At Wired Amazon, in the Peruvian Amazon rainforest of Tambopata, Madre de Dios, Peru, we’re working with 4 groups or Taxonomic Families: Arctiinae or Tiger Moths, Cicadellidae or Leaf Hoppers, Membracidae or Treehoppers, and Ichneumonidae or Scorpion Wasps. The project is based on Citizen Science, making all guests from our Amazon ecolodges involved.
New species of tiger moth for science discovered in the Amazon Jungle Peru
We use several types of traps, like yellow bucket traps, malaise, and light traps, to collect the insects inside the families we’re studying. The collected insects are analyzed, classified, and processed in our Open Lab to send them to their specific specialist to finally know if we have or not a new species.
After the first process inside the lodge, we send the samples to the Natural History Museum in Lima. There, the tiger’s moth specialist Juan Grados classified the specimen within physical feathers, genitalia analysis, and genetic tools. He sends the specimens, apart from Tiger Moths, to their specialists around America.
To increase our collection, we work hand in hand with guests who choose the “Discover New Species” activity at the lodge. Guests join the biologist team after dinner and walk to a light trap set up in the middle of the jungle. There, they learn about entomology, how to identify the groups that we’re studying, and create awareness of the relationship between insects and the whole tropical ecosystem. If that night, a guest helps us collect a New Species, they have the great opportunity to name it!! Could you imagine visiting the Peruvian Amazon Jungle and returning to your home with a New Species named by yourself? You can make this happen with Wired Amazon.
Why is it important to become a citizen scientist?
Insects are the base of all ecosystems, considered as “all those small things that support the world” (E.O Wilson). They accomplish key roles as pollination, supporting up to 80% of the production of fruits and vegetables, nutrient recycling, and decomposers of organic trash. Also, controlling pests of important human crops is the basis of any known ecosystem, with thousands of functions.
Research at Lodges- barcoding
Only in the United States do insects generate 57 thousand million dollars without counting pollination. Around the world, there are more than 2 million people who feed directly on insects.
Scientific research in Protected Natural Areas is essential for the conservation of Amazonian forests. These studies help us understand ecosystem dynamics, identify key species, and assess the impact of human activities. By generating knowledge, researchers can design effective strategies for management, restoration, and protection that ensure the health of the forest and the survival of its extraordinary biodiversity. Without science, it would be impossible to make informed decisions to safeguard these ecosystems for future generations.
Since February 2016, more than 1,500 people have participated in the program, discovering 9 new species of tiger moths and 2 Scorpion wasps, helping us, at Wired Amazon, make science happen. Join Us.
This trip was the highlight of our travels through peru. The lodge was absolutely 5 stars for everything. The room, food, people. We had a private guide, Allen, who grew up locally and really had deep knowledge of the land, the history, and the variety of plant and animal species in the jungle. His knowledge and passion were invaluable to our experience. There are a variety of tour companies and lodges you can book to visit the Amazon, however, I would only recommend Rainforest Expeditions as they are truly connected to the community and offer high quality first class amazon experience! Read all
We had a truly wonderful stay with Rainforest Expeditions. Everyone was incredibly kind and welcoming, and our guide was fantastic — very knowledgeable and passionate about the rainforest. We saw many animals, even from the boat, which made the experience unforgettable. Read all
I just spent 3 days here with my family. The research center surpassed all our expectations. I want to give a special shout out to Carlos who took such good care of us. He went above and beyond to make sure we werr comfortable. And he was always smiling. He made us feel so welcome. We had Erik as our guide who is so knowledgeable and experienced. We learned so much, saw so much wildlife. It really was a dream vacation. Thank you!! Read all
Chose this place to stay at the Amazon, as I heard it benefits the local indigenous community. Life changing experience. Oscar was an excellent guide! We saw so many wildlife! No 4th wall made it such an immersive jungle experience. Since they are eco friendly, there is no AC. It can get pretty hot depending on the season. So better to follow their guidance for clothing choices Read all
If you want to experience the Amazon in all its glory This is the place to come to Staff and guides were excellent Food was just incredible The forest walks were really interesting and informative Read all
If you are a birder, ask for Juan Carlos Yatto. He recognizes an astounding number of bird calls and can duplicate many of them. This place is magical, all I could have imagined. All the staff and scientists are incredible. The experience of a lifetime. Read all
This was the most amazing experience Very well organised The ground staff were so well organised The guides were excellent ( I’m looking at you Carlos!) Food was tasty and very varied Amazed that the chefs managed to get such variety in the middle of the Amazon Do not hesitate Book immediately you will not be disappointed. Highly recommended Read all
I can not say enough good things about my time at the Tambopata Research Center. Between the guides, the boat drivers, the chefs, the staff, the bartenders, the researchers, etc. Everyone was absolutely wonderful! If you are interested in viewing wildlife in the Amazon, this is the place for you! A special thank you to the maître d' Carlos who was so incredibly kind and hospitable and our guide Dino who was like a real life Indiana Jones. I can't wait to come back! Read all
An unforgettable, fully immersive jungle experience. Amazing how Tambopata Lodge delivers luxury touches in such a remote and rugged location. The food is fantastic, the staff incredible, and the wildlife sightings non-stop. The personalised itinerary and one-on-one guiding made the trip truly special—huge thanks to our guide Johan for sharing his passion and knowledge. The Macaw Project is inspiring, and it’s clear the lodge fully supports this important conservation work. Manager Brian was always kind, helpful. Well-done all involved. Read all
The most important fact we are grateful for is the true sense of understanding of the ecology of the Amazon the staff at Rainforest Expeditions (RFE) have shown us. RFE stands out for its stand against the pure, profit-motive initiatives many other tour operators do. We are very grateful to have had Carlos as our guide. Carlos is deeply dedicated, and is able to explain the nuances of the flora and fauna. The world today needs to act as one against the impact of climate change. RFE is one, bright shining light in this regard. Read all
We had a fabulous trip! The people were amazing, kind and very professional. The food was exceptionally good! The facilities are beautiful and well kept. We just loved our second time with Rainforest Expeditions and can't wait to go again!! Read all
Fantastic to be deep in the forest surrounded by incredible wildlife with our amazing guide Juan Carlos Yatto, who really knew his stuff! Also his photography skills meant that we could share our experience even better through his telescope using our phone cameras! We learned so much!! He went to extra lengths to find butterflies and moths for us along with so many different birds and monkeys. This was a travel highlight for us as experienced wildlife travellers. We loved our spacious room with no windows and open to more wildlife visitors but after 5 nights the bed could have been a little more comfortable. Luckily we had a second bed to use. Otherwise it was fantastic with hot water showers and fresh drinking water all the time. We were amazed at the variety of food on offer for breakfast, lunch and dinner and couldn’t believe they could have such a wonderful food offering in such a remote location. Even the wine and cocktails were great. I highly recommend spending the extra money and time getting to this location. We stayed at another lodge later which was closer to Puerto Maldonado and there was far less wildlife. Read all
Birds in Peru? Yes. Actually, the Peruvian Amazon is home to an incredibly diverse range of birds, with over 1,800 species residing in this region alone. With its lush rainforest, ...
Read moreHow studying Red and green macaws can save the Amazon It’s one of the most stunning sights in the Peruvian rainforest. Every morning, just after sunrise, a riot of rainbows swoo...
Read moreEmbarking on an Amazon Tour in Peru is a dream for many nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The allure of pristine rainforests, exotic wildlife, and the chance to immerse one...
Read more