Tropical investigations for natural history society

The spectacular Northern Range in Trinidad, an area of pristine tropical rainforest renowned for its species diversity, was the setting for the latest Dundee University Natural History Society (DUNATS) expedition.

The group, which consisted of eight students and Keith and Marion Skene from the School of Life Sciences, took part in a five-week trip, funded with support from the Principal, the School of Life Sciences, the British Ecological Society and the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland.

Keith explains, "We flew over the entire Caribbean, landing on the last island before mainland South America, Trinidad. This fact was an essential reason for the visit. Trinidad lies just seven miles off the coast of Venezuela, and its large neighbour is easily visible from the Island. However, as recently as 2000 years ago, based on recent evidence, Trinidad and Venezuela were joined by a land bridge. Thus the present ecology is still in a state of 'relaxation', and the Northern Range represents a fragment of the Amazonian rain forest growing on the tail end of the Andes."

The purpose of the trip was to investigate changes in species diversity in dung beetles, resource use in dung beetles, and temporal zonation in moths. After initial problems, the group managed to source cow dung from a surprised local farmer and then approached the Emperor Zoo in Port of Spain to acquire lion, tiger, ocelot and jaguar dung. According to Keith, "It is the worst smelling organic material on the planet!"

The 'moth group' had to camp out and sample moths every two hours, in order to test their hypothesis. During this time they came face to face with a fer de lance, the most dangerous snake in South and Central America, causing more deaths than any other American reptile.

Keith added, "We have returned home with a mountain of data, a leaf cutter ant colony and a large collection of insects. It was an incredible experience and we will never forget the beautiful wildlife or wonderful people of this special island."

Students have already signed up for next year's expedition to the Nariva Swamp in Eastern Trinidad. Fundraising activities to raise money for this trip will take place during the year and anyone wishing to make a donation should contact Keith in the Biological Sciences Institute.