Second cohort of RARE researchers return from the Amazon

A group of Radford University student-researchers, led by professors Jason Davis and Cassady Urista, recently returned from the Radford Amazonian Research Expedition (RARE), a three-week trip to Peru on which students not only conduct original research, but develop new knowledge, build strong relationships with each other and faculty, explore the exotic terrain and serve those who call the jungle home.

Due to the increased number of participants, the expedition was split into two trips this year. The first group left May 15 and arrived back in the United States on June 4. The second team departed July 16 and returned Aug. 6.

During the most recent trip, students visited an animal rehabilitation center in the small city of Puerto Maldonado, conducted original research at the Las Piedras Biodiversity Research Station, hiked the Loratillo tributary of the Rio de las Piedras, cooked and tasted authentic Peruvian cuisine, climbed 80 feet up a strangler fig for spectacular views over the jungle canopy, captured images of exotic creatures on a trail camera, coasted down the majestic Las Piedras river, star gazed and visited Machu Picchu, among other exciting adventures.

Click below for more photos.