Amazon Moth trapping in COVID Times

[bartcoppens]

Dear users of Insectnet;
Today I would value the opinion of experienced entomologists and moth trappers.

You see; a dream of mine ALMOST came true. 
Finally I have enough funds to be able to moth trap in the Amazon rainforest!

Initially I wanted to go the "Amazon Nature Lodge" in French Guyane. Link: www.amazonenature.com/

But unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions this is not  possible right now. French Guyane is essentially closed for non-essential travel. 
In conclusion, I must look for a "Plan B".  

My question is:
Does anyone have recommendations for nature lodges in other countries that accomodate moth trapping, preferably in the Amazon rainforest?  


Background information:
1. I will be travelling alone. Therefore, I prefer places that have their own moth trapping equipment. It would be more difficult for me to arrange my own equipment. 
2. I've considered other parts of the world too, but  seeing  the Amazon is a huge dream of mine. 
3. Yes, I am double vaccinated! 
4. Being able to legally collect specimens is a huge bonus. But it's not absolutely necessary. I'm also happy with just photographing and filming.
5. I have basic experience with international travel (but not a huge amount, I'm somewhat young [28]). 

This is a shot in the dark - I imagine there is a very limited amount of places where a single individual can book a trip and moth trap. It's one of the more rare forms of ecotourism. But this forum probably has some experienced entomologists. 

My other option is to wait for travel restrictions to dissapear in French Guyane, but I fear this may take a long time with some bad luck. 

Thank you and regards;
Bart Coppens 

[58chevy]

You can probably get some good information by contacting the McGuire Center in Florida. Here's a link:

www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/mcguire/

[bartcoppens]

Thank you for the tip. If they advise amateurs when it comes to collection trips, I'll contact them too!
Otherwise, Very curious about the opinion of experienced moth trappers on this forum

[trehopr1]

Our forum member wingedwishes only recently got back from Belize and I think he had a blast.

It may not be the Amazon but it is still tropical rainforest and I believe he stayed at a pretty decent place as well.

PM him for more information if you're interested in that locale.

[Adam Cotton]

I suspect that most of the Amazon itself (in Brazil) would not be a good idea for light trapping, even if you aren't catching them, due to all the problems in that country. The upper Amazon is in Peru, and you could possibly get permits there once everything opens up again.

Adam.

[bartcoppens]

Thank you for the tips guys! I appreciate it.
I considered Brazil as an option too, but I agree the situation nowadays is dangerous, especially if I go alone.
These are difficult times for moth trappers..

[Adam Cotton]

I was thinking more of the legal problems you would face trying to run a moth trap in Brazil, rather than safety issues.

Adam.

[exoticimports]

Brazil is a banana republic with zero legal collecting unless you’re with a university. Like India. Both relish busting collectors.

Chuck

[bartcoppens]

So, I found a really interesting website: regua.org/biodiversity/moths/

not exactly the Amazon, but quite similar. Hmmm!

Sept 30, 2021 17:37:11 GMT -8 exoticimports said:

Brazil is a banana republic with zero legal collecting unless you’re with a university. Like India. Both relish busting collectors.

Chuck

Sadly, I heard about this. It's probably to keep nosy alarmists out, that observe the massive destruction  

[jshuey]

If they are still doing it - Amazon Insects hosts collectors - www.amazoninsect.com/tingo_maria.html.

My guess is that they would gladly take you to Iquitos in the amazon... I have not seen recent reviews, but a few years back there were lots of very happy campers with insect nets in their hands... see this thread collector-secret.proboards.com/thread/1028/peru?page=1

Also Treehppper mentioned Belize - which is entering the dry season right now and won't be good collecting again until late June... During the rainy season it can be great - but it is not the amazon.

John

[prioninae]

Hi Bart,

French Guyana is currently open for vaccinated people flying from France, no quarantine, no PCR needed. It could change any time but right now it is open. Besides Amazon nature lodge, there is also "camp Patawa" which offers entomology equipement. There are a few others I believe but can't remember their names.