Richard Bodmer, Ph.D.

Dr. Richard Bodmer’s travels for Earthwatch by riverboat into the heart of the Amazon region to help preserve the incredibly diverse rainforest habitat.

Why the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve?

I have worked in this reserve for over 20 years and I'm passionate about fostering co-management of the land between native inhabitants and government agencies. Bushmeat hunting is an important economic activity that has been traditionally used by rural poor of the Amazon. If well managed, bushmeat hunting can provide long-term socioeconomic benefits to local communities and help conserve Amazonian biodiversity through maintaining intact rainforests. If poorly managed, bushmeat hunting will lead to the extirpation of animal populations, reduced socioeconomic benefits that rural people obtain from wildlife, and a decreased value of intact forests.

Why work with Earthwatchers?

The volunteers are truly helpful in monitoring the wildlife populations. New areas of research have initiated with the help of the volunteers, including a wading bird survey and mist netting. But it is the assistance that many volunteers have provided to the local communities that has been truly unexpected. Many volunteers have provided health and education materials to the local communities who are involved with community-based conservation.