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BIRD RESEARCH TEAM

tanagers. cotingas. flycatchers. antbirds. tinamous. antwrens. woodpeckers. parrots. 

Volunteering, Internships and Training Courses
* Contribute to wildlife conservation in the tropics *
Understanding the diversity, distribution, population dynamics, and         
optimal conservation strategies of forest-dwelling birds in Amazonian Peru
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Bird Team Objectives

Our Bird Team, which is headquartered in the cities of Puerto Maldonado and Cusco, is tasked with the following principle scientific and conservation objectives: (i) to establish baseline datasets of the diversity and abundance of over 600 species of birds at Amazonian field sites in the Madre de Dios and Cusco regions of Peru; (ii) to monitor changes in the diversity, abundance and community structure of birds at these sites over time scales ranging from months to years and even decades; (iii) to compare and contrast sites in terms of bird diversity, abundance and community structure; (iv) to understand and explain the differences and changes in bird communities within and between sites and over time (seasons, years, decades) with respect to environmental and anthropogenic variables such as climate (temperature, rainfall), forest type (terra-firme, floodplain), land-use categories (protected areas, indigenous or native community forest, ecotourism concessions, timber and non-timber extractive reserves, bushmeat hunting areas, and forests surrounded by or immediately adjacent to agricultural and cattle ranching areas), and underlying human-related disturbance as measured by distance from towns and villages, roads, and large navigable rivers; (v) to identify bird populations or communities that are changing particularly rapidly and the likely underlying causes of this change; (vi) to provide forest land owners and managers with information about the conservation status of the bird community in their forest; (vii) to educate the general public in Peru and worldwide about Neotropical birds; and ultimately (viii) to promote conservation actions at the species, site and landscape level that will help conserve the avifauna of Peru.

Striated Antbird seen during a Fauna Forever bird survey

Striated antbird (Drymophila devillei)

Photo: Tom Ambrose

Band-tailed Manakin being examined during Fauna Forever bird research activities

A male Band-tailed manakin (Pipra fasciicauda) having its wing evaluated for moult limits and general

wear and tear. Photo: Fauna Forever

Fauna Forever bird research interns being taught bird banding

A typical banding station in the forest, with one research coordinator and a couple of interns. Photo: Ian Paul Markham.

Curl-crested Aracari being banded during Fauna Forever bird research activities

Coordinators Chris and Giria working together to band a Curl-Crested Aracari

Methods Used

The main field methods that the bird team employs under the leadership of our experienced bird research coordinators, include mist-netting in combination with banding or ringing (largely for forest understorey and cryptic species), point count surveys (largely for canopy and flocking species), and camera trap arrays (largely for ground-dwelling species). Each week, between 3-6 days are dedicated to mist nets, 1-3 days to point counts, and 5-7 days to automated camera trap survey techniques. With respect to mist-netting, at each field site we have identified and marked 12-24 sample stations, each separated on average by 200 m, and on each sample day we use 9-12 nets (each 12 m long, 2.5 m high) erected in groups of three. Sampling takes place from dawn for a period of approximately 4 hours, followed by data review (error corrections if required), and potentially dismantling nets and erecting them at the next set of stations. Caught birds are processed quickly, including ringing or banding, recording morphological characteristics, and assessing moult patterns to help age individuals. Birds are released close to the point of capture. When it comes to point count surveys, these are undertaken at 12-24 stations per site during the first 2-4 hours after dawn and for a period of 10 minutes each. Radial distances to birds recorded visually and via auditory cues are estimated and used to calculate species-specific densities using the program Distance. Depending on the field site, some point count stations are located in very open areas (usually river banks) and are used for counting flocking bird species such as parrots, macaws, oropendolas, and caciques as they fly to and from roosting sites. The camera trap arrays consist of 10-20 cameras per site, each separated from each other by at least 200 m. These record terrestrial birds, such as tinamous, ant-pittas, rails, among other species. These camera trap arrays are generally monitored and maintained by the mammal team, however the bird teams assist by checking battery and memory cards and collecting and analyzing records of birds collected by these traps. Again the data is used to assess diversity and relative abundance of species using standard analytical protocols, as well as occupancy modelling to predict species distributions and habitat suitability. Data analysis and visualisation programs that we use include R, SPSS, Distance, Mark, Estimates, Camera Base, and QGIS.

