The Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program is seeking volunteer field assistants for a research expedition to Bioko Island. Research objectives will be focused on multiple projects concerned with the conservation and ecology of primates, sea turtles, and amphibians.
Sponsoring 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: Bioko Island lies 30 km off the coast of Cameroon in the heart of one of the worlds least explored biodiversity hotspots. Biokos Gran Caldera and Southern Highlands Scientific Reserve contains some of Africas last truly pristine tropical rainforest. Biokos 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. Volunteers will assist primarily in research focused on primate census along Biokos southern coast and within a dormant volcanic caldera. Depending upon interest and skills, volunteers may have additional opportunities to assist in other projects such as performing nesting sea turtle census, conducting habitat surveys, and collecting amphibians. Participants will not only learn many of the valuable skills necessary for fieldwork in tropical ecosystems, but their participation will help with the long-term conservation strategies of the BBPP. Volunteers will gain experience in operating field equipment including GPS, satellite phones, and generators. Many past volunteers have used their participation on this expedition as a stepping stone to a career in wildlife research and conservation. The Expedition: The BBPP will embark on a 3 week expedition to Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea in January 2014. In collaboration with an international team of experts in the fields of primatology, herpetology, entomology and botany, this years expedition aims to explore and document an extensive swath of Biokos biodiversity. Typically focused on primate census, the BBPPs annual expedition continues to widen its conservation efforts with an increased focus on projects concerning sea turtle conservation, plant diversity, and amphibian inventories. The BBPP has recognized that even Biokos 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 2014 Gran Caldera and Southern Highlands Expedition aims to document the variety, range, and diversity of a multitude of Biokos wildlife in order to assess the future needs for conservation on the island. As the bushmeat pressure on Biokos primates continues to worsen, the chance for volunteers to view many of the islands 7 species of rare/endemic monkeys in the wild continues to decline. For additional insight regarding BBPPs expedition and Bioko primate conservation, refer to the August 2008 issue of National Geographic- Island Ark: A threatened African treasure. 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 and Support Provided: - The cost of participation is $3000, which covers the following on-island expenses: Housing Transport Meals Field Equipment (personal gear excluded) Pre-trip Reference Materials Training in Field Techniques - 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 (~ $1500-$1900 USD RT from East/Central North America to Malabo, EG) typically disappear fast, so we advise acting promptly. No additional financial support is available from BBPP, but undergraduate students are often able to get financial assistance from their home universities. 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 worlds rarest and least studied animals. See the Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program Website (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: Hearn Lab (www.drexel.edu/biology/hearn). Term of Appointment: 3 weeks: January 4 25, 2014 (However dates may vary by +3 days due to transportation availability) Application Deadline: 30 October 2013 Contact Information: We prefer applicants use the following email address for expedition applications/questions. E-mail Address: [email protected] Mailing/Shipping Address: Dr. Gail Hearn Drexel University Department of Biology 3245 Chestnut St., PISB 503 Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA Telephone Number: 215 895 1476 Fax Number: 215 895 1273 Website: http://www.bioko.org http://www.drexel.edu/biology/hearn
