Position Description:
Colobus Conservation is a conservation organization designed to promote the conservation, preservation and protection of primates like the nationally threatened Angolan colobus monkey (Colobus angolensis palliatus) and its coastal forest habitat in southern Kenya. Colobus Conservation was established in 1997 in response to an outcry from local residents about the high number of deaths of the colobus monkeys in the Diani area. Now Colobus Conservation has numerous projects concerning the wildlife and the citizens of Kenya, including: animal rescue and rehabilitation; biological/ecological research; community development and education; forest protection and regeneration; and eco-tourism awareness programs.
Areas of our work that volunteers can get involved with include but are not limited to the following:-
1) Primate Rescue
Colobus Conservation responds to animal welfare calls for all primate species (colobus, vervets, Sykes, baboons and bushbabies). Frequently these are road injuries, electrocutions, snares and cases of animal cruelty. We have a small veterinarian clinic on site for cases that require intervention.
2) Long-Term Injury Care & Rehabilitation
In as many cases as possible, Colobus Conservation treats and returns the primate to its home troop as soon as possible. Generally, there is little contact between those monkeys in for treatment and the colobus team, in order that their wildness is retained
3) Long term Rehabilitation
In recent years we have seen an increase in the primate pet trade on the coast. We now offer long term rehabilitation to primates who have been kept as pets in order that we can de-humanise them and return them to the wild.
4) Bridge Building
When Colobus Conservation was founded, one of the main threats to Diani's colobus monkeys was death caused by motor accidents. The home ranges of these arboreal primates have been bisected by a major road, and they are subsequently very prone to road injuries whilst crossing through their ranges
5) Electrocution Hotspot Monitoring
After the success of the colobridge campaign, the main cause of death and injury for the colobus is electrocution on the uninsulated power lines in the Diani area. Colobus Conservation works with the Kenyan Power and Lighting Company to regularly cut back the trees beside the power lines with the goal being to have the lines insulated.
6) Human - Wildlife Conflict / Pest Management
Since Colobus Conservation began its work with the colobus, it has become increasingly aware of human-primate conflicts in the area. In the past 20 years, deforestation in Diani has been rapid, and some primates have adapted to their new environment by stealing food from tourists, hotel kitchens, and waste sites. Due to this local residents and hoteliers alike have found that the monkeys are a nuisance and some have resorted to control measures that have proven both ineffective and inhumane. These include painting baboons with glossy paints, tying bells around their necks and stomachs, poisoning, trapping, clubbing and shooting monkeys. Colobus Conservation works with those people affected to design effective and humane deterrents that actually work.
7) Forest Protection
Over 80% of Diani's forests have already been lost to developments during the last 25 years. Remaining forests are fragmented and isolated. Colobus Conservation has an indigenous seedling nursery and we would like to expand this aspect of Colobus Conservation by encouraging hotel owners and local residents to replenish the natural environment.
8) Educational Workshops
Educating the next generation of Kwale district residents, we run weekly education workshops with 33 of the local schools, teaching the children about the beauty of the wildlife surrounding them and the importance of the forest.
9) Eco-Tourism
The Colobus Cottage boasts an information and education centre, which is open to the public. We have full-time staff members trained to give an educational talk about local primates, Colobus Conservation's work and provide a tour of our Nature Trail.
10) Research
Research projects that have been carried out at Colobus Conservation include studies on colobus feeding ecology, trends in primate electrocutions, primate censuses, behavioural monitoring, forest disturbance surveys and hotel pest assessments.
Colobus Conservation is based in Diani, Kenya and offers a unique opportunity to live in a beautiful beach and forested area, with many western comforts. Our accommodation can house a maximum of 12 volunteers in 3 uni sex bedrooms in a communal house, hot/cold showers, 3 meals a day, laundry and housekeeping. There is good mobile phone and internet coverage.
The volunteer working week is Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm. If you volunteer in a research position hours and days will vary according to your project.
Qualifications/Experience:
Essential requirements:
1. An interest in animal behaviour, welfare, conservation and habitat preservation, preferably with or studying towards a university level qualification in a relevant subject
2. Minimum age of 18
3. Ability to communicate in english
4. Field experience in a tropical climate preferable but not essential
In addition, applicants must have certain QUALITIES: they must be energetic, patient, open, responsible, flexible, healthy, able to work independently but also as part of a team, be highly motivated, hardworking, responsible and not easily distracted. The ideal applicant must be comfortable being unplugged and a distance from easy communication with the outside world, although there is good mobile phone and e-mail communication, but sometimes things just don't work. They must also have a tolerance towards local customs and beliefs and be comfortable with other conditions and risks that are simply part of tropical fieldwork, such as limited healthcare, monotonous diet, rare confrontations with noxious plants or animals.
Support provided:
This is a volunteer position and as such no wage or stipend is available. The volunteer is responsible for their return flight to Mombasa, visa, comprehensive travel and medical insurance and all field clothing. In addition the Colobus Conservation requests a small fee to cover your food and accommodation.
A volunteer handbook is available on request and provides more detailed information.
To apply:
Please e-mail your C.V. and application form (found on our website in the volunteer section) to enquiries@colobusconservation.org