Trans-Amazon Expedition

Which way should we go?

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 08:06:02 -0600

We are approaching a fork in the river. We need you to tell us which way to go. The Amaral Canal is just to the south of the Amazon. The Amaral Canal runs parallel to the main river for a distance of nearly 170 miles, or about 5 days of travel.

If we take the Amaral Canal, our chances of seeing animals increase. We haven't seen many animals on the main river, except for dolphins, many types of birds, and livestock.
However, taking the main river channel would be easier to navigate. We have maps and a GPS unit to let us know we're on track, but paddling on the open Amazon makes it hard to lose your way.

What should we do? Should we take the smaller Aramal Canal where we may see more wildlife? Or should we stick to the main, wider channel of the Amazon? Let us know why your made your decision.

Response to Yesterday's Daily Dilemma:

We have decided to leave the voting open until Monday so more students will be able to vote. We will let you know on Monday what we will name our canoes!

10/10/08 Eco Tip

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 05:39:34 -0600

Encourage your friends and family to watch less television. Play games together, organize a book club, host neighborhood dinners, or take long walks instead. You will save energy and have fun at the same time.

Mystery Photo

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 04:34:25 -0600

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Podcast by: Anne DeCock

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 03:55:30 -0600

10/10 Audio Update by Anne DeCock

Agouti: Rainforest Rodents

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 01:14:48 -0600

An agouti is one of South America's biggest rodent. Imagine a giant guinea pig without a tail and longer legs, and you can picture an agouti. They are generally dark in color, with a white belly. Their fur is oily and shiny, which helps to shed water and keep them warm during the rainforest's heavy downpours.

Agoutis are widespread throughout South America and have adapted to live in dry deserts and tropical rainforests. They are very quick runners and also comfortable swimming in rivers, lakes, and flooded forests.

Agoustis have some of the strongest, sharpest teeth and jaws in the rainforest. They are only one of two animals that can successfully break into a Brazil nut (the other is a capuchin monkey, but they use a stone like a tool!).

Agoutis are naturally diurnal, or active during the day. Sleeping in burrows or hollowed out logs give the agouti protection from predators. Agoutis eat nuts, fruits, and small leaves. Their heads actually point down toward the ground, making it easier to find food.

However, if an agouti lives in an area that is hunted or destroyed by humans, agoutis will change from diurnal to nocturnal. If they feel threatened, this change can help them survive. Because of their powerful sense of smell, agoutis are able to find food in the light or dark.

For further exploration, check out the following web sites.

The Honolulu Zoo's Agouti Page http://www.honoluluzoo.org/agouti.htm

Wellington Zoo's Agouti Profile http://www.wellingtonzoo.com/animals/animals/mammals/agouti.html

Fresno Chaffe's Zoo Agouti Page http://www.fresnochaffeezoo.com/animals/agouti.html

10/09/2008 Eco Tip

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 04:28:50 -0600

If you heat with electricity and live in a warm and sunny climate, consider installing a solar water heater. The solar units are environmentally friendly and can now be installed on your roof to blend with the architecture of your house.

Mystery Photo

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 04:26:01 -0600

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Thu, 09 Oct 2008 04:12:22 -0600

"A ship in the harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for." - William Shedd

Podcast by: Tony Osse

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 03:38:08 -0600

10/09 Audio Update by Tony Osse

Toucans: Brightly-Beaked Birds

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:17:18 -0600

Toucans are probably the most easily recognized bird in the rainforest. However, because toucans live so high in the canopy, they can be hard to spot.

They nest in tree holes lower down in the canopy. But, toucans spend the majority of their time high in the rainforest canopy.

Toucans also have a very distinct, shrill, and loud call. To me it sounds almost like a really loud cricket chirp or frog. Some folks say that the toucan be heard through the rainforest for over a half-mile.

Perhaps what makes a toucan so recognizable its over-sized, colorful beak. The beaks can often half of the entire body length of the bird. But, thankfully for the toucan, their beaks are hollow. If their beaks were not hollow, there would be no way a toucan could keep their head up.

Inside the bill is a long and narrow tongue, which is frayed on the sides to increase the sense of taste. The toucan's tongue runs the whole length of the beak.

There are 42 species of Toucans found throughout the tropics. Perhaps the most recognized toucan is the Toco Toucan because of its association with the cereal, Fruit Loops. At least 15 species of toucans live in the Amazon rainforest. There are also over 20 species of toucanets and aracaris, cousins of the toucans, which have large, colorful beaks.

Toucans are considered frugivorous, meaning they eat mostly fruits and seeds. Toucans will also eat small insects and small reptiles. Maybe their varied diet is why they have such a big beak.

For further explorations, check out the following web sites.

Wilderness Classroom's Rainforest Library: Toucans

National Geographic's Animal Photos and Facts

Belize Zoo's Video and Sound Clips of Toucans

What should we name our canoes?

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:08:44 -0600

Thanks for all of your great suggestions yesterday. We thought we'd give you one more day to think this one over. We'll be back tomorrow with the top six for you to vote on. Our boats will be given their new names on Monday!

It was brought to our attention that our canoes do not have names. We will leave the naming of our three canoes up to you! Here is some information about the canoes. . . the longest canoe is dark green and 18 feet long. The mid-sized canoe is a lighter green and 17 feet long. The smallest canoe is kind of maroon and 16 feet long. They are all made out of plastic.

For today's Daily Dilemma, please tell us your suggestions. Then, the expedition team will narrow the choices down. In tomorrow's Daily Dilemma, we will have you vote on your all-time favorites. The three most popular names will be the winners.

Answer to yesterday's dilemma:

Most students think that voting should not be mandatory. Many classrooms are wondering what happens in Brazil if you do not vote. Tony explained that if you do not vote you have to pay a small fine and it makes it hard to get loans and official documents from the government. He is not sure how much the fine is because he always votes!

10/08/2008 Eco Tip

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:29:53 -0600

Avoid buying products that are wrapped in a lot of packaging. A lot of energy goes into the process of packaging products. You can save 1,200 pounds of carbon dioxide if you cut down your garbage by 10%.

Mystery Photo

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 04:53:54 -0600

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Wed, 08 Oct 2008 04:16:10 -0600

Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.

Podcast by Jay Bancroft

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 03:50:04 -0600

10/08 Audio Update by Jay Bancroft