PERUVIAN TARANTULA RANGE SURVEY

I am starting a long-term survey of the theraphosid diversity and their range along the lower Maranon River, in Amazonian Peru. Over a decade ago, I worked the general area on a National Geographic contract and I was impressed by the high (non-inundated) rainforest there - a ten minute walk from the lodge. The lodge is situated along the west bank of the lower Rio Maranon and operated by some biologist colleagues with whom I have traveled several times. Lodging, food, and logistical support such as guides will be excellent.

During my 1994 trip I found 14 theraphosid species in the general area, and I am aware of several more undescribed theraphosids there. It was here that I observed a female Avicularia urticans eating a very small species of bat on the side of a palm tree one night.

I returned a few years later and went a bit further south and found a population of gigantic black Pamphobeteus sp. (aka the alleged 'chicken spider') all co-habiting the same enormous leaf-cutter mound. The region and forest are beautiful and present many photo opportunities as well as excellent "spidering" with day and night forest forays.

This will be a one-week run and I plan on going either the third or last week in October or possibly the first week of November. In addition to the above, there are excellent opportunities for herping, birding, fishing and maybe taking in an Indian village for souvenir bartering.

For serious inquiries regarding trip costs and the travel dates, please contact; george@greentracks.com (http://www.greentracks.com).

Hope to see you come along for a trip you'll never forget ... just ask Joy Reed,
Fred Sherberger, Tony Skvarenina and Bruce Effenheim.

Best regards,

Rick C. West
http://www.birdspiders.com

They need an emoticon face that shows tears spilling onto the computer, because that would be me! That trip sounds absolutely awesome! I spent a couple of weeks in Quito, Ecuador back in 1998 (non-tarantula related business), and have always wanted to explore the South American rain forest - especially now that I have a new perspective on tarantulas.

I cannot wait to hear the details of this trip. Would make a heck of a Forum article, Rick...hint, hint.

Rick Foss

That trip sounds absolutely amazing, I wish you all luck and fun

http://www.arachnoboards.com/ab/showthread.php?t=67561
I posted SOME of my pics on arachnoboards...Didnt want to clutter up this thread with repetition..Joy wrote a great article about that trip, and I must say it is one of my life's highlights. Rick and Bill are a total blast, but having Bruce, Joy and Dr Fred along proved to be as great an asset as Rick n Bill...The other traveler's were great, but Fred had awesome entomological <sp> experience, and Bruce is a good friend..Joy is ....Joy , of course!

It was as great as you think it could be, and then some....
Tony
I talked to George last week, but he didnt have hard #'s, so I wont repeat them here. You most likely will fly to Lima from LAX or Miami, and Then onto Iquitos. Then a 90KM roadtrip to another town, then a boat trip to the 'compound'. That right there says adventure...and dont forget your shots !!!

What an opportunity. And I found out about it on the ATS boards. Too cool.

Some people have all the luck

Good luck and enjoy!