Fauna Forever, a Peruvian not-for-profit organization, has several openings at fixed times throughout the year for volunteer field assistants and student interns on its flagship project Fauna Forever Tambopata (FFT, http://faunaforever.org/fft) which is studying the long-term impacts and benefits of human activities on wildlife populations and ecosystem services in the Amazon rainforests of Tambopata in south-eastern Peru. The rainforests of Tambopata are recognized as a Biodiversity Hotspot, a Wilderness Area, an Important Bird Area, and are still home to numerous endangered species, including: jaguar, spider monkeys, bush dogs, giant river otters, harpy eagles, and side-necked turtles, amongst many others.
The FFT project, ongoing since 1997, is led by a dedicated team of research biologists and conservationists from Peru, USA, UK and South Africa. We work closely with the managers of Tambopatas protected areas (Tambopata National Reserve and Bahuaja Sonene National Park), ecotourist lodges, research stations, local communities and other forest users, with the aim of understanding (i) how the rainforest ecosystem and wildlife populations in the area are changing over time; (ii) what natural- and human-mediated drivers may be responsible for this change; (iii) the long-term repercussions of this change on the flow and value of ecosystem services, including the value of biodiversity; and (iv) how best to work alongside government and non-government organizations, private companies and local communities in order to influence decisions that would result in minimizing human impacts on the wildlife and ecological integrity of Tambopatas prized rainforest. Schedule The project manages a series of fixed phases (see below) during which we rotate field personnel, assistants and interns in and out. These phases are 40-57 days in length. Shorter stays on the project are possible, but rare. Longer stays are easier to organize. For those people looking to undertake their own research project, for a thesis, in a theme related to our project, please contact us for more information. Phase 10.2: 10 Mar 18 Apr 2010 40 days Phase 10.3: 24 Apr 02 Jun 2010 40 days Phase 10.4: 08 Jun 17 Jul 2010 40 days Phase 10.45: 25 Jun 20 Aug 2010 57 days Phase 10.5: 23 Jul 31 Aug 2010 40 days Phase 10.6: 06 Sep - 15 Oct 2010 40 days Phase 10.7: 21 Oct - 29 Nov 2010 40 days Qualifications and Requirements Applicants for volunteer assistant and intern positions should have a keen interest in wildlife, tropical environments, conservation issues in general, fieldwork, and should be able to tolerate the hot, humid, and muddy conditions that are the norm in the Amazon rainforest. Previous overseas travel and field experience would be an asset, as would at least a basic knowledge of Spanish (or a willingness to learn whilst on the project). A high degree of motivation would also fit in well. [The mean age of participants to date has been 24, with a range from 17 to 60] Applicants can choose to assist one or more of the field research teams that specialize in the study of birds, mammals, herpetofauna (amphibians, reptiles), insects (butterflies and dung-beetles) and plants (mainly trees), helping to undertake transect surveys, point counts, mist-netting and bird banding/ringing, intensive quadrat searches, setting remote camera traps and baited insect traps for butterflies and dung-beetles, and much more. Assistance with ecotourist questionnaires and visits to local communities may also be required. Applicants from the international community (i.e. outside of Peru) are asked to cover their in-country accommodation, food and transport costs whilst on the project, as the amount of central funding the project has will not allow for salaries or subsidies to volunteers. However, we do try and keep costs down to a minimum. These costs vary slightly depending on the season, as accommodation is provided by private eco-lodges and research stations in Tambopata whose demand for bed-space varies significantly between summer and winter months. Costs vary, but generally range from US$49-59 per day for phase periods of between 40-57 days at a time (i.e. US$1,950 to US$3,000 per phase, depending on length). Internal flights between Lima and Puerto Maldonado (see http://lan.com) cost approx. US$180-220 (rtn) depending on season and how far in advance reservations are made. Housing and Communication All project participants are housed in good quality accommodation at eco-lodges and research stations located close to the field sites. When in Puerto Maldonado the team is based out of the Fauna Forever office (equipped with sleeping quarters) and also uses local guest houses on occasions. Some lodges offer limited internet access, allowing for contact with friends and family when in the field. Application Procedure Please download the application form on the project website (http://www.faunaforever.org/fft/volunteer.html#apply), fill it out and then email it along with a copy of your resume/CV to: Rachel Handley de Amable ([email protected], with cc to [email protected]). PS. Those people interested in combining their experience on Fauna Forever Tambopata with a post-project trip to Machu picchu should be aware that access to this unique Inca citadel will be restricted until the end of March, due to repairs to the railway line following heavy rains a few weeks ago. The enchanting city of Cuzco, however, is still definitely worth a visit.
