Join us for this talking to learn about the spectacular birds and ecological biodiversity of the rainforests of the Amazon Basin with Benny Jacobs-Schwartz on Tuesday, January 6, 2025 at 7:00 PM in Fleischmann Auditorium at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. The event is presented by the Santa Barbara Audubon Society and the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.
Spanning nine countries and over 2.7 million square miles, the Amazon Basin is the largest and most biodiverse rainforest on Earth. Fed by thousands of rivers, it forms a living mosaic of flooded forests, shifting islands, and towering canopy — home to jaguars, harpy eagles, and river dolphins. The lecture will be mostly about birds while also exploring the rich lore woven into the Amazon’s history of exploration and discovery. Jacobs-Schwartz will trace the path of epic expeditions and remarkable avian finds before honing in on Ecuador’s Rio Napo and Yasuní National Park, where an astounding 600 species of birds have been identified, each playing a crucial role in the immense web of life. Along the way, he’ll follow the trail of rare species as they were first described, meet the naturalists who brought them to light, and explore the mysteries still hidden in this extraordinary ecosystem.
The talk will also highlight the role of Indigenous-led ecotourism, including community-owned projects where conservation, culture, and world-class birding converge.
Benny Jacobs-Schwartz has worked for over 15 years as a naturalist guide, expedition trip leader, and international bird guide including tours to tropical locales like Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Colombia.
