Fauna Forever (FF) is a non-profit organization based out of the jungle city of Puerto Maldonado in the remote Amazon rainforests of Madre de Dios in South-eastern Peru. The organization, which traces its origins back to 1997, works to promote biodiversity conservation, the sustainable use of tropical forest resources, and the continued flow of vital ecosystem services from Perus wild nature for the benefit of all.
The Schneiders Smooth Fronted Caiman Population Study is an 8-month intensive study on the population density and abundance of Schneiders Smooth Fronted caiman (Paleosuchus trigonatus) at research sites on the Las Piedras River and In the Tambopata Nature Reserve. Of the four Caiman species in Peru, P. trigonatus is one of the most elusive and seldom seen. This is due to their cryptic nature and their habitat selection. This species prefers the quiet streams of the Terra-Firma forest; unlike the spectacled caiman (C. crocodilus) that is abundant on the rivers, or the impressive Black caiman (M. niger) that lives in the oxbow lakes. **Volunteers and Interns** Fauna Forevers Volunteer and Intern program provides the opportunity to gain first hand experience involved with this project. Interns and Volunteers assist the team leader in the daily activities of the project, including the intensive surveys of streams during the day to locate tracks and burrows or by using flashlights to locate animals at night. Volunteers will be offered the unique opportunity to aid in the capture and handling of live caiman specimens for data collection. These animals will be marked using passive inductive transponders (PIT tags), which are used to identify the recaptured individuals. The purpose of which is to expand the existing knowledge of caiman ecology for conservation assessment. Volunteers and Interns will get to experience: -Exploration of pristine rainforest -Day time surveys to locate tracks and burrows -Night surveys to locate individual caiman by eye shine -Occasional surveys of rivers in order to study other species of caiman -Construction of live traps designed to capture elusive adult animals. -Assist in the capture and handling of caiman in the presence of an experienced worker. -Learn Research methods and gain valuable experience in fieldwork focused on herpetofauna research. Previous volunteer experience is preferred, however a high level of self- motivation, proactive attitude and love of nature is generally enough to apply for a position on this project. Previous fieldwork experience and current or past related coursework is preferred for internship applicants, as would at least a basic knowledge of Spanish (or a willingness to learn whilst on the project). The mean age of volunteer assistants and interns to date is 24, ranging from 17 to 60. Although Volunteers and interns will be focused on the topic project, they will be offered the opportunity to assist with the other current projects being offered. Including mammal surveys, mist netting, herpetofauna surveying (Reptiles and amphibians) and team building. Given the nature of the project volunteers will e asked to obey the commands of the project leader during surveys and specimen handling. This is to ensure the safety of both the person and the caiman. A volunteer will never be asked to perform any activity that they are not confident or comfortable undertaking. Interns are advised to choose a topic within this project to pursue during their internship. In most cases, interns will be given full supervision/assistantship provided by our Caiman project coordinator and researcher (1-3 interns per coordinator) as well as overall supervision by Dr. Chris Kirkby. **Housing and Communication** The study site for this project will be located in the Las Piedras watershed, a remote and remarkably biodiverse area to the north of Puerto Maldonado. All project participants will be housed at a good quality accommodation at the eco- lodges and research stations located close to the study site and the trails. The use of field camps where tents are required may occure and we will advise on necessary equipment on successful application. When in Puerto Maldonado for short periods of time the team is based out of the Fauna Forever house and office (equipped with sleeping quarters) and also uses local guest houses on occasions. There is free wifi at the office, but there will be no internet connection in field. Daily radio contact between the field and town allows for important information to be transmitted. **Schedule and costs** 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 typically 20 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 projects, please contact us for more information. **Volunteer placements** Phase dates for the project and associated contribution fee (all inclusive from arrival in the town of Puerto Maldonado, the FFT base Airport pick-up in Puerto Maldonado, accommodation in shared rooms, food, local transport, equipment, training and supervision) are as follows: 2 week phases (14 day, 13 Night): PLACEMENT FEE: US$1,200 3 week phases (21 day, 20 Night): PLACEMENT FEE: US$1,500 6 week phases (43 day, 42 Night): PLACEMENT FEE: US$2,500 ***please refer to our website for start and end dates*** Internship placements Interns can work with us at any time for a minimum of 1 month. Feesinclude: Airport pick-up in Puerto Maldonado, accommodation in shared rooms, food, local transport (bus, taxis, boat), equipment, all training and supervision: Fee per day: 30 days US$ 70 60 days US$ 55 90 days US$ 50 120 days US$ 45 150+ days US$ 40 Please Note: For other durations (e.g. 45 days) we apply a pro-rata system to determine the final fee. **This pro-rata system does NOT apply for periods longer than 150 days (5 months). For special requirements, requiring services other than our regular capabilities, an additional fee may be required to cover this. Please note: What the fee includes - ALL accomodation in Puerto Maldonado and in the field - Three substantial and healthy meals every day - Clean drinking water at all times - Airport (Puerto Maldonado) transfers on arrival and departure - Close supervision from an experienced tropical biologist - Higher supervision from Dr. Chris Kirkby - Support and training: Health & Safety; species identification; data collection in a Neotropical environment, data analysis; impacts and challenges affecting the rainforest in Tambopata; machete use; and much more. What the fee does not include - Travel insurance (this is essential) - Flights - Spending money for extra snacks, sodas, alcohol, souvenirs and additional excursions Application Procedure Please complete the application form on our website. 1. GO TO: http://www.faunaforever.org 2. See PARTICIPATE section on the main menu 3. Select the volunteer or internship program you are interested in 4. Click the Apply now button on that page Useful Links: http://www.faunaforever.org/volunteer-peru/volunteer-schneiders-smooth- fronted-caiman-population-study/ http://www.facebook.com/faunaforever http://www.youtube.com/faunaforever123 http://news.mongabay.com/2012/0227-king_interview_faunaforever.html http://news.mongabay.com/2013/0219-hance-rosolie-camera-trap.html http://www.wcs.org/press/press-releases/bahuaja-sonene-national-park- discoveries.aspx http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202150825.htm
