Nowadays, as part of the AmazonCam project, we are evaluating biodiversity around each lodge: Posada Amazonas, Refugio Amazonas and Tambopata Research Center. Through our camera traps, we not only record valuable data on wildlife diversity around the lodges, but we also have the opportunity to learn more about the behavior of these animals.
One of the camera traps we installed with some of our guests captured an interesting interaction between a common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) and a cane toad (Rhinella marina). In the video, we can see the opossum trying to feed on the toad. However, this proves challenging because this toad has parotoid glands behind each shoulder that release a defensive substance.
The opossum is an omnivorous and opportunistic species, which means it feeds on a wide variety of foods. Its diet includes invertebrates and small vertebrates, such as rodents, frogs, toads, and lizards. It also eats fruits, flowers, nectar, leaves, seeds, bird eggs, and carrion. By feeding on such a wide variety of food, it can play an important role in the ecosystem.
On the other hand, the cane toad secretes a substance from its glands when it feels threatened. This acts as a defense mechanism. The substance is a thick, milky-white secretion that can discourage potential predators.
As we can see in the video, the substance clearly seems unpleasant to the opossum. Now and then, the opossum stops to clean its mouth, apparently trying to remove the substance before attempting to feed on the toad again. Even so, the opossum keeps trying to eat its prey.
But camera traps allow us to see much more than just individual animals. They can reveal how different species use the same environment, what they are doing, and how their activity changes throughout the day.
For example, we have recorded a group of Bolivian Squirrel Monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis) jumping from branch to branch while Pale-winged Trumpeters (Psophia leucoptera) are searching for food on the forest floor. These observations offer a glimpse of how different species share and use the same habitat.
Camera traps can also help us detect species that are difficult to observe directly, especially animals that are shy, elusive, nocturnal, or active when people are not around. Because the cameras can operate continuously, they allow us to collect observations during the day and night, over long periods of time.
By analyzing these records, researchers can study biodiversity, species distribution, behavior, habitat use, activity patterns, and even interactions between species. Over time, repeated observations can help us understand which species are using a particular area, when they are most active, and how they respond to changes in their environment.
And the best part is that we can observe behaviors and interactions that are not easy to witness in person. Since camera trapping is a non-invasive method, we can collect this information while minimizing disturbance to the animals.
Every video becomes a small piece of information. When we put all these pieces together, we can build a better picture of the wildlife living around the lodges and how these species use and share the forest.
As a citizen scientist, you can be part of this Wired Amazon project too! Join our researchers by installing a camera trap, and a month later, you’ll be able to enjoy and learn from the fascinating videos you receive.
By taking part, you can help us discover more about the amazing wildlife that surrounds us.
