ParksWatch Pilot Project:  Promoting Scientific Study in Protected Areas
Background:  Through the ParksWatch's evaluations, we have learned that many of the protected areas where we work lack of basic scientific research and there is a general lack of information.  The park profiles highlight many problems that might be considered even more important to the public and the scientific community if more scientific research was completed in the area.  This sort of research could also provide more information on the origins of the problems and potential solutions.  The following project ideas come from the park profiles as well as four original ideas from Venezuelan partner, Bioparques.  
Note to interested students: ParksWatch has identified these research needs through our evaluations of the parks and protected areas.  We are publicizing these needs so that you, the researcher, may expand on these ideas and develop a project to fulfill the research gaps in the parks and protected areas.  Some of the listed potential projects are more developed than others. ParksWatch is promoting research in the protected areas in Latin America. We are not a sponsoring organization. We welcome inquiries regarding the listed projects and we look forward to collaborating with you to help you develop these ideas further.
Contact: Initial inquiries should be made via email: parkswatch.info@duke.edu
For more information on ParksWatch, go to our website: www.parkswatch.org
See projects in: Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela
Country Key Words Project Description Place
GUATEMALA
Guatemala Ara macaw, Maya Biosphere Reserve There are indications that threatened species like the scarlet macaw (Ara macao) could be using the Ceibal Cultural Monument during parts of the year. These studies signal the importance Complex II has for the biological health of some species despite the fact that it is no longer in its pristine state. More research is needed. Ceibal Cultural Monument, Guatemala
Guatemala Fauna population, range and poaching Biodiversity has not been very well documented in either of these protected areas (CECON 1999). There are no specific data regarding hunting impacts on fauna populations, although the Center for Conservation Studies (of the San Carlos University in Guatemala) speculates that fauna populations are severely impacted and declining fast. Nearby communities have taken advantage of the easy access to hunt all kinds of species, from species that are consumed for food to large felines (NPV, 2000). San Miguel de la Palotada Protected Biotope and Yaxcha, Nakum Naranjo National Monument
Guatemala Mammalian ecology, Endemism, Abies guatemalensis Mammalian ecology in the most important stand of Guatemalan fir trees (Abies guatemalensis) in Guatemala, these trees are regionally endemic and are considered endangered (IUCN lists it as vulnerable). Bosque regional Los Altos San Miguel de Totonicapan, Guatemala
Guatemala Bats, Maya Biosphere Reserve El Zotz Biotope has large colonies of bats that have yet to be studied.  Basic data are needed. San Miguel la Palotada Protected Biotope (El Zotz), Maya Biosphere Reserve
Guatemala Exotic species, Ara macao Apparently Africanized bees are interfering with the nesting of some species, like the scarlet macaw (Ara macao), this has yet to be scientifically studied. The presence of the invasive plant, Oeceoclades maculata, also from Africa has been recorded  (Morales y Flores, 2001).  Studies or monitoring programs are needed to begin to understand the threats these exotic species pose to native flora and fauna.   Parque Nacional Sierra de Lacandón , Guatemala
Guatemala Biodiversity, Herpetology, Botany, Orchids, Birds Biodiversity in El Mirador-Río Azul has not been sufficiently studied. Recently, scientific investigations coordinated by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) have documented the yellow-lored Amazon parrot (Amazona xantholra), which had not been previously recorded in Guatemala. WCS also documented the presence of the Mexican mitt salamander (Bolitoglossa mexicana), which is actually outside of its known Guatemalan range (Balas, 2001, com. pers.). In the summer of 2003, another reptile, Ctenosaura alfredschmidti, was discoverd in the park by WCS. This reptile had only been documented in Mexico before. According to Cambell (1998), more amphibian and reptile species live within the park that have not been documented. A recent investigation directed by Bjork (2001, com. pers) reported finding the orchid Ryncholaelia digbyan var fimbripetala, also known as Laelia digbyana, which has never before been found in the park and is considered rare in Mexico and Honduras (Ames and Corell, 1953). El Mirador- Rio Azul National Park, Guatemala
MEXICO
Mexico Anthropology, arcehology, mexican civilizations As previously mentioned, the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley has been populated for thousands of years. Anthropological investigations found human vestiges dating from 7,000 A. D. (MacNeish 1972). These findings have contributed enormously to the understanding of the origin and expansion of the domestication of corn (Zea mays) and of the cultivation of plants. These developments facilitated settlement, development of culture, and the establishment of civilizations. Botanical archeological research has been able to reconstruct 11,500 years of prehistoric chronology for these inhabitants. Information concerning recognition of patterns of subsistence and development of agriculture has been documented (Byers 1967, MacNeish et al 1972). Tehuacan -Cuicatlan Biosphere Reserve, Mexico