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A Typical Day on the Bird Team

Bird research days are generally split into morning and afternoon sampling sessions. The team, which is led by a research coordinator or two, tries to complete two sessions each day (weather permitting) for a total of around 7 hrs of active field time and data input per day. On most morning sessions, the team gets up early (4.30 am) for breakfast, before setting off by foot to the first sample station. Sampling begins around 5:30 am no matter whether the method is mist netting or point counts. On returning to the field station after 4 hours of fieldwork, the team will input and review the data collected, including inputting photos of moult limits identified on each bird captured. Lunch is served at 1 pm, after which team members can relax for a couple of hours. At 3:00 pm, the late afternoon session begins, which can consist of either mist net lane cleaning and erecting mist nets, preparing point count stations for future counts, setting up or taking down camera traps, or collecting habitat data in and around sample stations using 0.05-ha Modified Gentry plots. The team is often back at base camp by 5:30 pm. Occasionally (once every two weeks) the team will go out at night (Sometime between 6 pm to 11 pm) to record presence/absence information on owl, potoo and other largely nocturnal bird species. Daily schedules are subject to change at the discretion of the team coordinators and depending on current projects and weather. 

Join the Bird Team!

Five ways to volunteer or intern with us
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Since 1997, the bird team has been welcoming volunteers, interns and thesis students to the Peruvian Amazon from across the world - people who are interested in learning the field methods we use, assisting us with day-to-day biodiversity research and conservation activities, and undertaking their own bird-focused dissertation projects with the help of our expertise and professional supervision. Opportunities are available for short or extended periods of time throughout the year in Peru and for people with a variety of research skill levels, financial constraints, and time considerations. Some volunteer and internship options are also free depending on the applicant, their proven level of experience, the season, and our discretionary scholarship funds. However, the majority of successful applicants are asked to pay a fee to help cover the cost of their stay with us, as our central project funding is limited. These fees cover all costs associated with the program, such as local transport, food, lodging, and certain items of equipment that volunteers and interns use frequently, but do not cover personal expenses such as snacks, bottled beverages, clothes, rubber boots, toothpaste, medical expenses, etc.

Field Course Internship

This option is for those people interested in learning or improving research techniques and related field skills for studying birds in terrestrial landscapes. We offer introductory, intermediate, advanced and master-level course segments in bird banding/ringing, point count sampling, species identification, and datasheet and database management methods. Each course segment lasts two weeks, and interns can opt to combine several segments into a course that best suits their training needs with respect to bats. Each course segment is led by one or two bat experts, each with years of experience to share, and include both theoretical and practical classes. Participants who successfully complete the full course (i.e. all four segments, Beginner to Master, lasting 8 weeks) or the three most advanced segments (i.e. Intermediate to Master, 6 weeks) can gain direct access to the Skilled Research Internship program going forward, as their level of expertise will have reached a sufficiently high level that would be able to assist the bird team coordinators with all aspects of their work in a professional and semi-independent manner. Fees apply for each course segment. More about Field Course Internship Program here.

1. Introductory Course Segment - Neotropical Bird Research

Duration: 2 weeks

Description: Participants will learn (i) the basics of how to prepare a mist net lane in the forest and how to open, close and safely store mist nets; (ii) to handle birds in a safe and ethical manner, using two primary grip modes (though not physical extraction of birds from a net); (iii) the theory behind bird banding and mark-recapture studies, including band or ring application techniques; (iv) the theory behind effectively determining age, sex and reproductive status of birds in the hand, including moult strategies and how these differ within and between families; (v) to identify birds visually and from their calls using field guides, cellphone or mobile apps, photographic plates, and online resources; (vi) the theory behind various extraction methods to get birds out of a net (pros and cons); (vii) the details of the morphological measurements that we collect (including the universal codes used) and will actively take specific measurements from a selection of larger bird species held in the hand while closely supervised by the trainer; (viii) the theory behind point count sampling for species density estimation; and (ix) the theory and practise behind the habitat variables that we collect in and around each sample station (i.e. vegetation plots).

