Organization Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program (BBPP) The BBPP is a cooperative between Drexel University (Philadelphia, USA) and the National University of Equatorial Guinea (Equatorial Guinea, West-Central Africa).
Project Description The <http://bioko.org/expedition/> Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program (BBPP) is still accepting applications for their annual expedition to Bioko Island (West-Central Africa). This year's expedition will provide a unique opportunity for participants to gain experience in a wide range of different scientific projects, in addition to our ongoing primate surveys. Participants will work alongside a team of expert scientists that have been assembled to conduct an extensive inventory of Bioko's unique flora and fauna, aimed at documenting the full range of Bioko's incredible biodiversity. This year's expedition will be one of the largest and most exhaustive scientific inventories ever undertaken on the island. In addition to inventories, many additional species-specific studies will be conducted during the expedition, giving participants additional opportunities to gain valuable experience in tropical field research. Each member of our international team of research scientists will spearhead projects with the help of expedition participants. Scientists this year will include 3 primatologists, 2 sea turtle biologists, 2 herpetologists, 2 entomologists, 2 tropical botanists, and an ornithologist. Two of our scientists will also lead basic photography workshops to help interested participants learn how to capture stunning images in the often challenging, humid, low-light conditions of a tropical rainforest. The 2012 expedition is a great opportunity for anyone to visit one of Africa's last truly unspoiled biodiversity hotspots, gain valuable experience in field biology, work alongside leading scientists, and support ongoing conservation efforts for Bioko's unique flora and fauna. Background Each year the BBPP embarks on a 3 week expedition to Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea. The expedition typically focuses on primate surveys and conservation, but in recent years has expanded to include surveys and research on many different taxa. Bioko Island lies 30 km off the coast of Cameroon in the heart of one of the world's least explored biodiversity hotspots. Bioko's Gran Caldera and Southern Highlands Scientific Reserve contains some of Africa's last truly pristine tropical rainforest. Bioko's isolation has helped to protect its unusually high primate species richness, and as such is recognized today as the most important place for primate conservation in Africa. The BBPP has recognized that even Bioko's remote and pristine tropical forests are not immune to the encroaching threats posed by global climate change, habitat loss, overhunting, pollution, and human-spread pathogens. The 2013 Gran Caldera and Southern Highlands Expedition aims to document the variety, range, and diversity of a multitude of Bioko's wildlife in order to assess the future needs for conservation on the island. As the bushmeat pressure on Bioko's primates continues to worsen, the chance for volunteers to view many of the island's 7 species of rare/endemic monkeys in the wild continues to decline. For additional insight regarding BBPP's expedition and Bioko primate conservation, refer to the August 2008 issue of National Geographic- <http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/08/bioko-primates/morell-text> Island Ark: A Threatened African Treasure. See the Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program website ( <file:///C:\Users\dtc33\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary%20Internet %20Files\Content.Outlook\BZ188FC6\www.bioko.org> www.bioko.org) for details and an on-line application form. Meet the BBPP research associates and learn more about our ongoing projects on Bioko here: <http://www.drexel.edu/biology/hearn> Hearn Lab For a sneak peek into what Bioko has in store, check out some amazing footage in the trailer for our upcoming documentary <http://www.thedrillproject.org/> The Drill Project. Qualifications/Experience Research assistants must be physically fit and willing to endure primitive living conditions. In addition, a commitment to biodiversity preservation and the conservation of threatened and endangered species is integral, while a sense of humor and enthusiastic nature is encouraged. This is an excellent opportunity for aspiring field biologists to gain experience, however we encourage and welcome applicants of all backgrounds. Applicants must be 18 years or older. Costs The cost of participation is $3000, which covers the following on-island expenses: . Housing . Transport . Meals . Field Equipment (personal gear excluded) . Pre-trip Educational Materials . Training in Field Techniques Additional Comments The annual BBPP Gran Caldera Expedition is the longest running annual research expedition in West Africa. It offers a unique and unparalleled opportunity to experience field biology in one of the most remote regions of the world. Participants will have the opportunity to encounter some of the world's rarest and least studied animals. Academic credit is available through Drexel University, at an extra charge. University students who come on this expedition usually arrange for credit (independent study) through their home university. Participants are expected to provide their own air transport and medical evacuation insurance. Cheap air tickets (~ $1700-$1900 USD RT from East/Central North America to Malabo, EG) typically disappear fast, so we advise acting promptly. Non-US citizens will need to arrange for a visa. Emergency evacuation insurance is required for all participants. If your current health insurance does not include a provision for international emergency evacuations, we require you purchase coverage for the duration of the expedition (International SOS Emergency Evacuation Insurance for Januray 4th-25th is currently listed at ~$100) No additional financial support is available from BBPP, but undergraduate students are often able to get financial assistance from their home universities. Expedition Dates January 4th-25th, 2013 Application Deadline November 15th, 2012 Online Application Form <http://bioko.org/expedition/expedition_application/> http://bioko.org/expedition/expedition_application/ Contact Information E-mail: <mailto:[email protected]> [email protected] Telephone Number: 215-895-6906 Mailing/Shipping Address: Dr. Gail W. Hearn Drexel University Department of Biology 3245 Chestnut St. (PISB 503) Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA Fax Number: 215-895-1273 Website: http://www.bioko.org http://www.drexel.edu/biology/hearn -- Drew T. Cronin Ph.D. Candidate Drexel University Department of Biology 3245 Chestnut Street Papadakis Integrated Science Building, Room 503 Philadelphia, PA 19104 Office: PISB 503 Phone: (215) 895-6906 Email: [email protected] Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program - www.bioko.org <http://www.bioko.org/> Hearn Lab (Drexel University) - www.drexel.edu/biology/hearn
