Biodiversity of Southwest Mexico by Land and Sea

Biodiversity of Southwest Mexico by Land and Sea Expedition, March 6-14, 2015.

Help Biologists Conduct Critical Conservation Research

Oceanic Society is being gracious in giving our SF Bay American Cetacean Society members a 10% discount on this trip!

Oceanic Society invites you on an expedition to beautiful Barra de Potosí, just south of Zihuatanejo, Mexico. This region hosts a wealth of marine and terrestrial species and is an important part of the migration route for the northeastern Pacific population of humpback whales. While the presence of whales has been documented in the area for years, there have been no formal studies of them until now.

As a participant on this expedition you will have the chance to help scientists better understand this important whale population by working in the field as a citizen scientist with the Whales of Guerrero Research Project. For 3-4 days, visitors will work alongside American and Mexican scientists and local fishermen to spot, identify, and make scientific observations of humpback whales and any of four species of dolphins found in the area. We also frequently observe olive ridley sea turtles, manta rays, golden cow nosed and spotted eagle rays, red-billed tropic birds, frigate birds, and countless other noteworthy marine species. In addition to learning humpback whale fluke identification and hydro-acoustic recording techniques, you will also assist with recording other key ecosystem data. Our citizen scientists come away with a wealth of knowledge about humpback whale behavior and biology and the unique experience of being a part of a truly pioneering project.

Explore the Flora and Fauna of One of Mexico’s Best Hidden Treasures

On this biodiversity-focused tour, you will spend a day in Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo with a local naturalist guide, along with some visiting experts on regional wildlife. Our local guides all have an extensive intimate knowledge of regional fauna and flora. You will explore nature reserves in Ixtapa by land and kayak, see crocodiles, and have opportunities to snorkel around Isla Ixtapa. The mangrove-filled lagoon directly behind the village of Barra de Potosí serves as a nursery for hundreds of species of fish and birds including roseate spoonbills, boobies, white pelicans, herons, and egrets. We will explore the lagoon in a panga and you will have opportunities to independently explore the lagoon in kayaks throughout the week.

As a traveler on this tour you will also be invited to join guest scientists and interns on a science walk on the beach and through the jungle to see the world through a biologist’s eyes. We will explore an exceptional variety of ecosystems by visiting all eight biomes, or microclimates, that are found within a 75 square mile radius of Barra de Potosí. You will also be invited to attend a night tour of a lagoon where crocodiles are commonly seen. We will also make a trip to Valentin Lagoon, a gorgeous freshwater lagoon about 15 miles from town.

To help you get the most out of the experience and tailor it to your particular interests, we offer several add-on activities at an additional cost through our local partners. For example, you can go horseback riding through the jungle to a 20-mile beach known as “turtle beach,” for the thousands of turtle eggs that are laid there each year. Or, you can enjoy a kayak tour on the lagoon with a trained naturalist. For surfers, our guides can clue you into our local secret spots; board and wet-suit rentals are available, as well as local instructors for beginners.

In between field research trips and other activities, you can relax in the pool or take a siesta in a hammock. If turtles hatch during the week, you will be invited to visit the nearby Ayotcalli Field Camp, which protects turtle eggs and shepherds newborn turtles to the sea. Certified SCUBA divers (additional cost) and snorkelers will have the opportunity to dive with a biologist or trained naturalist in one of our local hot spots to observe marine wildlife.

Complete information:

http://whalesinmexico.com/media/Biodiversity-SW-Mexico-Tour.pdf (http://cts.vresp.com/c/?AmericanCetaceanSoci/e3ece8284b/TEST/f9c64e6cee)

Research trips are a wonderful way to travel in not only seeing the area, but helping with important research programs and interacting with the local people in environmental education!