Mexico Grazing impacts, goats , native vegetation, xerophitic conditions Due to their adaptations to environmental and climatic conditions of the valley, agricultural activity in the region involves primarily goat herding. A result of over 500 years of extensive pasteurizing, the landscape has been modified with disastrous consequences to the soil and vegetation. Goats feed on generally any type of vegetation in the valley, and their indiscriminate feeding preferences create one of the more severe pressures on the flora of the reserve. Currently, UNAM conducts research projects on the effects of grazing on the native vegetation of the region. Despite the impact this practice is having on the conservation of biological diversity of the valley, there is little knowledge of the impact of grazing, as studies have been few. Thus, it is important to promote new studies working to clarify the effects that the goats have on the vegetation and its regeneration. Tehuacan -Cuicatlan Biosphere Reserve
Mexico Endemic species, vegetation range Los Tuxtlas is one of the five areas in Mexico with the highest rates of endemism, with about 10% of the trees being endemic to the region's hot humid zone (Wendt 1993, Rzendowski 1991). Although further research is necessary to determine the full extent of their range, current data suggests several species could be considered endemic to the reserve: Thelypteris rachyflexuosa, Solenophora tuxtlensis, Iiinga sinacae, Begonia sousae, Pouteria rhynchocarpa, Mormodes tuxtlensis, Ruellia tuxtlensis, Tridineris tuxtlensis, Aristolochia veracruzana, Inga lacustris, Parathesis calzadae, Parathesis neei, Parathesis tuxtlensis, and Rondeletia tuxtlensis (Ibarra et al. 1997, Ramirez 1999). Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve, Mexico
PERU
Peru Biodiversity In general, there is a lack of information on biodiversity of Calipuy National Reserve and Calipuy National Sanctuary and more research is needed. Main species of significance include the puya raimondi (puya raimondi) a plant species that can grow 12 meters and flowers every 100 years and for which the national sanctuary was created; the guanaco (Lama guanicoe), for which the national reserve was created; other species include the puma (Felis concolor), Spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus), Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) among others. Calipuy National Reserve, Calipuy National Sactuary
Peru Birds 1) Study of Pauxi unicornis koepckeae in El Sira to learn about its habitat preferences, elevation ranges.  2) Study Tangara phillipsi in El Sira to register densities and identify associations within habitat. 3) Overall bird study in the mountains of El Sira (1500-2400m) and preliminary studies of birds in the eastern part of El Sira (reference: ProAves Peru, Sira 2000--Informe final, proaves peru, sullana peru, page 4) El Sira Communal Reserve, Peru
Peru Exotic Species, Ictiology, fresh water fauna Aquatic fauna in the zone has not been well-documented and a biological inventory is needed. It is known that the rainbow trout (Oncorrynchus mykiss), has been introduced and is widespread throughout the areas' rivers. Additional informaiton is needed, such as what is the rainbow trout's interaction with native species? Has its presence and seemingly growing populations been detrimental to other native species? Does it compete with native species for food, shelter? Or, is the trout causing its prey species populations to suffer? Nor Yauyos-Cochas Landscape Reserve in Peru
VENEZUELA
Venezuela Biodiveristy inventories, xerophityc enviroments, organism adaptations Cerro Saroche's biological diversity has been poorly studied. Yet the existing studies demonstrate that the park's vegetation harbors typical species found in xerophytic environments. These environments are typically low in biological diversity but abundant in organismal adaptations to extreme conditions.  Cerro Saroche National Park, Venezuela
Venezuela Herpetology, Invertebrate study, endemism Very little is known about Margarita's reptiles and amphibians (Bisbal 2001); however, two endemic snakes (Drymarchon corais margaritae, Leptotyphlops albifrons margaritae) have been reported on the island (INPARQUES 2001). An invertebrate study is also needed. It is assumed that this park has a high level of endemism. Cerro el Copey National Park, Venezuela
Venezuela Poaching, animal range, population impacts People from La Sierra, El Chorro and other nearby villages, hunt within the park's boundaries. The impact of this activity on the local fauna has not been evaluated. The superintendent believes deer and rabbits are the preferred game; both of these subspecies are endemic to the island. Hunting is practiced both for subsistence and commercial reasons. It is common for Margarita inhabitants to have deer as pets (Rosa Moscarella, pers. com.). Cerro el Copey National Park, Venezuela
