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PMA 2004 Expedition Photos
A serenity beyond belief as we wind our way through the narrow channels and under sprays of limbs.
Boobies pearched above us as we wound our way about the island's wonders.
A Flush of new leaves leaps outward as if to proclaim their existance.
The new leaves bring one to realize that this life form still continues, after so many thousands of millenia.
The tranquility of the waters within the Escudo protected areas is simply a feast of delights.
Clinging to sharp cliffs in such seemingly harsh circumstances for survival, our perceptions are out of sorts when the
ages of both these plants and their species are considered.
ages of both these plants and their species are considered.
Cycad Site #1. We found at least 3 plants on this steep hillside. The very moist soil made it a bit difficult to traverse, as did
the large bejuco (vines) with very formidable thorns!
the large bejuco (vines) with very formidable thorns!
That these plants can continue their existence under such conditions is simply incredulous when all factors are included.
Yari with a sand beach setting plant & its new flush leaves. Salt water obviously splashes over this area in storm periods.
Gregg making measurements of this sand beach environ. He indicated it was considerably reduced in size by winter
storms from his previous visit. Fully implanted within sand, washed by salt water not infrequently - what a variance!
storms from his previous visit. Fully implanted within sand, washed by salt water not infrequently - what a variance!
Yari enjoying a refreshing respite from the warm, humid jungle air of Escudo. This coral bed had been completely covered
with sand the previous year, according to Gregg. Even within a protected outer reef, the waves can be ferocious inside.
with sand the previous year, according to Gregg. Even within a protected outer reef, the waves can be ferocious inside.
This "dehiscing" male was nearly Al's nemisis. His captured cone broke free and went swimming, he nearly fell into the
waters below and he lost his favorite "stick" at this locale. But, he was triumphant! The pollinating beetles were
captured and brought back for study!
waters below and he lost his favorite "stick" at this locale. But, he was triumphant! The pollinating beetles were
captured and brought back for study!
This female was about 4 mtrs left of the above male. This cone was directly above the sea waters and would obviously set
her seeds into the sea waters, likely to be lost forever.
her seeds into the sea waters, likely to be lost forever.
Jody hard at work measuring, collect and just have the time of his life in his favorite element!
Jody and Gregg returned safely from their wild search for the Isla Popa Z. neurophyllidia, having been blessed by the local
"sage" calling himself "Mama-Tata", and avoiding successfully the purportedly numerous "Xexes" swarming this isla.
"sage" calling himself "Mama-Tata", and avoiding successfully the purportedly numerous "Xexes" swarming this isla.
Yari delighting in the literally 1,000s of Z neurophyllidia inhabiting this open ocean beach on Bastimentos. That they were
often totally within sand & obviously exposed to sea waters during storm surges, brought a new aspect to this species lives
often totally within sand & obviously exposed to sea waters during storm surges, brought a new aspect to this species lives
In addition to numerous cut-backs to the species, they also were exposed to considerable sunlight in many locales. The
vast majority we examined were new growths from older stock, sometimes several previous cuts were evident.
vast majority we examined were new growths from older stock, sometimes several previous cuts were evident.
There were no shortages of "in-cone" Z. neurophyllidia specimens on Bastiamentos, even with the incredible quantities of
2nd, 3rd or even more secondary growths obvious. Rare were the single growth specimens. This male was measured by Al
Taylor and recorded by LNA with a trunk not even 2 ft high! It too, was a secondary growth specimen.
2nd, 3rd or even more secondary growths obvious. Rare were the single growth specimens. This male was measured by Al
Taylor and recorded by LNA with a trunk not even 2 ft high! It too, was a secondary growth specimen.
