Conservation Technology HUB in Los Amigos
Technologies for Conservation
Conservation Technology HUB in Los Amigos
Through this initiative, we integrate the most innovative technologies for detecting illegal activities and monitoring biodiversity.
At the Los Amigos Biological Station, through international cooperation agreements, we work alongside leading scientists who assess the forest both directly and indirectly, mapping its diversity at all levels, from minute genetic material samples to satellite imagery received from space.
This project actively involves students and young professionals who collaborate with highly experienced researchers, contributing to the training of future generations of conservation scientists.
Learn about the projects we are carrying out:
PUCP researchers at the Los Amigos Biological Station (Photos by Judith Westveer).
AMAZON BREATH - EDDY FLUX SYSTEM
Directed by Professors Eric Cosio and Norma Salinas.
This project from the Pontificia Universidad Católica – PUCP uses a gas flux system installed at the top of one of our monitoring towers to measure changes in atmospheric greenhouse gases.
Researchers study gas fluxes to determine whether forests function as sinks or sources of these gases, and to assess how they vary across different ecosystems (primary forest, secondary forest, wetlands, and Andean highlands). To effectively compare results, multiple towers equipped with these systems have been installed in diverse regions of Peru.
Monitoring greenhouse gas fluxes is a key component of climate change research. It allows us to determine whether forests can continue to absorb carbon as global temperatures rise, and when wetlands emit the highest levels of methane under changing environmental conditions.
At Conservación Amazónica – ACCA, we are proud to contribute to this research by providing an autonomous electrical system to power the equipment. We especially thank the Andes Amazon Fund and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation for the financial support that made possible the purchase and installation of eight solar panels that power the flux devices.
Researchers and beetles at the Los Amigos Biological Station (Photos 1 and 3 by Judith Westveer, Photos 2 and 4 by Andrew Whitworth).
ECOLOGY OF DUNG BEETLES
Project led by Dr. Adrian Forsyth and Dr. Alejandro Lopera, with support from the Andes Amazon Fund.
A dedicated team of young researchers is studying dung beetles to understand their relationship with mammal populations, the effects of climate change, and the genetic coding of beetles in order to better understand the diversity of this key group within the Andean Amazon forest food chain.
Analyzing satellite images from our office in Lima (Photo by Fernanda Lacerda).
DEEP LEARNING TO IMPROVE REMOTE SURVEILLANCE
Led by our GIS and Conservation Technologies team, with support from the Andes Amazon Fund.
We use high-resolution satellite imagery to detect selective logging, mining, and road construction in and around the Los Amigos Conservation Concession.
We have strengthened this selective logging detection system by integrating satellite-based analysis with the field actions of our Conservation Promoters, reducing response time to emerging threats.
We are working to develop a new approach based on Deep Learning algorithms to create an automated surveillance system that can be applied at a larger scale in the future.
Detection of sachavaca through thermal sensors (Photo: David Segurado).
DETECTION AND OBSERVATION TECHNOLOGY TO SUPPORT PROTECTED AREAS
Led by Dr. Miles Silman of Wake Forest University.
Dr. Silman's team is experimenting with autonomous, remotely piloted mega-drones equipped with thermal sensors (which record the temperature of objects) and acoustic sensors. These systems incorporate advances in robotics and machine learning to enhance monitoring capabilities.
Conservation Technology HUB in Los Amigos
Allies and Partners