Venezuela Exotic species, Cebus apella Effects of introduced species over native fauna: Margarita islanders are very fond of pets, most of which were taken from the wild. Apparently, populations of weeper capuchin (Cebus olivaceus=nigrivitatus) have been brought from the mainland and released in certain locations on Margarita, such as Cerro El Copey. This represents a great threat to the endemic and endangered populations of Cebus apella margaritae (Martínez et al. 2000), although the extent of the threat and management options for mitigating that threat still need to be determined. Cerro el Copey National Park, Venezuela
Venezuela Mangroves, pollution, endemic species Although no studies have been directly conducted on the contaminatino threat to the endemic Clapper Rail (Rallus longirostris margaritae) of the mangroves of Margarita, Rodríguez y Rojas-Suárez (1999) suggest that it could be threatening this species, which is only found in La Restinga Lagoon. According to researchers, Carolina Bertsch and Virginia Sanz, water pollution could be also be causing its prey species to decline, therefore impacting its own popultions.  Laguna de la Restinga National Park, Venezuela
Venezuela Exotic species, saltwater fauna Exotic species. Mechanisms of replacement: the introduced Asian green clam (Perna viridis) is replacing the native brown clam (Perna perna). It is thought that Perna viridis was introduced accidentally to the shores of Venezuela. Laguna de la Restinga National Park, Venezuela
Venezuela Exotic vegetation control studies Exotic vegetation control studies: Calotropis procera Laguna de la Restinga National Park, Venezuela
Venezuela Vegetation change, salinization, drought effects, mangroves Summary: Vegetation change due to changes in salinity levels in the lagoon. Description: A recent INPARQUES inspection determined that mangroves in the lagoon died because of several factors: the drought, lack of mangrove management (ie: cutting and trimming the mangroves), and the existence of canals that diminishes water flow to some parts of the lagoon. These factors also led to very high salinity, which the mangroves could not tolerate. This phenomenon is not that severe as it was not very extensive, but it should be monitored. A potential project idea is developing a monitoring system. Laguna de la Restinga National Park, Venezuela
Venezuela GIS, National Parks, Management, Tourism This would be a mega project, which would include exploration of various national parks and catagraphic data collection at various scales. Once data is collected, we would like to create the following products:  video clips, a website and a CD-rom in order to inform people about Venezuela's National Parks.   Venezuelan National Parks (Original Bioparques Idea)
Venezuela GIS, Flora, National Parks, Margarita Island Margarita island in the Caribbean Sea has interesting biogeographical characteristics that make it  attractive for ecological research. One interesting fact about the island is the large number of endemic subspecies and varieties of diverse taxanomic groups of plants and animals. One Venezuelan researcher has already begun collecting data on the endemic groupings and then needs to digitize the data and conduct a few ground truthing field visits. (Date: as of early 2003). This idea is interesting and could potentially be applied in many other parks, but in this case, because it has already begun, it would be less effort to carry it out. Margarita Island, Venezuela (Original Bioparques Idea)
Venezuela GIS , Tourism, Morrocoy and Los Roques National Parks There is already existing digitized information on both parks regarding ecosystem fragility, urbanization, tourist flow, etc. which would allow a researcher to model and predict the affect that tourist activities could have in both parks in the future. This would in turn help create a tourism use plan. Parque Morrocoy y Los Roques, Venezuela (Original Bioparques Idea)
Venezuela Forest fires, GIS, El Avila Fire is one of the principal problems in El Avila National Park.  The "Pajaritos" fire fighting squad has data regarding the fires, day,week,year, time, time the fire fighters left and time they came back, extent of the fire, duration of the fire, type of vegetation affected, etc. Using GIS, the fires occurrances over could be mapped and could reveal the regions most affected and what makes certain areas vulnerable to best mobilize and utilize the fire fighters' resources.  Parque Nacional El Avila, Venezuela (Original Bioparques Idea)
Venezuela tourism impact From Pico Codazzi profile: need to know number of tourist per year and also a tourism impact assessment needs to be completed. Pico Codazzi Natural Monument, Venezuela
Venezuela biological inventories Pico Codazzi lacks general biodiversity inventories (page 8 of Pico Codazzi Spanish profile) Pico Codazzi Natural Monument, Venezuela
Venezuela Demographic study/ social/human impacts Need a community assessment: Number of residents in the towns of Jengibrillar and Alto Lagunazo and their impacts…and how they benefit from the park… Pico Codazzi Natural Monument, Venezuela



Contact: Initial inquiries should be made via email: parkswatch.info@duke.edu

ParksWatch 2003

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