One of the few whole-tree herbivory estimates was conducted in Walcha, New South Wales, Australia with Earthwatch volunteers in 1985. Over 100,000 leaves were measured for length, width, leaf area, and insect damage. Over 20 Earthwatch volunteers gave their time and energy to this survey, which was critical in solving the eucaylpt dieback syndrome that devastated Australia in the mid-eighties (of note: now we recognize those drought and weather-related insect outbreaks as part of a climate change syndrome). This powerpoint, created by New College student Erik Walimaa, summarizes some of this data on whole tree herbivory.

Click on the cover thumbnail below to read one of Dr. Margaret Lowman’s latest journal articles published in BIOTROPICA. The document is in PDF format.

More of Dr. Lowman’s journal articles are located here.

1. January 20-28, students and families can join her for canopy research at the world’s longest canopy walkway site ACTS (Amazon Center for Tropical Studies). Only 15 participants for this land-based study trip. View PDF Flyer .

2. For a more luxury time in the Amazon, CanopyMeg will be co-leading a travel trip for the Explorers Club — departure date is April 4 on a wonderful ship, traveling from the mouth of the Amazon up near the headwaters with all sorts of adventures along the way. PDF attached that gives the approximate itinerary, with full costs available by calling the toll-free number listed on the description. View PDF .