Summary of A Delicate Balance: Preserving the Peruvian Amazon — Part Two:
The author, Jordan Reichenbach, went on a two-week trip to the Peruvian Amazon to set up camera traps for a study on small mammal populations. The trip was a collaboration between the Detroit Zoo and the nonprofit organization OnePlanet, which works with the indigenous Maijuna people to protect the rainforest. Reichenbach and a curator of education from the zoo joined other researchers from OnePlanet in northeastern Peru. They set up camera traps throughout the region, with the help of Maijuna volunteers, to monitor game mammal populations and promote sustainable practices. The author highlights the knowledge and respect the Maijuna have for the forest and their role in guiding and assisting with the study. The relationship between OnePlanet and the Maijuna is built on trust and benefits both the Maijuna community and the environment. The author also reflects on personal growth and memorable experiences, such as learning Maijuna stories and encountering wildlife in the jungle. The author expresses gratitude for the opportunity and hopes it inspires others to learn more about the conservation efforts in the Peruvian Amazon.
Summary:
– A trip to the Peruvian Amazon offers incredible experiences in conservation research, language immersion, and collaboration with indigenous communities.
– Setting up camera traps in the Amazon allows monitoring of game mammal populations and showcasing sustainable practices.
– The knowledge and expertise of the Maijuna people, who have lived in the Amazon for generations, contribute significantly to the success of conservation efforts.
– The relationship between OnePlanet and the Maijuna community is built on trust and mutual learning, benefiting both parties and the environment.
– Personal growth and unforgettable experiences await those who embark on conservation journeys in the Peruvian Amazon.
—
When a gray December morning presented the opportunity for a two-week trip to the Peruvian Amazon, little did I know of the incredible experiences that awaited me. Pitched as a chance to set up camera traps for a study on small mammal populations, this journey became a perfect combination of conservation research, language immersion, and collaboration.
The Detroit Zoo, in partnership with OnePlanet, a nonprofit organization working with the indigenous Maijuna people, had been investing in efforts to protect the rainforest and its inhabitants. As an animal care team member for the Detroit Zoological Society, I was chosen to represent the organization and contribute to this important cause.
Preparing for the trip was a whirlwind of organizing camping supplies, attending travel doctor appointments, and booking plane tickets. Two weeks later, after three planes and a long boat ride, my colleague Thomas Benson and I arrived in Sucusari, our home base for the next two weeks. Located in northeastern Peru, Sucusari would serve as our launching pad into the heart of the Peruvian Amazon.
Our mission was clear – set up camera traps throughout the region to monitor game mammal populations and highlight the sustainable practices of the Maijuna people. This involved working closely with volunteers from the Maijuna community, who filled various roles such as forest guides, boat drivers, and cooks. Our days began before dawn as we embarked on boat rides to our designated camera-trapping areas. From there, we would trek through the forest, sometimes encountering flooded areas requiring wading or swimming. We set up more than half of the required cameras in two weeks, gaining technical skills and knowledge about Amazon.
One aspect that left a lasting impression was the Maijuna people’s deep connection with their environment. Their knowledge and respect for the flora and fauna shone through as they guided us through the jungle. Listening to their stories about the plants and animals we encountered was awe-inspiring. Their expertise was evident from the youngest Maijuna guide, a mere 15 years old, to the experienced elders. Victorino, one of the revered elders, shared how the sauna trees were used for communication during long expeditions due to their hollow roots that produced loud sounds when struck. The involvement of the elders in our camera trapping study, offering valuable insights and tips, showcased the intergenerational nature of conservation efforts.
The partnership between OnePlanet and the Maijuna people is founded on trust and years of collaboration. Through this relationship, the Maijuna community benefits from showcasing the importance and value of their sustainable practices in the Amazon. The Detroit Zoo’s involvement in this study supports not only the Peruvian Amazon’s future but also the Maijuna people’s welfare.
Personally, this journey pushed me to my physical and mental limits. The physically demanding treks through the jungle challenged my endurance, while the opportunity to work with people who spoke a different language and lived a different life fostered personal growth. One of the highlights was spending time with Don Sebastian, an elder who shared captivating Maijuna stories about the origins of specific plants and animals. Their traditions and knowledge passed down through generations, brought the Amazon to life in a way I could never have imagined. And on our first day of camera trapping, we were treated to the sight of stingless bee colonies, agile squirrel monkeys, black-mantled tamarins leaping through the canopy, and a refreshing rainforest shower. These experiences surpassed my wildest dreams as an animal care specialist and biology enthusiast.
While not every day was easy, the moments spent with the Maijuna and OnePlanet team in Sucusari will remain in my memory. Witnessing their connection with nature and contributing to conservation efforts was a truly humbling and gratifying experience. I am grateful for the opportunity and hope that sharing this story inspires others to learn more about the Detroit Zoo, OnePlanet, and their endeavors in preserving the Peruvian Amazon.
