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| Title | Research Assistant Positions for Wildlife Monitoring in Peruvian Amazon |
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Fauna Forever Tambopata (FFT) - Wildlife and Ecotourism Research in the Peruvian Amazon -
Currently looking for volunteer research assistants to join our Bird, Mammal and Herpetofauna field teams.
We are a long-term Neotropical wildlife and ecotourism monitoring project, working in the Amazon rainforests of the Tambopata region of south-eastern Peru; currently welcoming applications for volunteer assistants. There are exclusive places available for anyone who has an interest in wildlife, ecotourism, and biodiversity conservation. If you wish to learn more about living and working in a beautiful but challenging environment, whilst contributing to the protection of one of the most species rich corners of our planet; then get in touch. Applicants who meet our criteria will join an exclusive team of dedicated Peruvian and international scientists, working at the frontline of Neotropical wildlife research. Join us on a dynamic project that works closely with protected area managers, non-governmental organisations, ecotourism lodges and local people.
The FFT project has been running since 1997, and has already successfully completed two full-rounds of wildlife and ecotourism monitoring in and around the Tambopata National Reserve; an important protected area. In July 2009 we will be starting our third-round of monitoring, which will continue until December 2010, with the objective of involving a limited number of research assistants who will receive training in the most effective of Neotropical wildlife monitoring techniques; as well as guidance and mentoring from our dedicated team of bird, mammal and herpetofauna experts. This is an unparalleled opportunity to obtain field experience for those seeking a career in biology, conservation and international development, or indeed for anyone with a deep passion of tropical nature.
Our research sites in and around the Tambopata National Reserve include a number of exclusive ecotourism lodges, each offering a unique jungle experience with different habitat types and varying tourist attractions, ranging from kayaking from TRC, the most remote lodge of the region; the world’s largest claylick, where you can see hundreds of parrot species feeding in the mornings; trips to lakes hosting families of elusive Giant River Otters; the only canopy-walkway of the region, allowing you to walk within the trees and experience species almost impossible to see from ground level; Lago Sandoval, known the most beautiful spot of the area; and the incredible photograph opportunities provided by habituated animals such as tamarins, macaws and tapir.
The project requires that successful applicants to our volunteer assistant places pay a contribution fee that starts from US$2,300 for a 40-day period (phase), inclusive of all expenses upon your arrival in Tambopata for food, accommodation and transport costs. Additional expenses would include return flights to Puerto Maldonado, travel insurance, plus spending money to purchase those souvenirs that will forever remind you of your visit!
You may apply to work on any of the three main research teams: birds, mammals and herpetofauna. We also allow some assistants the opportunity to collect data for their own undergrad or postgrad thesis project needs. The type of research will vary on each team, and the work schedule can be tough! But our expert Team Coordinators are always on hand to ensure full mentoring of assistants and to make sure they learn as much as possible during their time with us. We teach assistants how to (i) identify species, (ii) handle species, (iii) measure individuals, (iv) use standardised field data collection sheets, (v) manipulate field data within a database, and (vi) statistically analyse data with the aim of understanding the diversity, abundance, density and community structure of the taxonomic groups of interest.
Living conditions are quite basic and the infrequent internet access at lodges is extremely limited, so be prepared for a lack of contact with home. But for anyone wanting a true ‘rainforest experience’, with a group of enthusiastic, fun and like-minded people; we may be able to offer you the chance of a lifetime!
For more information please see:
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