University of Guyana Students Dive into Rainforest Research at Sophia Point
And other June 2025 updates…
June 2025 was an exciting and rewarding month at Sophia Point Rainforest Research Centre as we welcomed students from the University of Guyana for both final year research placements and a third-year field course in mammalogy and ornithology.
Five final year students conducted their independent research projects at the centre, investigating key aspects of rainforest ecology. Two students focused on bats, another explored butterfly diversity, one studied freshwater fish species, and another investigated local snake populations. These students impressed us with their dedication, spending long hours in the field and demonstrating a real passion for scientific research. We look forward to seeing their final project findings and were proud to support them on their journey to becoming scientific researchers.
Alongside this, we hosted the third-year mammalogy and ornithology field group. Students gained hands-on experience by setting mammal traps, mist nets, and camera traps, and even visited a nearby parrot colony. Working closely with the Sophia Point Rangers, they experienced the realities of fieldwork—early 4 a.m. starts and late finishes were all part of the learning!
A heartfelt thank you to the University of Guyana supervisors and teaching assistants for making this vital learning opportunity possible. We’re proud to support the next generation of Guyanese scientists and look forward to continuing this important partnership.
Exploring the Rainforest: Bartica Two Mile Primary Visits Sophia Point
This month we also had the pleasure of welcoming Grade 5 and 6 students from Bartica Two Mile Primary School to the Sophia Point Rainforest Research Centre. It was a day filled with discovery, curiosity, and a deepening appreciation for the rainforest.
The students explored why the rainforest is so important—not just for biodiversity, but for the planet as a whole. Their visit included a guided tour of our off-grid research centre, where they learned about our solar-powered weather station and its role in tracking environmental changes.
One of the highlights of the day was a trail walk with the Sophia Point Rangers. Along the way, students encountered camera traps used in wildlife monitoring and, to everyone’s amazement, saw fresh evidence of a jaguar that had walked the same path just a week earlier—a truly unforgettable moment.
We are grateful to the Regional Education Officer from Region 7 for helping make this visit possible. It was an inspiring day, and we look forward to working with Bartica Two Mile Primary School again in the upcoming academic year.
