Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Victor Valley College Concludes Second Study Visit

Victor Vally College Concludes Second Study Visit to Timor-Leste;
Bringing Total Discovery of Possibly 15 New Species


(The Victor Valley College team on the summit of Mount Manucoco (photo by Hinrich Kaiser)

(Hinrich Kaiser presents the first report of the Victor Valley College Tropical Research Initiative to President Jose Ramos-Horta (photo by Dan Suzio)


(An undescribed species of bent-toed gecko (genus Cyrtodactylus) from Ataúro (photo by Dan Suzio)

FPCD International Advisory Board Member Dr. Hinrich Kaiser concluded his second study visit to Timor-Leste to survey the country's amphibians and reptiles. Under the auspices of the Tropical Research Initiative of Victor Valley College, up to 15 new species have been discovered in Timor-Leste.

This important scientific heritage is part of the unique cultural identity of Timor-Lste. Therefore, Dr. Kaiser was able to submit to His Excellency, President Jose Ramos-Horta, the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, a copy of Victor Valley College's Initial Report of the Herpetofauna of Timor-Leste (pictured above). The report shall be updated to include recent discoveries.

As 2010 is the United Nations designated International Year of Biodiversity, the research conducted by Dr. Kaiser and his able team, contribute to the protection and preservation of this important aspect of the environment.

To receive a copy of the Initial Report or for further information, please contact the FPCD office at biodiversity@postconflictdev.org



To join the tropical research team, interested persons are invited to apply for a summer research trip to survey amphibians and reptiles in three remote areas Timor-Leste.

Students will get an introduction to reptile and amphibian biology, conduct fieldwork and help train Timorese students.

Logistics will include accommodations in forest huts, travel by a Troop Carrier 4x4 and strenuous hiking.

For more information contact Dr. Hinrich Kaiser directly at kaiserh@vvc.edu



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