The Global Classroom is seeking women volunteer field assistants for a well-established wild feline monitoring and conservation project at the Aula Global Biological Reserve. This opportunity for women, led by women, is great for those interested in meeting new people, experiencing new cultures, facing new challenges, and developing important field research skills in a tropical rain forest setting. No previous rainforest experience is necessary. Aula Global is a private reserve located in the mountainous cloud forest near Monteverde, Costa Rica. The Global Classroom continues to conduct scientific studies focusing on documenting the movement and population density of native cat species (jaguar, puma, ocelot, margay, and jaguarundi) within the reserve. Volunteers will gain experience using camera traps, track pads, animal tracking techniques, photography, and other techniques to gather information on local and elusive cats within the reserve. Data collected will be entered into an ongoing database for the reserve's conservation efforts. While at the reserve, volunteers may also have the chance to partake in bird, mammal, and reptile census and behavioral observations. Several rare species of birds have been observed on the property, including the Three-wattled Bellbird, Resplendent Quetzal, and the Bare-necked Umbrella bird. Prior to the trip, volunteers may discuss with The Global Classroom staff about the possibility of conducting personal, custom-built research projects. The Aula Global volunteer project connects participants with some of the most wild and untouched tropical forests found in Costa Rica. Aula Global Reserve is not open to the general public, with human activity kept to a minimum, allowing volunteers the unique opportunity to study at a place unencumbered by tourist activity and without restrictions placed upon many researchers studying in public reserves.
QUALIFICATIONS 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 (about 33-44 lbs) loads for short distances as all food and equipment must be hiked into the research station due to no road access. Research sessions run in one-week sessions starting on Sunday and ending on Saturday. Volunteers are welcome to participate in multiple sessions if they wish to gain a variety of skills and experiences. DATES The specific dates for this volunteer opportunity at Aula Global are for women only. Visit http://ravenadventures.com for other conservation opportunities. Fall 2015 Session 1: October 18-24 Session 2: October 25-31 Cost is $450 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. Onsite facilities consist of a 12 bed dormitory and a large research station with kitchen facilities, eating area and wildlife viewing area. 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]
