Tepui Watch

Our current project at Biokryptos is Tepui Watch - a project with the ambitious objective of surveying and cataloging the sum total biodiversity of Auyan Tepui. The methodology we use is a combination of long term camera trap surveillance, aerial surveillance, satellite image analysis and GIS analysis with transect surveys of Auyan Tepui to develop baseline biodiversity measurements of the summit and talus slope ecosystems and close research gaps. Tepui Watch utilizes a small network of trail cameras in three different tepui ecosystems to photograph both endemic summit fauna and obtain evidence of lowland vertebrates on the tepui summits, which have been observed and documented by Venezuelan scientists but not formally published in academia. The project combines field research with technology and methodology transfers to indigenous Pemon and Venezuelan guides and experts who are trained in the use of trail cameras to monitor the tepui environment. Relevant discoveries are submitted for publication in peer reviewed academic journals. The model of minimally invasive field surveillance we have developed for Tepui Watch can be translated and refined for future utilization across the entire Pantepui region. We intend to use this model in the future to focus on the under-surveyed and unexplored tepuis of the Pantepui ecoregion, to close research and exploration gaps after gap analysis is conducted.

Tepui Watch Database

Biokryptos is committed to improving global knowledge of Venezuela’s tepui ecosystems, and promoting scientific research and education about the Pantepui region. To further these goals, Biokryptos has created a database of camera trap and expedition photographs from our Tepui Watch project. Since 2014, Tepui Watch has produced thousands of photographs of the animals which inhabit the talus and summit of Auyan Tepui. In our collection of camera trap and expedition photographs we have both unclassified and classified animals. Many of our photographs contain the first records of lowland species on a tepui summit; they are the first records of new species distributions.

The Tepui Watch database is open to the public to review and enjoy, and open to qualified researchers and professionals to submit images to. The goal of the Tepui Watch database is to warehouse detailed scientific biodiversity surveys along with detailed satellite cartography and environmental data from every tepui in the Pantepui region in a globally accessible archive.

Our Methods: Camera traps

The cornerstone of Tepui Watch lies in long term, low impact surveillance of the fauna of Auyan Tepui. Biokryptos utilizes camera traps (synonymous with trail cameras) placed in the field at key locations to catalog the biodiversity of Auyan, deployed to obtain both a baseline measurement of faunal diversity and to look for target species identified in research gap analysis. The camera trapping methodology roughly follows the norms and guidelines of camera trapping studies outlined by the Tropical Ecology Assessment and Management (TEAM) system, though currently scaled down due to the availability of funding. Thus far, Tepui Watch uses the two Moultrie D55 IR Gamespy cameras used in the initial study and additional cameras manufactured by Moultrie; two D 444 8 MP Low Glow camera traps, which are compatible with field placed solar panels, one Moultrie 5A Low Glow Game Camera, and as of August 2014 two Reconyx PC800 cameras. As this is the first time these particular brands are subjected to the rigors of functioning for long periods of time on the rain soaked tepui summits, different models with different power requirements and shutter speeds were selected so a post field study analysis can be conducted on the performance of the cameras. This study will utilize more trail cameras in the future as funding allows.

Long term placement of these traps on Auyan will produce the kind of field observations that have not been replicated since the initial explorations of Auyan by the 1937-38 Phelps expedition, during which 29 species of mammal were observed on the summit, many of which have which have not been subsequently verified on the summit of Auyan. Our camera trapping study is currently the only study of its kind to take place on a tepui summit, with a scope and method that go beyond previous field surveys to investigate the unknown areas of Auyan Tepui.

The traps are placed in three areas on Auyan: 1) forested talus slopes, 2) accessible human used trails and 3) remote locations on the tepui summit which reflect ecosystem diversity.

Penon

As our camera trapping survey continued to the next elevation gradient, we entered the upper talus slopes of Auyan around campo Penon, at 1500 meters. In this area, the vegetation changes and lowland plants give way to higher elevation species with more tepui summit characteristics. This area is extremely steep, with limited spatial distribution. Lowland species such as deer were not recorded by our camera traps, but have been reported as being present.

Campo Naranja

We placed camera traps on the summit first at a location called Campo Naranja. Around this area there exists a complex interplay between forests and vegetation isolates and bare rock erroded into a complex labyrinth. It was in this location that we recorded coatis for the first time, as well as tamanduas and unusually, a large snake. We also used the experience from this site to adjust our baiting procedures after a large vulture disturbed our capture area.

Campo Lecho and Dragon

Lecho and Dragon are two major camps following what is called the Laime trail, established by notable explorer Alexander Laime. They follow a river which drains into the the Devils Canyon, into the Rio Caroni. Both camps are located in rich riparian gallery forests, and are part of unique tepui forest environments. In Lecho and Dragon, we have entered a true tepui summit environment, isolated from the talus slopes by dozens of kilometers, and with no known direct topographical connections to the lowlands. At Lecho and Dragon, we found evidence of a more diverse faunal assembleges than previously recorded,

Lagoon ecosystem

The lagoon ecosystem is located at the confluence of two rivers which drain toward Angel Falls. This region hosts an extremely dense forest, with a complex series of bogs which give rise to bromeliad forests in the lower canopy. The terrain is extremely difficult to trek to, and even more difficult to camp in. It is extremely rich in faunal diversity, and seems to be the location of at least one big cat. If the presence of a large cat on Auyan can be verified photographically, then the implications of a radically more complex biodiversity on Auyan would require greater scientific scrutiny. As with other camera trap locations on Auyan, every expedition bring new discoveries.