Taxon Expeditions

02/06/2026

The best of the Andes and Amazon. Join a pioneering biodiversity expedition in a remote and little-studied part of Ecuador, where scientists and Indigenous communities work together to document and understand rainforest life.

At Sunka Lodge & Reserve we set out to document biodiversity in one of the most species-rich transition zones on Earth. Together with Indigenous collaborators and scientists, you’ll help build the first baseline inventory of this extraordinary ecosystem—and contribute to the discovery of new species.

Work in the forest and a field lab, explore caves and jungle at night, and take part in real biodiversity research using modern tools like DNA analysis and automated recorders.

A hands-on expedition for those who want to actively contribute to understanding and protecting tropical biodiversity.

More info on our website.

29/05/2026

Pitfall trapping is a common technique entomologists use to hunt insects - it is a pit in the ground into which an animal falls and cannot escape.

The pitfall trap consists basically of a glass, plastic or metal container, sunk into the soil so that the mouth is level with the soil surface, and with a preservative (salt, for example) at the bottom.

Empty traps work, but you can up the ante by using stinky meat as a bait which is hanging from the lid of a jar (the lid is perforated so that insects can fall in).

So, how to place a pitfall trap?

1 - find a suitable place in the forest (good if it is humid!)
2 - put some salt on the bottom of the jar and add a bit of water to make a nice paste
3 - hang the bait from the lid
4 - dig a hole in the ground and place the trap inside
5 - put a roof to protect it from rain and rodents.

Happy hunting!

26/05/2026

Summer is always one of the busiest times of the year for the Taxon Expeditions team.

Many people know us from our expeditions in remote and wild places, but a large part of our work also happens much closer to home. Throughout the summer, we organize biodiversity workshops and citizen science activities for schools, companies, local communities, and anyone curious about the natural world around them.

The summer rush has already begun! Last weekend we were exploring biodiversity with participants in the Amsterdamse Bos, and today we were working with a high school in Voorburg. In June, we’ll also be running a three-day course on invasive species.

From urban parks to rainforest, our mission remains the same: helping people discover, understand, and protect biodiversity.

If you’d like us to organize a workshop, BioBlitz, citizen science activity, or biodiversity training for your school, company, or community group, get in touch. We still have a few dates available in August and September.

See you in the field! 🔍🌿🐞

24/05/2026

Watch until the end to see who enjoyed it the most. 😃

29/04/2026

05/04/2026

Light packing a la Menno ( )

12/03/2026

Imagine discovering a hidden sinkhole, rappelling into its depths, and realising you are the first human to ever see it. Now, imagine knowing that this entire world could be drowned within a few years.

This isn't just a hypothetical. It is the reality of the Komarnica Canyon in Montenegro.

On 12 March 2026, you are invited to an exclusive pre-screening of the new film: "KOMARNICA: The Wild That Remains" where the hosts will dive into the heart of the "Save Komarnica" campaign. This is your chance to go beyond the footage and talk directly with the people on the front lines.

Why you should join:
👉Watch the full film before the YouTube premiere.
👉Get your questions answered by the filmmakers, researchers, and activists.
👉Learn how you can participate!

The Details:
📅 When: 12 March 2026 at 17:00 CET
📍 Where: Online (Link provided upon registration)
🔗 Register using the link in the comment below!

The Komarnica is one of Europe’s last wild jewels. It deserves more than a memory—it deserves a future. Join us to find out how you can help us keep its heart beating.



Save the Blue Heart of Europe Spasimo Komarnicu / Save Komarnica WildReach Productions Crnogorsko Društvo Ekologa/Montenegrin Ecologists Society Taxon Expeditions

18/02/2026

Always wanted to be a modern Darwin and discover new species of wildlife? Then join Taxon Expeditions! We offer a unique experience in biodiversity hotspots around the world for the untrained biodiversity enthusiast.

Our experts will teach you the tricks of the trade of discovering, naming, and describing new species. You will enter the forest with bug nets and jars, and emerge with previously unknown creepy-crawlies that you get to name yourselves in top-notch scientific journals!

Embark on an extraordinary journey and contribute to scientific discovery through hands-on citizen science travel adventures.
Video:

17/02/2026

Are you ready for an adventure that makes a real impact? In July, you can join our team of scientists, National Geographic Explorers, and citizen scientists on a mission to explore and protect Komarnica Canyon - one of Europe’s last wild rivers.

The canyon faces a serious threat: a proposed hydropower dam that would flood its pristine valley and destroy its biodiversity.

Our expedition - which earned an Honorary Mention at the European Citizen Science Awards - works hand in hand with local NGO to document the biodiversity of this hidden canyon and gather the evidence needed to protect it.

This is your chance to:
- Discover species new to science
- Explore wild, untouched nature
- Contribute to real conservation research
- Be part of an international team of explorers
- Work with National Geographic Explorers

When: 6 - 14 July 2026

Where: Komarnica Canyon, Montenegro

Who can join: Anyone with curiosity, love for nature, and a sense of adventure

Join us and help us give a voice to one of Europe’s last wild rivers!

Learn more and sign up via taxonexpeditions.com

14/02/2026

Last Friday and throughout this weekend, our lab has been buzzing with a special kind of event we like to call a TAXATHON.

A group of amazing volunteers joined us at Taxon Lab to screen insects from our collection, carefully searching for parasitic fungi — Laboulbeniales — tiny, fascinating fungi that live attached to insects.

We’re excited to have Danny Haelewaters visiting us from Ghent University, to instruct the volunteers. Danny is a specialist in these extraordinary fungi, and thanks to this collaboration, our volunteers have already discovered several infected specimens.

It’s incredible what careful eyes and collective effort can reveal. And, who knows, perhaps this weekend’s work — powered by citizen scientists — will lead to a beautiful publication in the future.

Science is something YOU CAN DO, not just read about.