Life Net Nature.org

Projects

Ecuador Cloud Forest Bird Expeditions

Although Ecuador represents only 1.6 percent of the landmass of South America, it harbors more than half the continent's bird species in some of the world's most threatened ecosystems. While studying remnant patches of rare cloud forest habitat in Ecuador's coastal Colonche Hills, Dr. Dusti Becker discovered a host of rare bird species, including 20 hummingbird species and 12 species of conservation concern. Becker helped establish the Loma Alta Ecological Reserve in support of the local indigenous community, and hopes to help the community launch an ecotourism enterprise to make up for the lost farmland. Becker continues this important work leading volunteers here and in the equally rich Tangara Reserve in the Andes.

Our research contributes directly to the preservation of biodiversity, particularly endemic and declining birds in the Mindo region of Ecuador. Volunteers join a meaningful scientific expedition and are in for a cultural and biological adventure. Bird enthusiasts can look forward to seeing as many as 250 species, including 25 species of hummingbirds. This is also a great opportunity to learn or practice Spanish, and a great chance to learn more about the tropical world, make new friends, and learn more about conservation biology.

Please see our Volunteer section for more information.

Click here for a list of Publications.

How can you support our work?

Make a tax-deductible donation to our organization.
You can specify projects or support the whole organization:
- Southwest Carnivore Conservation: Jaguar and Mexican Wolf Recovery
- Cochise Conservation Center
- Cloud Forest Preservation in Ecuador
Volunteer on a conservation research project.
- Cock of the Rock Behavior at Las Tangaras
- Hummingbird Ecology and Avian Habitat Use at Las Tangaras
- Christmas Count Loma Alta
- Annual Bird Surveys at Loma Alta
Be an eco-visitor at Las Tangaras or at Loma Alta.
- Las Tangaras: (June - December)
  - Cabin rental
  - Las Tangaras & Mindo Area Birding Package
- Loma Alta: (September - February) (May)
  - Visit Loma Alta
  - Cloud Forest Mule Trek at Loma Alta
  - Birding Trek - Tumbesian and Choco Endemics and Specialties
  - Spanish language home stays (year-round)
Do your own research at Loma Alta or Las Tangaras

Please contact us for more information.