My interest in photography started with an interest in tropical nature. I took my first trip to the tropics in 1966, traveling as far as El Salvador by train and bus. In 1968, while working on my B.S. in zoology, I took part in a biological expedition to Panama.
From 1969 to 1974, I worked as a resident zoologist at the Museu Mello Leitao, working for Augusto Ruschi, Brazil's leading naturalist, conservationist and authority on hummingbirds, bromeliads and small mammals; I discovered a new genus of mammal, "Abrawayomys ruschii". We also discovered a new species of hummingbird, and several new species of orchids. I was also able to pursue several research projects including population ecology of small mammals.
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I earned a master's degree in zoology and published research in scientific journals. From 1980 to 2008, I had a career as a biology teacher. From 1995 to 2005, I owned and ran Tropical Eco-Tours, a tour business that introduced teachers and others to the fascinating tropical diversity of Costa Rica, Panama and Brazil.
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Hope you enjoy my galleries, (if you would like a list of the bird species with links to their galleries email me)
Paul Abravaya, email: Paulsimages@msn.com