Kamchatka 2008 blog

 

The first forest plot has now been completed in a beautiful patch of stone birch forest (Betula ermanii) south of Esso village in the Gorgachan valley. Today we're taking a welcome rest and not feeling too guilty as the rain has been falling steadily all afternoon. Tomorrow we'll be exploring some areas of old-growth larch forests to find the next place to set up a study plot. We've already had several encounters with bears, but fortunately on each occasion they've retreated peaceably on hearing us coming.

 

The side projects are also going well, apart from some minor methodological difficulties in trapping small rodents. Botanical and entomological collections are underway to complement the main research characterising the forest plots. The local park staff have been extremely helpful and supportive, so it's all going remarkably smoothly and to schedule. All we need now is for the rain to stop!