VOLUNTEER FIELD ASSISTANT. Two volunteers needs from 15 Oct 2006 through 20 Feb 2007 for a long-term monitoring project of Blue Fronted Parrot (Amazona aestiva) breeding ecology in the Gran Chaco, Argentina. The study takes place in the Dry Chaco, a thick thorny forest known as the "Impenetrable" which hosts a rich variety of neotropical fauna including over 300 species of birds and mammals such as the impressive jaguar. Good chances to see anteaters, brocket deers, peccaries and armadillos. Besides, a great opportunity to get to know some of Argentina while gaining experience in a variety of field ornithology methodologies Duties include daily nest-checking assistance (tree-climbing), territory spot mapping, banding, blood and diet sampling, parrot point counts, conducting behavioral observations, conducting fruit censuses and data entry. Applicants must be responsible, self-disciplined, tolerant to extreme weather and insects, willing to work in group and able to stay at a remote place without long distance communication facilities (such as neither phones nor internet). Setting at the reserve is basic (rustic conditions). Bird handling experience and Spanish speaking applicants may be preferred but not required. We provide lodging, and required equipment. Volunteers must arrange their transportation to Castelli - Chaco Province (buses from Buenos Aires every day) and are required to pay a US $75/ week (approx). TO APPLY: Send cover letter, resume with references to IGOR BERKUNSKY (EM: igorberkunsky AT yahoo.com.ar). Indicate availability (I am looking for volunteers who can commit for the entire study). Feel free to email for further information.
