During my time at Para La Tierra (PLT), I conducted a self guided research project into the biological diversity of amphibians between different habitats with varying levels of anthropogenic disruption. Work hours are individual and depend on the project being studied, but most are early starts. Due to the nature of my work, I had to arise at around 4am every morning to check pitfall traps so that any caught specimens were not harmed by the afternoon heat. Species were identified, measured and weighed in the field and then released again, where identification not possible, were transported back to the lab and returned the next day. After returning back, I would read papers and familiarise myself with the current literature of the area. This was repeated for around 12 weeks, and throughout I was writing a research paper, as PLT are consistent publishers of research with over 250 already published. Due to my project only taking place for 12 week, data collected is to be used as part of a larger article on a whole year study of amphibian diversity rather than just a single season. Other duties included general environmental tasks, like habitat surveys for example.

We were fortunate enough to join the lead of PLT, Dr. Rebecca Smith to the Atlantic forest, the last preserved area of Paraguay. Most of it has been devastated by soy farms, a 90% deforestation in area since the 1980s. Visiting one of the last bastions of this habitat was unbelievable. I am struggling to think of words to describe it to be honest. Towering jungles, open lakes, it was the total package. We aided with Rebecca's 7 year project on Hooded Capuchins and other biodiversity measures. The number of undescribed species within this ecosystem was immense, and having the privilege to visit this area and take it all in, which may unfortunately be gone soon, was a highlight.