Certificate: Yes.

Fee: US$ 1,400 *

A hummingbird having its bill measured during Fauna Forever bird research activities
Bird research interns using a field guide to identify birds during Fauna Forever bird research activities

Using the "Birds of Peru" fieldguide to

identify a bird. Photo: Jason Kopp

Band-tailed Manakin being weighed during Fauna Forever bird research activities

A Band-tailed manakin (Pipra fasciicauda) head down in a cannister, being weighed. Photo: Jason Kopp

A antwren having its wing measured by a bird research intern during Fauna Forever bird research activities

An antwren having its wing measured.

Photo: Tom Ambrose

A hummingbird having its beak measured.

Photo: Tom Ambrose

Bird watchign during a Fauna Forever avian point count survey

A point count sample in full swing. Photo: Giovanna Tron.

Birds waiting to be banded during Fauna Forever bird research activities

Bagged birds waiting to be processed (measured, weighed, etc.). Photo: Giovanna Tron.

A Fauna Forever bird reserach intern releasing a Band-Tailed Manakin during Fauna Forever bird research activities

A Band-tailed manakin about to be released. Photo: Gaby Widerkehr

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5. Course Segment Combinations - Neotropical Bird Research

Beginner + Intermediate (4 weeks)

Intermediate + Advanced (4 weeks) 

Advanced + Master (4 weeks) 

Beginner + Intermediate + Advanced (6 weeks) 

Intermediate + Advanced + Master (6 weeks) 

Beginner + Intermediate + Advanced + Master (8 weeks) 

US$ 2,280 *

US$ 2,280 *

US$ 2,280 *

US$ 3,125 *

US$ 3,125 *

US$ 4,000 *

* Course fees in each case are per person and include (i) Puerto Maldonado airport pick-up and drop off; (ii) transfers to and from the active field site using cars and boats; (iii) accommodation at field sites and in Puerto Maldonado (shared rooms); (iv) main meals at field sites and in Puerto Maldonado (vegetarian options are available); (v) research permits (if the site requires them); (vi) personalised training in the techniques and skills for each course (theoretical and practical); (vii) opportunities to accompany the bird team during all research activities; and (viii) non-research birding trips (walking and boat-based excursions) to observe and learn about as many of the local bird species as possible. The fee does not include (i) flights; (ii) travel and health insurance; (iii) personal expenses like between-meal snacks (chocolates, biscuits, etc.) and bottled beverages; (iv) medical expenses; (v) laundry costs (research station or lodge staff can be paid to wash clothes); (vi) un-scheduled transport between the active field site and Puerto Maldonado; (vii) wifi or internet access at sites where this is available. Note: Extra fees may be applicable for a private room.

4. Master Course Segment - Neotropical Bird Research

Duration: 2 weeks

Description: Participants will learn all of the key components and skills taught in earlier courses (see above) but will attain a degree of professionalism in each case that by the end of this 8-week course they should be able to independently undertake all aspects of our bird research protocols with only very little supervision from our bird team coordinators (with supervision focused only on health and safety, bird identification, and data entry and checking). This course will also include a formal evaluation of theoretical knowledge and practical skills towards the end of the 8-week period. Thus, participants who successfully complete this course will possess the skills necessary be able to establish and develop their own bird population monitoring projects in a variety of terrestrial environments around the world. 

Certificate: Yes.

Fee: US$ 1,400 *

3. Advanced Course Segment - Neotropical Bird Research

Duration: 2 weeks

Description: Participants will learn (i) to independently establish a new net lane consisting of three 12-m long mist nets in a tropical forest environment, with little supervision; (ii) to safely extract all types of birds (including raptors) from mist nets following one or other of the recommended extraction methods we use, including safely bagging extracted birds for later processing, with only some supervision; (iii) to apply bands or rings to each bird extracted; (iv) to record all categories of morphological data, including moult limits and moult cycle codes used to age birds; (v) to identify birds in the hand using all available guides, apps and other photographic material to an accuracy of 90%; (vi) the theory behind bounded and unbounded detection, and how to analyse this data to estimate bird density; (vii) to identify birds visually at a distance and via their calls with an accuracy of 70% and 50% respectively, especially with regards to sub-canopy and canopy dwelling species; (vii) to accurately estimate radial distances from the centre of a point count station to individual birds or flocks of birds, including techniques for rapid estimation of conspecific flock sizes; (ix) to enter data about each bird into our laptop computers, with only limited supervision, including data review techniques to catch errors and increase quality of the dataset; and (x) the theory and practise behind the habitat variables that we collect in and around each sample station (i.e. vegetation plots), including techniques to analyse this data. 

