Ecuador-Galapagos
Students Explore Ecuador and Galapagos Islands
Ecuador offers unrivaled opportunities to delve into fascinating and diverse ecosystems, from the lush Amazon Rainforest to the captivating Galapagos Islands. This past June, School of Environmental Sustainability (SES) faculty member and conservation biologist Mary Dinsmore, PhD, led thirteen Loyola students on an unforgettable study abroad program exploring Ecuador's "four worlds." Rev. Stephen Mitten SJ, MS, senior lecturer in ecology and ornithology, also participated in this inaugural Ecuador trip. Combining the disciplines of sustainability, environmental science, and biology, the program aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the country's ecology while offering hands-on research experience. With this trip's success, SES is eager to continue to allow future students to embark on this adventure.
Ecuador's nickname as the "country of four worlds" is well-deserved, considering its remarkable ecoregions: the Andean highlands, the Amazon rainforest, the Pacific coast, and the Galapagos Islands. Each region presents unique environmental characteristics and biodiversity, offering valuable insights to the students. During the study abroad program, participants visited the rainforest, the highlands (including Quito), and the Galapagos.
Students captured an image of an ocelot using a camera trap.
Unveiling the Amazon Rainforest
Deep within the heart of the Amazon rainforest, the students embarked on a journey to a research station. The remote location, nestled six hours into the jungle, provided an immersive experience, enabling the students to gain hands-on experience with field research techniques. Their dedication paid off when they captured incredible footage of an ocelot and puma through camera traps, allowing them to see the rainforest's wildlife.
The group visited the Andean Highlands and explored the cloud forest.
Discovering the Andean Highlands
Ascending to the Andean highlands, the group explored the enchanting cloud forest and the capital city of Quito. Trekking through the forest, students witnessed the intricate relationship between elevation, precipitation, and biodiversity. They also ventured up to 13,000 feet using a cable car, reaching the unique Paramo ecosystem. This firsthand encounter shed light on how ecosystems can transform and adapt across gradients, further deepening their understanding of ecological dynamics.
Students encountered fascinating animals such as the Galapagos sea lion (Zalophus wollebaeki).
The Enthralling Galapagos Islands
The final leg of the journey led the students to the world-renowned Galapagos Islands. Here, they discovered a remarkable display of endemic species that have evolved in isolation over millions of years. The students snorkeled in crystal-clear waters and observed the behaviors of the islands' unique creatures. They marveled at the concept of "island tameness," whereby animals displayed a reduced fear of humans due to their isolation from predators.
Service Learning and Research Experience
The study abroad program gave students unique opportunities to fulfill the engaged learning requirement through service activities. They dedicated 20 hours to various initiatives, including aiding in longstanding reforestation efforts, enriching the lives of animals at the Coca Zoo, and collecting vital research and census data. By actively participating in these activities, students were able to contribute to ongoing conservation efforts while gaining valuable research experience in tropical environments.
Looking Ahead
Students interested in future trips exploring Ecuador's ecological marvels can contact Mary Dinsmore (mdinsmore@luc.edu) or inquire at the study abroad office. The program promises to deliver an enriching experience that combines academic learning, hands-on research, and a deeper understanding of the delicate balance between humans and the environment.
-- Story by Jorge Haddad
Ecuador offers unrivaled opportunities to delve into fascinating and diverse ecosystems, from the lush Amazon Rainforest to the captivating Galapagos Islands. This past June, School of Environmental Sustainability (SES) faculty member and conservation biologist Mary Dinsmore, PhD, led thirteen Loyola students on an unforgettable study abroad program exploring Ecuador's "four worlds." Rev. Stephen Mitten SJ, MS, senior lecturer in ecology and ornithology, also participated in this inaugural Ecuador trip. Combining the disciplines of sustainability, environmental science, and biology, the program aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the country's ecology while offering hands-on research experience. With this trip's success, SES is eager to continue to allow future students to embark on this adventure.
Ecuador's nickname as the "country of four worlds" is well-deserved, considering its remarkable ecoregions: the Andean highlands, the Amazon rainforest, the Pacific coast, and the Galapagos Islands. Each region presents unique environmental characteristics and biodiversity, offering valuable insights to the students. During the study abroad program, participants visited the rainforest, the highlands (including Quito), and the Galapagos.
Unveiling the Amazon Rainforest
Deep within the heart of the Amazon rainforest, the students embarked on a journey to a research station. The remote location, nestled six hours into the jungle, provided an immersive experience, enabling the students to gain hands-on experience with field research techniques. Their dedication paid off when they captured incredible footage of an ocelot and puma through camera traps, allowing them to see the rainforest's wildlife.
Discovering the Andean Highlands
Ascending to the Andean highlands, the group explored the enchanting cloud forest and the capital city of Quito. Trekking through the forest, students witnessed the intricate relationship between elevation, precipitation, and biodiversity. They also ventured up to 13,000 feet using a cable car, reaching the unique Paramo ecosystem. This firsthand encounter shed light on how ecosystems can transform and adapt across gradients, further deepening their understanding of ecological dynamics.
The Enthralling Galapagos Islands
The final leg of the journey led the students to the world-renowned Galapagos Islands. Here, they discovered a remarkable display of endemic species that have evolved in isolation over millions of years. The students snorkeled in crystal-clear waters and observed the behaviors of the islands' unique creatures. They marveled at the concept of "island tameness," whereby animals displayed a reduced fear of humans due to their isolation from predators.
Service Learning and Research Experience
The study abroad program gave students unique opportunities to fulfill the engaged learning requirement through service activities. They dedicated 20 hours to various initiatives, including aiding in longstanding reforestation efforts, enriching the lives of animals at the Coca Zoo, and collecting vital research and census data. By actively participating in these activities, students were able to contribute to ongoing conservation efforts while gaining valuable research experience in tropical environments.
Looking Ahead
Students interested in future trips exploring Ecuador's ecological marvels can contact Mary Dinsmore (mdinsmore@luc.edu) or inquire at the study abroad office. The program promises to deliver an enriching experience that combines academic learning, hands-on research, and a deeper understanding of the delicate balance between humans and the environment.
-- Story by Jorge Haddad