Having traveled this far to get to the headwaters of the Amazon, it makes sense to adapt to your new environment and get into the rainforest rhythm.
This involves waking up early, having breakfast, and setting out on the morning adventures in order to take advantage of the coolness. The other peak in wildlife, when you also take outings, is the late afternoon as the heat from the equatorial sun is slackening.
Amphibians in Danger
Many environmental scientists believe that amphibians are excellent biological indicators, or "canaries in a coal mine", of broader ecosystem health because of their intermediate position in food webs, permeable skins, and dual life of aquatic larvae and terrestrial adults, and that declines in amphibian populations and species indicate that other groups of animals and plants will soon be at risk.
Numerous potential explanations for amphibian declines have been proposed. Most or all of these causes have been associated with some population declines, so each cause is likely to affect in certain circumstances but not others. Many of the causes of amphibian declines are well-understood, and appear to affect other groups of organisms as well as amphibians. These causes include habitat modification and fragmentation, introduced predators or competitors, introduced species, pollution, pesticide use, or over-harvesting.
However, many amphibian declines or extinctions have occurred in pristine habitats where the above effects are not likely to occur. The causes of these declines are complex, but many can be attributed to emerging diseases, climate change, increased ultraviolet-B radiation, or long-distance transmission of chemical contaminants by wind.
There's time to relax during the heat of the day, to read a book, take a siesta, swing in a hammock, or swim in the refreshing Shiripuno River; the naturalist guide is available to assist you in any way.
Evenings are the times for delicious meals, discussions at the table and flashlight walks to look for things that "go bump" in the night. The naturalist guide sums up the day's events and informs you of the plans for the following day. Depending on how many nights you are here, the guide gives a short talk on any number of topics to do with the rainforest or conservation.
Your hosts' rainforest rhythm beats a little differently. Their lifestyle is not dictated by time, but rather the value of family solidarity and sharing. Life is a happy event, and no matter what the circumstances they are always laughing and smiling.
One of the most predictable aspects of the rainforest is its unpredictability, which means that Mother Nature has the last say, so please be patient if plans must be changed to adapt to weather conditions.
And of course one of the most predictable aspects about the rainforest rhythm is its unpredictability, which means that 'Mother-Nature' has the last say and often the program has to adapt according to weather conditions, so please be patient if we have to change any pre-made plans.
Our Hosts rainforest rhythm beats a little differently. Their lifestyle is not dictated bytime, rather their strongest value is that of family solidarity and sharing among the people. Life is also a happy event, and no matter what the circumstances they are always laughing and smiling. It's a great attitude to adopt, not to let the little things get you down.
