Today we set up our first field experiment of the trip. We were presented with motion-activated camera traps and challenged to come up with a research question we wanted to investigate over the next five days. These camera traps would take photos whenever they detected movement, allowing us to look at animals when there aren’t any humans around. With these cameras, we were challenged to design a simple pilot study that we could carry out. We decided to look into the differences in biodiversity between areas with manmade trails and areas that hadn’t been disturbed. We had 14 camera traps, so we determined 7 different locations along trails and roads of different widths, and then decided to associate each trail camera with one deeper into the underbrush. By 9:45, we had designed our experiment and were ready to head out into the forest around Las Cuevas.

In the morning, we set up six of the cameras. It was a bit slow-going at first as we perfected the method, but by the end of the morning we were experts. We each took turns setting them up—I went third. It took some bushwhacking to set up the traps in the undisturbed areas, but that allowed us to see some impressive wildlife and trees. One of the earliest things we saw was a big cat scratch on the trail. Hopefully, with cameras nearby, we’ll be able to see some actual big cats by the end of the week. I also saw some massive leaves among the leaf litter, which I think belong to the Bigleaf Grape. We also saw the large, spiny outer shell of a seed pod of a palm tree as well as a bird of paradise plant.

After lunch, we did a different loop and placed the eight remaining cameras, including on the road leading to the research station. We were much more exposed in the afternoon, and as it grew hotter and hotter, I started to notice that my sweaty hands were partially erasing and smudging my field notebook. It’s a bit annoying, but now that I know about it I can mitigate the issue. It was also the first full day of field work, which was punishing but manageable. I’m staying hydrated and getting rest when I can and I think I’m managing it just fine.

The day isn’t quite over yet—this evening, I’m giving my topic lecture. I get to share what I learned about the biological history of the region. I got a preview of it today, when we saw trees adapted to fending off giant ground sloths, which are extinct now. I think it’ll go well. I’m interested to see what our cameras will pick up—I’ll be sure to update when we collect them again at the end of the week.