Reports are made from mid-month to mid-month; we will add the last part of June's work as we can. This report has been edited during translation and for the Web.

Map of Eastern Ecuador
June 2, 1997
I attended a course on the cultivation of Spirulina algae - a possible alternative lifestyle to help save mountain tapir and its habitat. A Frenchman gave the course. [Culture of blue-green algae could become an ecologically sound source of income for villagers.]

June 3, 1997
Went to Casa Nahuazo since Felicia wished to speak to me about the tree planting. Later organized more plantings, then traveled to Ambato to talk to the new director of MAG. I spoke of the reforestation project and the mountain tapir. Later went to set up a conference.

June 4, 1997
I was interviewed on the Voz del Sanctuario radio about forestation of the canton.

June 5, 1997
Work regarding reforestation.

June 9, 1997
Went with the Catholic rider [driver for the Catholic church] to Rio Negro, where a tapir had been killed. Gave a conference to the high school here. Few showed up due to torrential rain, 20 children, 7 adults. Planned to give the talk later. Encountered hunters out to kill a puma. Tried to stop them but they ignored me. I will ask for a park guard here.

June 10, 1997
Working out a donation of land for a garbage dump. [This is not directly related to mountain tapirs, but is part of Ruben's overall work to help his community learn to care for their town, their countryside and ultimately their country's resources. Garbage is a serious problem in the Baños area.]

June 11, 1997
Got my pack ready to go to Atillo. In the afternoon, went to Riobamba.

June 12, 1997
Went to Atillo with INEFAN officials of Sangay National Park. There has been an environmental impact study here on the road construction. They said they found some 1884 rock inscriptions. Learned something about the Purshi area [a formerly-pristine area of the national park, now threatened by the new Guamote-Macas road]. The park ranger said we could capture and collar mountain tapirs using three locals, but that the workers would have to be paid, plus food. [Perhaps one or two weeks would be involved. Probably $500 or so involved here, plus gas for government vehicle.]

June 16, 1997
Wrote monthly report.