SES Explorer Series: James Kempton - Expedition Cyclops

In the summer of 2023, James Kempton led Expedition Cyclops, a scientific research expedition to the Cyclops Mountains of Indonesian New Guinea. This expedition was supported by SES via our Explorer Awards programme and awarded to James at the 2022 SES Oscars of Exploration presentation evening.

The aim was to rediscover Attenborough's long-beaked echidna, unseen by science for 62 years, and to undertake research on the ecology and evolutionary history of the range's animals. The expedition formed part of James' interest in the biogeography of the New Guinea region, which he holds alongside an interest in disease epidemiology (the basis of his current research project at the University of Oxford) and bird flight biomechanics (in which he did his PhD).

At the very end of Expedition Cyclops, James and his team recorded the first-ever images of Attenborough's long-beaked echidna on one of the 80 camera traps they had deployed in the remote Cyclops Mountains. They had rediscovered Attenborough's echidna, 'lost' to science for 62 years. Alongside the collection of thousands of animal specimens and 75kg of rock samples, the rediscovery was one of many successes during Expedition Cyclops. However, the team failed to be the first expedition to make a northern ascent of the Cyclops, a mountain range that though small, and peopled at its base, remains untrod by humans in most parts.

In his talk, James will recount the search for Attenborough's 'lost' echidna, and the trials and joys of Expedition Cyclops. To discover more, visit Expedition Cyclops. To keep up to date with news on Expedition Cyclops and new projects, sign up for the expedition mailing list.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Tuesday 29 October 2024

Venue: The Albert Room, Coopers Arms, 87 Flood Street, London SW3 5TB

(Drinks from 6.30pm, talk will start promptly at 7pm, followed by Q&A)

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