Life Net (http://www.lifenetnature.org) is a great non-profit helping wild bird conservancy in South America and Jaguar conservancy in Arizona and advocacy for wildlife conservation worldwide.
Mist netting in one of the most diverse bird communities in the world is an incredible experience. I learned so much during my time at Las Tangaras, I'm going back this August. At Las Tangaras, birds are netted in primary and secondary forest and along the edge of pasture that has been clear cut for cattle. This research is vital to understanding how deforestation effects bird communities and can help direct future conservation efforts. The location of an Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek on the reserve offers a unique opportunity to observe and study an incredibly charismatic and fascinating species. The accommodations are awesome, it's hard to leave the beautiful house and refreshing river, some of the best birding is done from a hammock on the front porch. The delicious meals are definitely appreciated after a long morning hiking up and down steep mountain trails checking nets.
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I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to play such a significant role in facilitating the first of Life Net's workshops in this region. Dr. Becker designed very thorough and interesting community-based workshops drawn from her extensive wildlife conservation research and experiences living and working closely with residents in both southern Ecuador communities. Her dedication to the health and sustainability of these communities, and her commitment to building wonderful personal and professional relationships with residents has engaged and empowered both children and adults to take action to protect their environment, watershed, and Loma Alta Cloudforest Preserve. Dr. Becker is not only a highly skilled biologist, but also a compassionate, committed, and kind person who makes time to listen to the ideas and concerns of community members in order to more adequately address wildlife and environmental conservation issues. She brings people together, and facilitates team-building activities very well too!
