This training program targets those with a strong interest in primatology or wildlife biology.
Program Description: The habituation of primates to human presence takes a great deal of patience and time. This training program works with saki monkeys. We are looking for highly motivated and driven field assistants to work on both projects. This is a great opportunity for students interested in graduate programs or careers in biology, conservation, ecology or anthropology. This kind of fieldwork is physically demanding and requires long days of hiking and data collection, but it is incredibly rewarding. To experience the Amazon rainforest so intimately will forever change you! At the end of this program, research assistants will be able to: Track primates by movement and vocalizations, as well as radio telemetry Work off trail systems, and conduct full-day follows Conduct behavioral observations on known-individuals (scan and focal animal sampling) Input data into organized databases for further analyses Record data on feeding ecology Correctly sex individual primates Record primate vocalizations Conduct predator detection experiments on sakis using predator decoys and audio of alarm calls Conduct phenological transects and collect other habitat data PROGRAM FACTS WHEN: Saki project: June 10 August 31, 2015 (Minimum commitment 6 weeks) WHERE: The Los Amigos Biological Field Station in Southeastern Peru COST: $2,250 for 6 weeks. Longer stays are welcome and are prorated at $375 per week. DEADLINE: May 10, 2014 for start dates in June/July/August 2014; For start dates beyond this, applications processed on a rolling basis through the year. APPLY HERE: http://primatesperu.org/get-experience/research-volunteers/reservation-form-for- field-training/ More information is available on travel requirements (http://primatesperu.org/travel-to-los- amigos/) and the Los Amigos Field Station (http://primatesperu.org/cicra/) where the program will take place. SPECIAL CONDITIONS: For the Saki project, reimbursement of airfare or other travel costs may be covered by the project after a minimum 4-month commitment has been completed. We will accept applications continually until May 10th 2014 for assistants starting in Summer 2014 (the months of June, July and August) and on a rolling basis for assistants starting thereafter ELIGIBILITY: We are currently recruiting participants with the following requirements. If you are uncertain if you are eligible, contact us at [email protected] to confirm: Participants must be at least 18 years of age by the time the training program begins. Participants must demonstrate a grounding or strong interest in zoology, biology, or anthropology. Previous field experience is not required, but previous research experience (either outdoors or in the laboratory) will be a plus. Participants must be able to justify why this program is important to them and what they hope to gain from it. Participants must provide a letter of recommendation from a source that can substantiate the participants experience and skills. Participants must be unafraid of insects, reptiles and the jungle in general. Participants must be in good physical condition, with the capability to walk 4 miles a day while carrying field equipment. Participants will not be discriminated against for medical conditions they might have if we determine that being on this project will not pose an immediate risk to their health. Participants must demonstrate willingness to adjust their schedule to primate daily activity patterns. This can require waking up early, sometimes by 5 am, and going to bed early. Due to the nature of the work and weather constraints, participants MUST be willing to be flexible about their days off. Assistants will typically have one day off per week; however we cannot guarantee a set schedule each week. Participants must sign waivers of liability for this project and for the field station before their participation in the project is finalized. Participants must be willing to maintain long hours in the field, but also return to complete data entry in the evenings. Assistants will have the opportunity during days off to explore various attractions at the field site, such as searching for the resident anaconda at Pozo Don Pedro or looking for endangered giant river otters at Cocha Lobo. Please see our website (http://primatesperu.org/get-experience/research-volunteers/) for all payment and cancellation policies, as well as other research opportunities with PrimatesPeru. Contact [email protected] for further information if needed.
