With Taxon Expeditions

you are not simply a tourist 

you are an explorer, an adventurer, and a scientist!

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!
Learn more about the expeditions
Scheduled Expeditions

Scheduled Expeditions

Borneo, Brunei

Each day we’ll learn new skills and gain scientific knowledge during hands-on workshops and demonstrations. Whether we’re collecting ferns on a jungle hike, ascending into the canopy to set butterfly traps, or getting a crash course in DNA analysis, these 10 days will be an adventure in every sense of the word.

11 – 20 October 2022 | 10 days

Program

From €3,400

Status: 1 new species found

Italy, Tuscany

Taxon Expeditions goes medieval! … in this Expedition to the majestic Castello and the fields, forests and streams of Potentino Valley. Not only will you study new and unique species but you also get to do your own mini research project. Oh, and did we mention that you will stay in the castle? Tutti benvenuti!

29 April – 7 May 2023 | 9 days

Program

From €2,000

Status: open for registration 

Montenegro, Durmitor NP

In order to find new species, you will explore mountains, canyons, and descend into caves. This sublime mountain region fringed by the staggering Tara River Canyon, the second deepest gorge in the world, will impress you forever! Apply now and amaze yourself with what you can do and learn as a member of a scientific expedition.

15 – 24 July 2023 | 10 days

Program

€3,900

Status: open for registration

What you can expect:
  • Doing real research with real scientists, top experts in their field
  • Lectures and hands-on field research
  • Discovering and naming your own new species
  • DNA analysis in the field using nanopore technology
  • Working in a scientific field laboratory
  • Jungle trekking, caving, canopy climbing, night walks, birdwatching, and more
  • The most amazing animals and plants in the world
  • A unique experience!
Our team of Scientists
Menno Schilthuizen
Dr. Menno Schilthuizen is co-founder and co-director of Taxon Expeditions. He is a senior researcher at Naturalis Biodiversity Center, and professor of evolution and biodiversity.
Iva Njunjic
Dr. Iva Njunjić is co-founder and co-director of Taxon Expeditions. She is biospeleologist (or: cave-biologist) working on systematics and evolution of cave beetles.
Hendrik Freitag
Dr. Hendrik Freitag, instructor on our Borneo and Montenegro expeditions, is a Full Professor at the Ateneo de Manila University where he leads the Ecology and Systematics Research Cluster.
Read more about the team here
Massimo Delledonne
Dr. Massimo Delledonne is Full Professor of Genetics at Universita’ degli Studi di Verona. He manages a vigorous research program that emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to understanding plant and human biology.
Andrew Quitmeyer
Dr. Andrew Quitmeyer is a hacker adventurer studying intersections between wild animals and computational devices. His research inspired an international television series “Hacking the Wild” on Discovery Networks.
Carin Bondar
Guest instructor is Canadian TV biologist Dr. Carin Bondar. She has a PhD in biology from the University of British Columbia. Her fieldwork took her to the forests of British Columbia and New Zealand.

Other Activities

We offer tailor-made biodiversity activities and workshops for companies, Museums, and private events (for children and adults). Using a variety of fun and exciting techniques, your team will be fully immersed in scientific research while at the same time having an unforgettable outdoor activity and a unique learning experience.

Enquiries: info@taxonexpeditions.com

 

Testimonials

Christian Molls, Germany

“I enjoyed very much the expedition in Borneo and we really found new species! Also after a while, we felt like a big family and it was a great experience! Both citizen scientists and “real” scientists will love it! After the expedition, I felt motivated more than ever to pursue a career in science. It is a great feeling knowing that we contributed something significant to local wildlife and community. I would recommend this trip to anyone with a heart for nature, biodiversity, and conservation.”

Taly Eddington, USA

“Our expedition to Tawau in Borneo was simply amazing! The jungles were beautiful, the wildlife diversity was incredible, but most importantly – the instructors were extremely patient, knowledgeable, and really helped me learn and retain so much information about ecology, biodiversity, evolutionary changes, DNA, field-work, and so much more! Finding and describing 5 new species was an incredible culmination of all the hard work we put into everything. If I could, I would go again in a heartbeat, and recommend it to anyone with an interest in nature, biodiversity, and a sense of adventure!”

Charlie Elder, UK

“The successful Borneo expedition I joined was an experience of a lifetime, excellently organised by friendly, knowledgeable and engaging experts.
A fascinating and packed programme of treks and talks offered the chance to learn the field skills and science required to claim new finds as we explored Sabah’s biodiversity-rich rainforest.
The inspiring trip was underpinned by a strong sense of teamwork. I came in search of new species and found great people as well. I thoroughly recommend Taxon Expeditions to any nature lovers looking to join a genuine journey of discovery!”

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