Las Cuevas Research Station: A Unique Resource for Understanding Transitions, Disturbance, and Resiliency in Tropical Ecosystems

位于伯利兹西部的拉斯奎瓦斯研究站（LCRS）建于1995年，已经在热带生态学、干扰生态学、生态过渡和森林保护方面取得了一系列令人印象深刻的科学成就。该站接待了许多国际研究人员和教育工作者。在该奖项中获得的资金将用于购买研究和通信设备。目前的长期研究包括但不限于：生境转变对食肉动物密度的影响；干扰对蝴蝶种群的影响生物扰动对昆虫群落竞争对手清除的影响采伐对非木材林产品（NTFP）繁殖的影响；项目Anuran监测方案；还有一个重新引入大雕的项目。该项目还将与伯利兹政府和大学、爱丁堡皇家植物园和玛雅森林企业建立国际伙伴关系，促进合作和信息交流。视像会议将把伙伴大学联系起来，远程学习将通过合作协议更广泛地传播。因此，对该设施提出的改进将使多个用户（研究人员、教育工作者、学生、当地伯利兹人）受益，促进信息和文化交流，并提高研究生产力。

Las Cuevas Research Station (LCRS) in western Belize was built in 1995 and has already compiled an impressive list of scientific accomplishments related to tropical ecology, disturbance ecology, ecological transitions, and forest conservation. This station has hosted numerous international researchers and educators. Funds received in this award will support the purchase of research and communication equipment. Current long-term studies include but are not limited to: the effect habitat transitions on carnivore densities; effects of disturbance on butterfly populations; the impact of biological perturbations in the form of competitor removal in insect communities; the impact of harvest on reproduction in the non-timber forest product (NTFP), xaté; Project Anuran monitoring program; and a harpy eagle reintroduction program. This project will also establish international partnerships with the Government and University of Belize (UB), the Royal Botanical Garden of Edinburgh, and Maya Forest Enterprises, fostering collaboration and information exchange. Video conferencing will link the partner universities and distance learning will be disseminated more broadly through collaborative agreements. The proposed improvements to the facility will therefore benefit the multiple users (researchers, educators, students, local Belizeans), foster informational and cultural exchange, and increase research productivity.