Breaking the 250-Meter Barrier: Independent Citizen Science in the Colombian Andes
Dear conservationists, birders, and supporters of open science,
My name is Gustavo Henao. I am an autistic citizen scientist and the project lead for an independent avian biodiversity monitoring initiative based in Viterbo, Caldas, within the vital Risaralda River Basin in Colombia.
Working alongside an experienced local fieldwork partner, we transformed an outdated municipal bird list into an active, verified database of 225 bird species—including 40 aquatic and semi-aquatic species along our riverbanks and wetlands. While my partner supports ground navigation and field safety, I independently manage our digital infrastructure, taxonomical data organization, and open-access public dissemination.
The Physical Challenge: Overcoming the 250-Meter Barrier
The Risaralda River Basin is a crucial biological vector in the Andes, home to sensitive indicator species like the Buff-necked Ibis (Theristicus caudatus, locally known as Coclí). Our local findings in Viterbo are so ecologically significant that professional ornithologists and regional authorities have traveled from major capital cities to our municipality to confirm our rare discoveries.
However, riverine birds forage across wide, open gravel bars up to 250 meters away. Approaching them on foot causes severe flushing responses—disturbing their feeding, wasting vital energy, and driving them away entirely.
To conduct ethical, non-disruptive science, we must capture high-diagnostic photographic evidence from a safe distance. Standard consumer gear cannot resolve critical field marks at 250 meters. To build a fully autonomous project and expand our monitoring capacity beyond our municipality into the broader river basin, we urgently require a dedicated professional super-telephoto imaging system.
The Phase 1 Funding Goal: $7,542.91 USD
We are raising $7,542.91 USD to acquire our professional long-range field setup. This figure is strictly calculated based on US retail acquisition, secure international shipping, and mandatory 31% Colombian import taxes and customs duties (DIAN tariffs + IVA).
Your support directly funds:
- Canon EOS R7 Body: 32.5 MP high-density sensor with in-body stabilization and advanced AI tracking for sharp identification of distant birds.
- Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens: Weather-sealed professional super-telephoto reach (up to 800mm equivalent) for long-range riverbank conditions.
- SmallRig AD-01 Fluid Head Tripod: Heavy-duty stabilization required for continuous tracking across mudflats and uneven terrain.
- Lexar Professional 1667x 256GB SDXC (V60) Card: High-speed memory for sustained diagnostic burst capture during fast flight maneuvers.
- Canon LP-E6P Spare Battery: High-capacity power reserve for long monitoring expeditions in remote areas.
- Lowepro Flipside 400 AW III Backpack: Tactical, all-weather field protection for high-humidity tropical conditions.
Open Science & Community Commitment
Our work is completely non-profit and shared as a public good. Every two weeks, our updated Viterbo Municipal Bird Checklist and research findings are released freely under a Creative Commons license on our project website for educators, conservationists, and the scientific community worldwide.
By backing this campaign, you are providing the tools needed to overcome observational barriers and proving that neurodivergent researchers in the Global South can establish proven local baselines and expand regional ecological initiatives.
Every dollar brings us closer to the riverbank with the right gear. Thank you for joining our mission!
With gratitude,
Gustavo Henao
Citizen Scientist & Project Lead
Base of Operations: Viterbo, Caldas, Colombia
(Risaralda River Basin)
