amateur research projects.

One of our principle aims is to understand tropical rainforest ecology and to use the knowledge gained from research to promote conservation and education, thereby making an active contribution towards a sustainable biosphere. In order to help achieve this we invite researchers and student groups to initiate and conduct fieldwork at our station. Our committed and knowledgeable staff will provide you with support and assistance both before and during your stay to ensure that your project runs as smoothly as possible thus enabling you to meet your research objectives.

Considerations

If you are thinking about beginning a project in the area the first step would be to contact us to check the study's feasibility. We can look to see if the study species is present in the area and if it is rare or abundant. We can also help with local contacts, for example if you need field assistants with a particular skill or background, or any other logistical requirements.

If your project involves sample collection you will need to obtain a permit for collection. You should contact the Agricultural Ministry at least 2 months before you intend to begin the project in order to have enough time to process the application form. We can advise you on your permit application and help with translations if necessary.

Please visit INRENA's website for more information about the application process.

Potential sources of funding for Neotropical research studies can be found following the wildlife funding link

Previous research projects

Project Piedras (2002 & 2003) - A socio-economic study into the impacts of illegal logging and the associated effects of subsistence hunting

Biosphere Expeditions (2002-2006) – Ongoing studies monitoring the recovery of mammal populations after subsistence hunting and parrot and macaw activity around 2 clay licks.Report from 2006

Fauna Forever – (2004) Looked into the impacts of tourism in the Tambopata area

Amphibian and reptile diversity study – preliminary investigation into the diversity of herpetofauna

Previous University Groups

University of Warwick, UK (2004) – Expedition society

York University, UK (2004) – Mammalian expedition study

Central Connecticut State University USA (2005) – Field research as part of an MSc program

Costs

Rates depend on the number of researchers in the group, the length of stay and the level of service required. Please email us with details of your requirements.

The basic rate for researchers is $20 per person per day. This price includes, food, lodging, use of trail system and transport to and from the station by boat with peke peke motor and is based on a team of 4 people for 7 days.

The Background Information page has information on flights or overland routes to Puerto Maldonado.