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    Published: March 9, 2011

    Rapid Inventories

    Corine Vriesendorp, MacArthur Senior Conservation Ecologist and Director of the Andes-Amazon Program, Keller Science Action Center

    In an era when Google Earth can show us exactly where we are, it seems amazing that vast areas remain unexplored.  Yet, since 1999, our rapid inventories have brought together hundreds of partners to survey the Earth’s least known wilderness.  We have discovered more than 150 species new to science and increased the known ranges for more than 1,000 species. And, the ultimate result of these inventories is spectacular: 32 million acres of protected wilderness in the Amazon headwaters, Cuba, and China. 

    News on the latest conservation landscape

    Our process

    How do we mount a rapid inventory?

    Our impact

    We focus on conservation outcomes--working with governments to get new areas on the map.

    Our reports

    We put science in the hands of decision-makers, conservation organizations, and local people.

    Our team

    In our latest inventory in northern Peru we brought together local residents with museum scientists from around the world.

    Our training

    We are building a corps of rapid inventory scientists in Peru and Bolivia.

    Corine Vriesendorp
    MacArthur Senior Conservation Ecologist and Director of the Andes-Amazon Program

    Corine directs the Andes-Amazon program in the Keller Science Action Center. She is a field biologist with deep experience with the flora and vegetation of the remotest corners of the Western Amazon. She works closely with South American partners to bring science to bear on conservation and the quality of life of local people.