Yasuni: Insights from Our Expedition on Rare Species in the Ecuadorian Forest
A Month-Long Inventory with Compelling Findings
In December 2023, we conducted a field scientific expedition in the heart of Yasuni National Park, located in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Our objective was to inventory amphibian, reptile, and bird species across four distinct areas within one of the last bastions of primary biodiversity on the continent.
Amidst an area of expanding oil exploration, our mission was urgent: the forest is disappearing, sometimes before its inhabitants are even discovered.
Why Yasuni National Park?
Yasuni National Park is a global biodiversity hotspot, home to unique species found nowhere else. Despite its theoretical protection, human pressures such as deforestation and oil exploitation are increasing.
Our goal was to provide an updated and documented snapshot of the local fauna, encompassing both common and rare species, with particular attention to endemic species or those of conservation concern.
A Collective Field Mission
The expedition brought together:
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French naturalists (herpetologists, ornithologists): Damien Lecouvey, Matthieu Berroneau, Vincent Prémel, Thibaut Rivière
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Local partners: Kichwa community, IKIAM University
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Students, logisticians, fixers, journalists (Géo): Marine Menier, William Wadoux, Joël Schuermans…
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An audiovisual technical team: Manon Kole, Alice Postic, and Lucas Perrogon
Operations were organized around a base camp (Mandari Panga) and four advanced camps explored on foot and by canoe, both day and night.
Our Methodology
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Amphibians and Reptiles: Visual Encounter Surveys (VES), Auditory Encounter Surveys (AES), nocturnal surveys with headlamps, and occasional captures.
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Birds: Listening points, transects, mist nets, and data integration with the eBird platform.
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Each observed species was identified, geolocated, photographed, and data were cross-referenced with local red lists.
Our Findings
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82 amphibian species, including 12 endemics.
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106 reptile species, with several sub-endemic and threatened species.
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Notable or rare species:
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Gastrotheca longipes, the Pastaza marsupial frog, found in four zones.
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Chelonoidis denticulatus, a vulnerable terrestrial tortoise.
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Ranitomeya ventrimaculata, a colorful and discreet poison dart frog.
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Sub-endemic snakes (Micrurus ornatissimus, Siphlophis compressus).
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A female anaconda exceeding 5.5 meters in length.
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Significant absences: Atelopus spumarius (targeted but not observed, a highly endangered species).
Interpretation of the Data
The species assemblages are rich, balanced, and specific to certain habitats (ponds, ridges, riverbanks, etc.). The observation of sensitive and localized species indicates that the forest still serves as a refuge.
However, habitats are fragmented, some specimens are rare, and threats are very real. This type of inventory serves as a short- and long-term reference.
Next Steps
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The full report is available upon request.
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Scientific communications are in preparation.
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A debriefing conference is scheduled for 2025.
To follow upcoming missions, support our expeditions, or participate as a partner, please contact us.
Damien Lecouvey
Adventurer – Naturalist – Herpetologist
www.damienlecouvey.com