THE PERUVIAN AMAZON
On our first international expedition, we joined a fantastic team to search for the mantises that inhabit the most biodiverse rainforest in the world. An exciting journey, full of discoveries and adventures.
MABÁN: MANTIS FROM THE PERUVIAN AMAZON
With funding from the National Geographic Society, the Mabán expedition searched for new species of praying mantises in unique environments of the Amazon. Along three weeks, we carried out intense and immersive night searches, revealing a very rich and threatened biodiversity. On the journey, a three-day boat trip up the Ucayali River brought us closer to the local communities and allowed us to continue the process of always rearing each collected praying mantis until natural death.
FROM SAND FORESTS TO THE LEGENDARY BOILING RIVER
The Amazon hides ancient secrets. Under the dense, green canopy, dozens of unique ecosystems are found. On this expedition, we visited two of the most special: the forests that grow on white sand in the Allpahuayo-Mishana National Reserve and the Boiling River, whose waters flow incessantly at temperatures of over 90ºC. Connecting the two regions was the Ucayali River, traveled by boat for three days.
INTERNATIONAL TEAM
In addition to Projeto Mantis, which included João Herculano at that time, we were honored to carry out this expedition together with an incredible team. The initial idea actually came from Andrés Ruzo, an explorer who revealed the Boiling River to the world and became a great friend of ours. Educator Becky Schnekser joined us to turn this experience into educational content for schools. In Lima, Julio Rivera, one of the world's leading experts on neotropical mantises, welcomed us and shared all his knowledge. In addition, we met amazing people who supported us a lot, such as Rosa, Lu, José, Erick, Ian and many other friends and partners on this journey.
ART AND SCIENCE
Invited to illustrate this expedition, our friend and tattoo artist Bruna Andrade produced the poster for the sand forests stage, an incredible art that inspired us to search for the mysteries and living spirits that inhabit the Amazon rainforest.
SHARING EXPERIENCES
In addition to the scientific and artistic process, Mabán expedition was marked by extensive face-to-face contact and outreach. There were exhibitions and lectures in Peru and Brazil, including at Lima's Museum of Natural History. We also conducted an amazing Workshop in the field for more than 30 researchers, photographers and local enthusiasts at Allpahuayo-Mishana National Reserve.