Certificate: Yes.

Fee: US$ 1,400 *

2. Intermediate Course Segment - Neotropical Bird Research

Duration: 2 weeks

Description: Participants will learn (i) to establish a new net lane consisting of three 12-m long mist nets in a tropical forest environment, with supervision from our bird team coordinators; (ii) to safely extract all types of birds (except raptors and toucans) from mist nets following one or other of the recommended extraction methods we use, including safely bagging the individuals for later processing, with professional over-the-shoulder supervision at all times; (iii) to apply bands or rings to each bird extracted; (iv) to record all categories of morphological data, including moult limits and moult cycle codes used to age birds, with help provided where necessary; (v) to identify birds in the hand using all available guides, apps and other photographic material to an accuracy of 75%; (vi) to independently establish a point count station; (vii) the theory behind bounded and unbounded detection, and how to analyse this data to estimate bird density; (viii) to identify birds visually at a distance and via their calls with an accuracy of 50% and 25% respectively, especially with regards to sub-canopy and canopy dwelling species; (ix) to accurately estimate radial distances from the centre of a point count station to individual birds or small flocks of birds, including techniques for rapid estimation of conspecific flock sizes; (x) to enter data about each bird into our laptop computers, under close supervision, including data review techniques to catch errors and increase quality of the dataset; and (xi) the theory and practise behind the habitat variables that we collect in and around each sample station (i.e. vegetation plots), including techniques to analyse this data. 

Certificate: Yes.

Fee: US$ 1,400 *

A bird research intern measruing the tarsus of a foliage gleaner during Fauna Forever bird research activities
Bird bands / bird rings

Skilled Research Internship

If you already possess advanced fieldwork skills that would be directly useful to the bird research team, without requiring specific training in mist-netting, banding/ringing, and point count techniques, and you have at least 2 weeks to dedicate to the team, then this option is for you. Skilled Research interns assist us with all aspects of the field research protocols and work alongside the team coordinators ensuring birds are sampled safely and that high levels of data quality are maintained. Such interns require very little direct supervision from our coordinators, and can accomplish most tasks on their own if required. Participants who complete the Advanced or Master Course on Bird Banding and Point Count Sampling (see below) are also regarded as Skilled Research Interns. During the application process, applicants for Skilled Research Intern positions will be required to send us a CV, reference letters and copies of any documentation that can back up their level of experience (e.g. banding license, certificate from a specialised course). More information about the Skilled Research Internship Program can be found here.

 

Fee: US$ 0-55 per night

(depending on experience, length of stay,

season and available scholarship funding)

 

Fees (if applicable) are per person and include (i) airport pick-up and drop off; (ii) transfers to and from the active field site using cars and boats; (iii) accommodation at field sites and in Puerto Maldonado if necessary (shared rooms); (iv) main meals at field sites and in Puerto Maldonado if necessary (vegetarian options are available); (v) research permits (if the site requires them); (vi) opportunities to accompany all bird research activities as part of the bird team; and (vii) non-research birding trips (walking and boat-based excursions to observe as many local bird species as possible). The fee does not include (i) flights; (ii) travel and health insurance; (iii) personal expenses like between-meal snacks (chocolate, biscuits, etc.) and bottled beverages; (iv) medical expenses; (v) laundry costs (research station or lodge staff can be paid to wash clothes); (vi)  un-scheduled transport between the active field site and Puerto Maldonado; (vii) wifi or internet access at sites where this is available. Note: Extra fees may be applicable for a private room and if the person requires specific training to bring them up to the standard required (see courses below).

