With your support, Expedition Cloudbridge 2018 will produce vital research to assist the Cloudbridge Nature Reserve in maintaining and improving the cloud forest, as well as conserving endangered species, by providing a greater understanding of the reserve’s reforestation efforts.

Background Information

Made up of 8 team members from the University of Exeter and Falmouth University, this student- and alumni-led expedition will be the third of a series of research expeditions organised by the Falmouth and Exeter Expedition Society to explore, study and further understand Costa Rica’s cloud forest habitat.

Cloud forests have a large biodiversity and are extremely vulnerable to deforestation by local farmers and commercial logging companies. The Cloudbridge Nature Reserve has helped restore this fragile habitat in Costa Rica by replanting over 50,000 native trees on farmland. This work has resulted in the return of endangered species, including tapirs and jaguars. One of the Cloudbridge Nature Reserve’s goals is to produce research on the effects of different kinds of reforestation techniques on flora and fauna, with the aim of determining the most effective techniques.

Aims and Objectives

This year we want to turn our attention to the little guys – ants. Ants are highly influential bioindicators that can provide insight into the success of reforestation, however very few studies have been done on invertebrates within the Cloudbridge Nature Reserve and there is almost no information on the ant species or populations that are present. We will survey ant diversity in different reforestation habitats, looking at the relationship between the reforestation techniques and the ant populations within the reserve. The data we produce and its interpretation will be valuable to the reserve to help inform their management decisions, particularly within the planted areas of the reserve.

We will produce an illustrated scientific report that will be published online, describing our findings from this study. We will also compile an illustrated sampling template, detailing the well-tested methodology, techniques and materials used so that our research can be effectively repeated in the future, thereby creating a valuable legacy for environmental conservation. We will also produce a short educational documentary and a series of photographs. Images are a universal language and we hope to raise awareness about the importance of reforestation and inspire local communities in both Costa Rica and the United Kingdom to support conservation projects.

Why Support Us?

Quite simply, we cannot complete this project without you. As a student-led expedition, we are dependent on donations, grants and fundraising to make this project a reality.

We are committed to ensuring that our funds are well spent. If you have any queries, do not hesitate to contact us by email.

cloudbridgeteam@gmail.com

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