GENERAL

- Due to a lack of RNs for some months preceding Kester’s arrival, his orientation process, and organisation of RN responsibilities were somewhat self-directed. This situation necessitated that he spend the first week establishing himself in the lodge and the forest, and RN duties were undertaken proper only after this period. There was very much to do in terms of organising this RN phase, and much ado there was.

TRAILS AND HIDES

- Most trails were walked, and many monitored for missing tubes. Very many tubes are needed, and this is an urgent concern, as many trails are now almost completely unmarked.

- La Torre, Laguna Chica, Caipirona, and Sunset Point trails were cleared of tree-falls and overgrowth.

- Katicocha trail has been highlighted by Eli as one in need of clearance and that is a task for this month

- The High Forest Loop has been confirmed by Kester as in need of attention, and clearance of a very large tree fall at its entrance

DISCOVERY CENTER AND SCIENTIFIC LIBRARY

• The Discovery Center was thoroughly cleaned and all displays taken apart and washed down. Some roosting bats were moved on.
• The library was organised and a new inventory drawn up and printed out
• All notes/monitoring information/literature was organised and labeled
• Some shelves were fixed

LANGUAGE TRAINING

• English lessons are planned and will commence this week for staff
• This has been delayed as Kester was helping in the Comedor prior to and after meals due to the large group sizes and limited kitchen staff.

MEDICINAL GARDEN

- The Medicinal Garden has tended to with an introductory weeding and clearance session by Kester and Magdalena. Many plants are still intact and the RNs have big plans to restore it to its former glory with the help of Elisban, it is a personal ambition of Kester’s to engage specifically with this project.

INTERACTION WITH TOURISTS & GUIDE ASSISTANCE

• Both RNs have interacted with tourists regularly during main meals and provided them with information about the lodge, nature, and RNs work.
• Kester has been giving the welcome talks to English Speaking tourists.
• 19/10 – Kester helps for rowing and guiding on the Cocococha Lake
• 24/10 – Kester does tourist transfer.

RESEARCH ASISTANCE

· 22/10 – Kester helps Susanne with sampling while Leena is at the Collpa.

· 2710 – Kester collect leaves with Filio to learn how to do it in his absence.

RN BUNGALOW & MAINTENANCE

• The common area was swept and rooms maintained clean.
• Kester (re)-organised the RN cupboard and installed an ingenious inventory system for the multitudinous paperwork in there

OTHER / PERSONAL PROJECTS

• Kester welcomes Magdelena and introduces her to her RN duties etc.
• Kester recorded many bird calls, frogs, rain and other ambient jungle noise to sample in musical projects
• Kester has been active in the Comedor, serving and bar tendering due to lack of staff.
• Kester has been making use of the literature to learn all he can about medicinal plants and local indigenous cultures
• Magdalena has been making bracelets and gradually re-conditioning and filling an insect display case.

MONITORING PROJECTS

Collpita

· The collpita continues to be monitored at the recommended frequency; data has been digitally updated and attached

· Abreviations: BHPA = Blue-headed Parrot (Pionus menstruus), CFMA = Chestnut-fronted Macaw (Ara severa), DHPA = Dusky-headed Parakeet (Aratinga weddellii), MEPA =  Mealy Parrot (Amazona farinosa), OCPA = Orange-cheeked Parrot (Pionopsitta barrabandi), RGMA = Red-and-green Macaw (Ara chloroptera), WBPA = White bellied Parrot (Pionites leucogaster), WEPA = White-eyed Parakeet (Aratinga leucophthalmus), YCPA = Yellow-crowned Parrot (Amazona ochrocephala), SARS = Southern Amazonian Red Squirrel

Caimans Tambopata

· Caiman's were monitored on 18^th and 24^th of October; all of which were Spectacled.

· 18^th – 6 caiman seen between 19:05- 19:30; from 0.35 to 1.7m; cloudy.

· 24^th – 6 caiman seen between 18:35- 18:56; from 0.4 to 1.5m; cloudy.

Caimans- Cocococha

- No caiman monitoring has been undertaken at Cococha as yet, but it is something both RNs are very eager to do. It has been difficult, thus far, to find a guide with the time to spare and spend the night there. But there are plans to go in the first week of November

Otters

Some monitoring has been undertaken on the single RN trip to the lake thus far. Much more will follow, of course.

Rare species sightings

The following rare species were seen in the month of October:

Weather data

Plans for upcoming month

- Medicinal garden reconditioning

- Trail clearance of Katicocha and High Forest Loop trails

- Caiman monitoring at Cocococha commenced

- Language lessons for staff commenced

- Camera trap monitoring