Chapter 14
Tropical Survival
Original:
Most people think of the tropics as a huge and forbidding tropical rain
forest through which every step taken must be hacked out, and where every
inch of the way is crawling with danger. Actually, over half of the land in
the tropics is cultivated in some way.
A knowledge of field skills, the ability to improvise, and the
application of the principles of survival will increase the prospects of
survival. Do not be afraid of being alone in the jungle; fear will lead to
panic. Panic will lead to exhaustion and decrease your chance of survival.
Everything in the jungle thrives, including disease germs and parasites
that breed at an alarming rate. Nature will provide water, food, and plenty
of materials to build shelters.
Indigenous peoples have lived for millennia by hunting and gathering.
However, it will take an outsider some time to get used to the conditions
and the nonstop activity of tropical survival.
The popular image of the tropics—an endless, forbidding jungle teeming with hazards, where survival depends on hacking through tangled undergrowth and evading venomous creatures—owes more to adventure fiction than reality. While tropical rainforests do cover vast swathes of equatorial regions, they are neither impenetrable nor universally hostile. In fact, over half of the land in the tropics is cultivated, and large populations have thrived there for millennia, adapting to its challenges with ingenuity and resilience. The outsider’s task is not to conquer the jungle, but to understand it.
The Mindset of Survival
Fear is the greatest enemy of survival. Panic leads to poor decision-making, wasted energy, and ultimately, a reduced chance of enduring the conditions. The jungle does not pose an immediate existential threat to a rational, prepared traveler. Rather, it is a realm of abundance—provided one knows where and how to look. The key to survival lies not in brute force but in observation, adaptation, and an appreciation of the natural resources available. Indigenous communities have mastered these skills over generations, blending knowledge of plant life, wildlife, and seasonal cycles to live in relative harmony with their environment. For those unfamiliar with these rhythms, survival will require both patience and a willingness to learn.
Water: The Lifeline
Access to clean water is the first priority. While tropical regions are defined by high rainfall, safe drinking water is not always readily available. Rivers and streams are abundant, but so too are the parasites and bacteria that infest them. Stagnant water should be avoided entirely. Running water from higher elevations is generally safer, but even this should be purified if possible. Boiling is the most reliable method, though where fire is impractical, filtering water through cloth and using sunlight to purify it in clear plastic bottles for six hours (a technique known as solar disinfection) can help. In emergencies, certain vines and bamboo stalks contain drinkable water, and large leaves can be used to collect rainwater.
Food: An Ecosystem of Abundance
The jungle, far from being a barren wilderness, is rich in food. The challenge lies in knowing what is safe to eat. Many plants, fruits, and nuts are edible, but others are toxic. The most reliable options are those that are regularly consumed by local wildlife—monkeys, in particular, have an uncanny ability to distinguish edible fruits. Cooking unfamiliar plants before consumption can help neutralize mild toxins, though trial-and-error is a dangerous strategy in an unfamiliar environment.
Protein sources are abundant but often require effort. Fish, found in most jungle rivers, can be caught with improvised nets, spears, or simple traps. Insects, an often-overlooked food source, are rich in protein and safer to eat than many larger animals. Avoid brightly colored insects, which tend to be toxic, and cook all insects to eliminate parasites. Small mammals and birds can be trapped, though this is a skill requiring patience and practice.
Shelter: Protection from the Elements
While the temperature in the tropics is generally high, the combination of humidity and sudden downpours can make exposure dangerous. A well-constructed shelter provides insulation from heat during the day and protection from hypothermia at night, particularly in mountainous regions where temperatures drop significantly.
A simple lean-to or A-frame shelter, made from large leaves and supported by branches, provides sufficient protection against rain. Elevated sleeping arrangements—hammocks where possible, or raised platforms of sticks—are essential in areas where venomous creatures or aggressive insects are a threat. Fire not only deters predators but also helps keep insects at bay.
Disease and Hygiene: The Invisible Threat
If the jungle has a singular, omnipresent hazard, it is disease. The warmth and moisture that sustain the region’s lush biodiversity also create a breeding ground for pathogens. Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever are pervasive, making mosquito netting and insect repellents invaluable. Bites from leeches and ticks, though less dangerous, can lead to infections if not properly treated. Foot hygiene is critical; in damp conditions, fungal infections set in quickly, turning minor discomfort into debilitating sores. Keeping feet dry and treating wounds immediately with antiseptic—if available—can prevent serious complications.
Navigating the Jungle: Understanding the Landscape
Unlike the desert or open ocean, the jungle provides ample resources for survival but presents a navigational challenge. Dense vegetation obscures landmarks, and the uniformity of the landscape can disorient even experienced travelers. Rivers often serve as natural highways, leading toward settlements or coastal areas. Following animal trails can indicate routes to water sources or clearings. The sun remains a reliable navigational tool, with shadows providing guidance in the absence of a compass.
The Human Element: Seeking Help
While self-reliance is essential, the tropics are not empty. Many areas are home to communities with deep-rooted survival knowledge. Approaching locals with respect can turn a precarious situation into an opportunity for learning and assistance. In regions where indigenous languages predominate, even a few basic words or gestures of goodwill can make a critical difference in receiving aid.
Conclusion: Surviving by Adapting
Survival in the tropics is less about brute endurance and more about adaptation. The jungle is neither an enemy nor an unconquerable force—it is an ecosystem governed by rules that, once understood, can be navigated effectively. The principles of tropical survival are universal: secure water, find sustenance, seek shelter, maintain hygiene, and keep a level head. Those who enter the jungle with fear will be overwhelmed. Those who enter with curiosity, respect, and a willingness to adapt will find that survival is not just possible—it is a process of learning and discovery.
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All text and images from the U.S. Army Field Manual 3-05.70: Survival.
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