Volunteer field assistants are needed for an on-going wild feline monitoring and conservation project at the Aula Global Biological Reserve, a remote private reserve located in the mountainous regions near Monteverde, Costa Rica. The Global Classroom has been conducting scientific studies focusing on documenting the movement and population density of endemic cats (jaguar, puma, ocelot, margay, jaguarundi) within the reserve. Among other tasks, volunteers will be using camera traps, track pads, animal tracking techniques, and photography to gather information on local and transient cats within the reserve. Collected data will be entered into a database.
Secondary work projects within our private biological reserve may include bird, mammal and reptile census, orchid identification, and trail maintenance. If volunteers are interested, upon discussion with the Aula Global Staff, they may conduct custom-built projects. We are also seeking volunteers interested in collecting data on amphibians, reptiles, insects, and plant, and tree species. The Aula Global volunteer project connects participants with some of the wildest, unspoiled tropical forests left in Costa Rica. Aula Global reserve is not open to the general public so human activity within the reserve is at a minimum, allowing volunteers the unique opportunity to study unencumbered by tourist activity and restrictions placed upon many researchers studying in public reserves. No previous rain forest experience is necessary, but field assistants must be motivated, self directed and prepared for off trail hiking in rugged, wet conditions. Participants may be asked to carry 15-20 kg loads short distances as all food and equipment must be carried into the research station due to no road access. Research sessions run in one week sessions. Volunteers are welcome to participate in multiple sessions if they wish. November Session 1: Nov. 9th – 15th, 2014 Session 2: Nov. 16th – 22nd, 2014 Cost is $400 per week and includes transportation from Monteverde to Aula Global reserve, all food and lodging within the reserve, all technical equipment, animal tracking and other related workshops. A $200 deposit is required to save your space. FOR MORE INFORMATION please visit http://ravenadventures.com/tropical-ecology/ TO APPLY please contact Kathy Leone at: [email protected]