A skilled intern from Canada measuring a

Foliage gleaner. Photo: Jason Kopp

Aluminium bird bands / rings. Photo: Luke Zhou

Thesis Project Internship

If you are a student looking to undertake an official thesis or dissertation project on Neotropical birds in the Peruvian Amazon, and would like to benefit from our expertise and know-how, then this option is for you. We are able to help guide students along the path from project design, implementation and data analysis, with close supervision provided by our team of research coordinators and PhD-level scientists. We have even identified some potential research questions that could be developed into thesis projects, although we are also open to ideas and questions from student applicants. Undergraduate level projects should ideally be planned to be undertaken over a minimum 6-week period. Any shorter and there is no guarantee, in our experience, that sufficient quality data would be collected. Our management team can also provide official supervision and reporting as may be required by colleges and universities. More about Thesis Project Internship Program here.

Certificate: Yes.

Fee:      6 weeks    =  US$ 3,125 

             8 weeks    =  US$ 4,000

           12 weeks    =  US$ 4,800

Fees are per person and include (i) airport pick-up and drop off; (ii) transfers to and from the active field site using cars and boats; (iii) accommodation at field sites and in Puerto Maldonado (shared rooms); (iv) main meals at field sites and in Puerto Maldonado (vegetarian options are available); (v) research permits (if the site requires them); (vi) assistance and supervision during the planning and execution of the project, including any personalised field training required; (vii) opportunities to accompany the bird team during all research activities; and (viii) opportunities to accompany the team on non-research birding trips (walking and boat-based excursions) to observe and learn about as many of the local bird species as possible. The fee does not include (i) flights; (ii) travel and health insurance; (iii) personal expenses like between-meal snacks (chocolates, biscuits, etc.) and bottled beverages; (iv) medical expenses; (v) laundry costs (research station or lodge staff can be paid to wash clothes); (vi) un-scheduled transport between the active field site and Puerto Maldonado; (vii) wifi or internet access at sites where this is available. Note: Extra fees may be applicable for a private room.

A Fauna Forever Bird Research intern holding a Solitary Black Cacique during Fauna Forever bird research activities

A thesis student holding a cacique. Photo: Chris Ketola

Citizen Science volunteer holding a Band-tailed Manakin during Fauna Forever bird research activities

We use digital scales like these to weigh birds.

Citizen Science Volunteer

If you are passionate about wildlife and nature conservation and want to get involved with our bird research and conservation activities in a Peruvian rainforest setting, but you do not have much time (i.e. only days, rather than weeks or months), then this is the volunteering option for you. Citizen science volunteers can accompany the bird team on all of its outings and can witness first hand how mist nets are set up; how birds are extracted from nets; how birds are fitted with bands, weighed, measured, and subsequently released; how point count surveys are conducted; and how we manage and analyse the data we collect. There will also be special opportunities for some general birding in and around the active field site, along the main rivers in the area, including potentially a visit to a canopy platform. More about Citizen Science Volunteer Program here

 

Fees:   

3 days 2 nights    =  US$   450

5 days 4 nights    =  US$   650

7 days 6 nights    =  US$   850

10 days 9 nights  =  US$   1,000

Fees are per person and include (i) airport pick-up and drop off; (ii) transfers to and from the active field site using cars and boats; (iii) accommodation at field sites and in Puerto Maldonado if necessary (shared rooms); (iv) main meals at field sites and in Puerto Maldonado if necessary (vegetarian options are available); (v) research permits (if the site requires them); (vi) opportunities to accompany all bird research activities as part of the bird team; and (vii) non-research birding trips (walking and boat-based excursions to observe as many local bird species as possible). The fee does not include (i) flights; (ii) travel and health insurance; (iii) personal expenses like between-meal snacks (chocolate, biscuits, etc.) and bottled beverages; (iv) medical expenses; (v) laundry costs (research station or lodge staff can be paid to wash clothes); (vi)  un-scheduled transport between the active field site and Puerto Maldonado; (vii) wifi or internet access at sites where this is available. Note: Extra fees may be applicable for a private room.

A Band-tailed manakin (Pipra fasciicauda) being released by a Citizen Science Volunteer. 

