After multiple days here, I feel as though we have settled in to a routine. Everyone is focused and working hard on their projects, with just enough time to squeeze in three meals per day. Some do not even manage to do that. Although data collection may be a difficult and strenuous process, the most complicated part was definitely coming up with a question and proper methodology to answer that question. While exploring the rainforest during the first few days here at Refugio Bartola, there were so many new things that I had never seen before and I was full of questions. The only problem is that all of my questions already had answers. Caleb (my partner) and I had originally settled on an experiment focusing on the biodiversity in the crevices of buttress trees and the effects of selective logging. We were finally able find a question that had not been answered by previous research. The only problem with this experiment was that it was extremely difficult and time consuming to carry out and would not be feasible in the short amount of time that we were going to be here. So it was back to the drawing board.

While spending more time with Debra and Rachel, we were able to come up with a question based on a previous paper we had read on Agouti foraging behavior. Since agouti are mostly diurnal and base their foraging behavior on the presence of predators, we wanted to know if they prefer to forage in open or closed understory to determine the potential effects of selective logging. Once the question was established, determining the methodology for answering the question proved to be another difficult process. After some brainstorming, some bumping heads, and some guidance, we were able to come up with a process for answering our question that we believe can be successful. This was all an eye opening experience about the processes behind coming up with a question and determining proper methods to answer that question. Besides a few set backs, it was all a great learning experience and I’m excited to see what new information we learn and the potential conservation implications it may have.