Left: What color is the color of poison? The red-backed poison frog (Dendrobates reticulatus) is an amphibian species in the northern Loreto region of Peru, living in tropical moist lowland forests. As a group, poison dart frogs have provided much information to scientists about evolution, toxicity, and medicine. Photo © H. Bruce Rinker

Right: The giant ceiba borer (Euchroma gigantea) is a jewel-like scarab beetle native to the Upper Amazon of Peru. The wings of this insect have been used as body ornaments and in necklaces by Amazonia tribes for centuries, historically noted as decorations for shrunken heads in eastern Ecuador and Peru. Photo © H. Bruce Rinker

Left: Working with native peoples, like these Yagua villagers from the Upper Amazon of Peru, provides researchers with rare insights about ethnobotany, wildlife, and ecosystems otherwise unavailable to outsiders. Photo © H. Bruce Rinker

Right: The village shaman, acting as the local medical and spiritual authority, has intimate knowledge of forest resources such as rare plants and wildlife to assist outside researchers focus their efforts in the field. Photo © H. Bruce Rinker

Science in the 21st century is a collaborative enterprise. Gone are the days of competitive solo investigations, highly restricted data sets, and parochial approaches to international work. BRI is a conservation nonprofit that has always valued its partners at home and abroad for what each brings objectively to the table and into the field for the projects at hand. BRI welcomes mission-related partnerships with individuals and organizations around the world committed to underwriting support for collaborative conservation efforts.

In nature, there are no “last frontiers.” New areas of scientific study emerge almost daily. And, sadly, the unremitting collision between the natural world and human society includes a spectrum of ecological stressors on wildlife and ecosystems that requires our constant vigilance. Since its founding in 1998, BRI has long been recognized as a leader in this field of study.

Of what value is scientific discovery without science education? Through its public messaging to general and professional audiences around the world (from classrooms and science conferences to Capitol Hill and the United Nations), BRI disseminates its findings to decision makers, policy creators, and active citizens to make a long-term difference for conservation.

Providing citizens with hands-on fieldwork and service in some of BRI’s study sites is an important way to enhance the Institute’s mission at home and abroad. These expeditions often allow participants into remote areas otherwise inaccessible to the public. Through its program of ecotours, BRI helps to ensure its long-term research interests from pole to equator.

Diversified revenues streams—from government funding and corporate sponsorships to tax-deductible contributions from major individual donors—are required for a healthy financial future for BRI. As a leading conservation NGO, especially in the study of environmental contaminants, BRI welcomes your long-term partnership!

BRI is proud to announce the launch of The William Beebe Society, named for William Beebe (1877-1962), an American naturalist, explorer, and author extraordinaire.

In recognition of a select group of individuals who demonstrate a strong philanthropic commitment, BRI extends unique privileges that provide an insider’s look at the Institute including invitations to VIP events, field research, and other special events.

To learn more about The William Beebe Society, please contact the office of scientific advancement and development.

Illustration: Land Iguana, Galápagos Islands, William Beebe’s Galápagos: World’s End

The Mark Catesby Legacy Society is named for Mark Catesby (1683-1749), considered America’s first naturalist. His legacy was his striking collection of fine natural history illustrations (featured here and above) of North American biodiversity, circa pre-Revolutionary War.

By making a planned gift to BRI, members of The Mark Catesby Legacy Society provide a bequest that is, at once, a vision of hope, a statement of values, a lasting responsibility of stewardship, and a commitment in perpetuity.

Please contact the office of scientific advancement and development to let us know about your intentions and to be listed as an esteemed and much appreciated member of The Mark Catesby Legacy Society.

Illustration: Ivory-billed Woodpecker, Mark Catesby