Today we walked alot. We designed a research question that would use motion detection triggered cameras to try and see if different sized predatory and prey mammals could be seen more on roads, trails, or in the rainforest itself.
This meant we were set to hike all over planting camera traps. It also meant we got to see some pretty amazing things as we walked. For example, pretty early into our hike we found a termites nest right on the trail! Because the termites have very little exo-skeleton, they make a high protein and easy to digest snack that much of our group tried! (They apparently taste like Carrots)
We also climbed up to a high point in the rainforest where there was a tall bird tower that let us see right over the canopy! We could see the entire mountainous landscape for miles and miles, partially cloaked in fog. It was absolutely breathtaking.
On our way down we also found a large cave where the rainwater had eroded the underlying limestone. The cave was relatively open and easy to walk around in (no intense caving yet), but it still had some really incredible things inside as it had once been used as a mayan religious site. There was shattered pottery on the ground some still with a relatively glossy orange paint on it, and also the remains of a wall the mayans had built to section off part of the cave.
One last super cool thing I wanted to mention was seeing red-eyed tree frog eggs hanging on oranges over a rather muddy former pond. The eggs are slayed there because the frogs know the pond will eventually fill up again, and when it does the tadpoles will hatch and drop into the water!. Also, if the embryos detect vibrations on their branches that feel like a snake or predator coming to eat them, they will drop into the water prematurely to maximize their survival chances!
I also saw some really cool cockroaches today. By a super large leaf cutter ant nest we found a beutiful white Panchlora zendala. It was really cool to see how comfortable members of the group felt who are usually uncomfortable with cockroaches felt holding this beautiful roach!
Also, under the bark of a log Dr. Correa found the enormous deep red/black wings of a Megaloblatta blaberoides, and also some leg and abdomen remains. Someone had clearly had a very large and delicious snack! The sheer size of the wings were absolutely astounding for one of the largest cockroaches in the world!
