Peruvian Orchid Expedition 2008

(33 photos)

Oxford University expedition seeking new species of orchids in the Peruvian Tropical Andes in areas affected by the Interoceanic Highway. The expedition recorded, and if appropriate, collected 75 species in critically endangered habitats and discovered two species new to science.

The fieldwork environment varied from 5000m Andean plateau through cloud mountain forest and the edge of the amazon basin.

The expedition was lead by Dr Rosa Maria Roman-Cuesta in...
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  • A high Andean chacra (farm) often the primary crops are maize or coca for cocaine production. There is concern that as travel on the Interoceanic highway becomes easier a growing corridor of deforestation on either side of the highway will occur.
    26
  • Brown sediment filled water from the gold mining areas meets the clear water from another river in the Amazon seen from the Interoceanic highway. This polluted water which often has a high mercury content from the extraction process is one of the larger environmental concerns in the area.
    27
  • A mechanic by the Interoceanic Highway sharpens our machetes
    28
  • Rosa Maria Roman-Cuesta hacks her way through the jungle searching for orchids
    29
  • William Nauray surveys the view trying to locate the easiest way through a dense section of jungle in the Andes
    30
  • David Reuger climbs down a steep section in the jungle to a river bed in the Peruvian Andes
    31
  • David Reuger, Theresa Meacham, Rosa Maria Roman-Cuesta and William Nauray climb up a sloping rock searching for orchids
    32
  • William Nauray laughing with Wilbert outside a hostel in Quincemil
    33
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