Dear Fellow Ecologgers: Sometime ago, I made a post to advertise a field volunteer position with my Ph.D. in the Brazilian Atlantic forest. For the most part, I have employed local materios for general field help, but I need to revisit the possibility of employing a more skilled technician to complete the final phase of my field studies.
Project Background Brazil´s Atlantic forest ecosystem is well recognized for its immense biodiversity including high level of avian endemism. However, forests of this ecosystem have been reduced to extent of near-complete loss in several regions (e.g. Espirto Santo, Alagoas). There can be very little doubt that the survival of many Atlantic forest species will depend not only on the preservation of what little forest remains, but also on the habitat suitability of other human-modified habitats for these species. To address this very important conservation issue, I am undertaking a field survey of bird communities in shaded-cacao plantations, forest fragments, and more well preserved tracts of extensive forest (and believe me, there are not that many) along the coastal Atlantic forest of southern Bahia, Brazil. In particular, shaded-cacao plantations are a major land-use in this region and offer a potential conservation alternative to more hostile land-use types for forest-dependent species. Agroforestry systems, especially those managed to maintain native shade-tree species multi- layered canopies are well know to support high levels of avian diversity in central america. However, how the composition of bird communities in shaded-cacao plantations is influenced by proximity to native forest remains poorly documented. Position Details I am seeking a field technician to assist with point-count surveys (training provided to use an automated recording system) but more principally, with the measurement of several habitat indices. I wish to conclude my field studies by Jan. 31, hence, this is a very short-term position (1-month) between the 2-3 of January to the 31rst. Training in all methods will be provided. I can provide a small stipend for a technician (500,00 reais or 250.00 USD) but also, I will food and accomodation during periods of field work. As this is a very short term contract, my preference is to find a person of Brazilian nationality (foreign visas often take some time to arrange) with fluency in portuguese (english would be beneficial but not necessary). However, I will try to respond to all inquires to my email address: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thanks; Brian