Photo: Juan Carlos Huayllapuma

Camp Volunteer

If you are passionate about nature and conservation, yet you lack any specific wildlife research skills but would still like to contribute as much as possible to our fieldwork without having to invest in an intensive field methods course, then becoming a camp volunteer may be for you. Some bird-related activities (approximately 10% of your time) should be expected, but your time will also be taken up with assisting any Fauna Forever staff member with virtually any task, including perhaps helping out in the kitchen, pumping water, fetching and carrying supplies to and from the boat, tree planting, tending to any fruit crops, trail clearing, trail signage making, general equipment maintenance tasks, showing new volunteer and intern recruits around the field site, and so forth.  More about Camp Volunteer Program here.

Fee: US$ 0-45 per night

Fees (if applicable) are per person and include (i) airport pick-up and drop off; (ii) transfers to and from the active field site using cars and boats; (iii) accommodation at field sites and in Puerto Maldonado if necessary (shared rooms); (iv) main meals at field sites and in Puerto Maldonado (vegetarian options are available); (v) research permits (if the site requires them); and (vi) opportunities to accompany research activities when requested by the team coordinators. The fee does not include (i) flights; (ii) travel and health insurance; (iii) personal expenses like between-meal snacks (chocolate, biscuits, etc.) and bottled beverages; (iv) medical expenses; (v) laundry costs (research station or lodge staff can be paid to wash clothes); (vi)  un-scheduled transport between the active field site and Puerto Maldonado; (vii) wifi or internet access at sites where this is available. Note: Extra fees may be applicable for a private room.

Two Fauna Forever research volunteers holding machetes
Fauna Forever research intern waiting for a boat
Field course intership
Skilled research internship
Citizen science volunteer
Thesis project internship
Camp volunteer

A royal flycatcher (Onychorhynchus coronatus). Video: Fauna Forever

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Visit our YouTube site for more stunning wildlife videos: 

https://www.youtube.com/FaunaForever123

Recommended Field Guides and Apps for Volunteers

and Interns on the Bird Team

Field Guides

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Mobile Applications

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Birds of Peru

Birds In The Hand, LLC

Available for both Apple and Android devices

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Merlin Bird ID App Sample.png

Merlin Bird ID (with Birds of Peru Pack)

Cornell University

Available for both Apple and Android devices

Recommended Academic Articles

Published Articles

Powell (1989) On the possible contribution of mixed-species flocks to species

richness in neotropical avifaunas. Behav Ecol Sociobiot 24: 387-393.

Terborgh (1990) Structure and organization of an Amazonian forest bird

community. Ecological Monographs 60(2): 213-238.

Haselmayer (2000) A comparison of point counts and sound recording as bird

survey methods in Amazonian southeast Peru. The Condor 102: 887-893.

Lloyd (2000) Population densities of the Black-faced Cotinga Conioptilon

cilhennyi in south-east Peru. Bird Conservation International 10: 277-285.

Lloyd (2003) Population densities of some nocturnal raptor species(Strigidae)

in southeastern Peru. Journal of Field Ornithology 74(4):376–380.

Brightsmith (2004) Effects of weather on parrot geophagy in Tambopata, Peru.

Wilson Bulletin 116: 134-145.

Lloyd (2004) Habitat and population estimates of some threatened lowland

forest bird species in Tambopata, south-east Peru. Bird Conservation

International 14: 261–277.

Brightsmith (2005) Competition, predation and nest niche shifts among tropical

cavity nesters: ecological evidence. Journal of Avian Biology 36: 74-83.

Raine (2007) Breeding bird records from the Tambopata-Candamo Reserve

Zone, Madre de Dios, southeast Peru. Cotinga 28: 53-58.

Lieshout et al. (2016) Avian distribution and life-history strategies in Amazonian terra-firme and floodplain forests. Tropical Conservation Science 9(1): 465-502.

Diaz, A. & G. Dimmig (2017) First documented records of Violaceous Quail-Dove (Geotrygon violacea) from Peru. Cotinga 39: 37-40.

Zhou, W., Chalco, M.S., Ketola, C.T. & C. Kirkby (2020) First documented record of Flame-crowned Manakin (Heterocercus linteatus) in Peru, with notes on moult and habitat. Cotinga 42: 101-103.

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