Get ready for a new adventure, meet new friends from all over the world, boost your CV with experience in Tropical Herpetology fieldwork and see for yourself what South America is really like. Whether you’re preparing for a degree in biology, or a Masters in herpetology, this program will give you hands-on experience of conservation biology while you explore little known habitats and learn the skills you need to progress in your biology career.
Where the great Paraguay River meets the even larger Parana river, the water rebounds and overflows the banks. An amazing delta system is formed where they converge and a giant network of underground tunnels, large sandy lakes, and slow flowing streams cut across the country side. The name of this area is ‘the Neembucu Wetlands.’ Located in Southwestern Paraguay, this area has been heavily understudied. Home to giant snakes, tiny frogs, and hundreds of speedy lizards, this mosaic habitat is certainly hiding new species for science. Despite the difficult habitat conditions, we know that dedicated field herpetologists will be up for the challenge.
Focusing first on establishing bio-geographical inventory map, Para La Tierra’s research team is working to establish just how much biodiversity is present in this amazing habitat. We need more help on the ground to conduct the necessary sampling transects and trapping arrays to ensure our conservation plans consider the entire herpetological community. Whether your interest is in reptiles, amphibians or both, you will have the opportunity to establish your own project methodology and then execute your very own research methodology. You will be in charge of your study subject, study design, and study methodology. You are in control.
The Country:
Paraguay remains one of the least visited countries in South America yet is also amongst the most friendly, safe and traditional. Paraguay is perfect for an adventurer wanting to explore a different world far from the typical tourist traps. Para La Tierra operates from the small colonial town of Pilar, the capital of Neembucu. Our field work is conducted in a variety of swamps, grasslands, gallery forests and riversides that surround the quiet city.
So if you're motivated to do something 'Para La Tierra' and make a real contribution to conservation in a little-known corner of South America, then get in touch with our on-site director Karina Atkinson at paralatierra.py@gmail.com. Experience working with herps is encouraged but what we are really searching for is someone with enough passion to match our organization’s drive. We are dedicated to protecting our planet’s incredible biodiversity. Are you?
Costs of living in Paraguay –
Para La Tierra charges a single price which covers all the living costs during your stay with us, three meals a day, unlimited mineral water, tea and coffee, travel to and from local field sites, accommodation in a shared dorm, and access to WiFi. The price also contributes to a portion of Para La Tierra’s administrative costs and a small contribution to Para La Tierra's community engagement and education projects (which you will be invited to participate in). Find out more about what we do at www.paralatierra.org
For interns running their own projects, the costs are $875 per month for the 1st two months, and $825 for each subsequent month. You can also pay on a weekly basis pro rata. There is a 25% discount for South American nationals.
We have already hosted more than 1000 volunteers and interns from all over the world who have built lifelong friendships, gained valuable experiences and pushed their careers forward. References from past visitors are available on request. You can choose your own arrival and departure dates with no minimum stay length and you can apply by sending a CV to paralatierra.py@gmail.com. Please include the name of this job opportunity in the subject line of your email.
