CANOPY ACCESS

The study of the distribution of forest biodiversity is generally hindered by the difficulty of access to the treetop (canopy). The IBISCA research programme aims at studying the spatiotemporal distribution of arthropods in forests by relying on state-of-the-art canopy access techniques and devices including cranes, platforms (Solvin-Bretzel canopy raft), treehouses (IKOS) and balloons (Canopy-Bubble and Canopy-Glider). Professional tree-climbers are also of great help to collect the samples in the canopy.

Canopy crane

The 52m tall San Lorenzo canopy crane was used during the IBISCA-Panama expedition.

SolVin-Bretzel canopy raft (Radeau des Cimes)

The SolVin-Bretzel is a 400m² inflatable platform which is put on the canopy surface. It was used during the IBISCA-Panama expedition.

Treehouse (IKOS)

 The IKOS is an arboreal observatory which accomodates up to 3 researchers.

Canopy Bubble (Bulle des Cimes)

 
The canopy bubble is a seat harness suspended from a helium balloon that moves along a rope laying over the canopy surface.

Canopy-Glider (Arboglisseur)

 Canopy dome (Arbodôme) sheltering the Canopy-Glider 
 Opening of the canopy dome and canopy-glider in flight during IBISCA-Santo.

Tree-Climbers

 

Professional tree-climbers assist the researchers by collecting samples in the canopy.

Links:

Association Radeau des Cimes

http://www.radeau-des-cimes.org/gb/welcome.htm 

Gilles Ebersolt (architect of canopy access devices)

http://www.gillesebersolt.com/rea/sob.htm 

Pro-natura international, developper of the Canopy-Glider with Dany Cleyet-Marrel and the support of Ricoh: http://www.pronatura.org/

 

 

Web pages hosted by the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences and maintained by Maurice Leponce and Yves Basset. Last update 07/03/2014