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 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 and behavioral observations, trail maintenance,
orchid identification and canopy exploration requiring technical climbing
equipment. We have several rare species of birds that nest on our property
during the spring, including the Three-wattled Bellbird, Resplendent Quetzal,
and the Bare-necked Umbrellabird. We will be focusing on documenting the
breeding and nesting habits of the Bare-necked Umbrellabird using direct
observation, photo / filming of this little known species. If volunteers are
interested, upon discussion with the Aula Global Staff, they may conduct
custom-built projects.
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. Trails at the reserve can be steep, muddy, and slippery. Be
prepared to hike up to 3 miles daily with a light day pack. There are no roads
to our research station so upon arrival, participants must be able to carry all
their personal gear, and possibly a small amount of group gear (i.e. food,
equipment) approximately one mile to the station.
SPRING 2016:
Session 1: March 13th - 19th
Session 2: March 20th - 26th
Session 3: March 27th - April 2nd
Cost is $450 per week and includes transportation from Monteverde to Aula
Global reserve, all food and lodging within the reserve, all technical
equipment, canopy climbing safety training, animal tracking and other related
workshops. A $200 deposit is required to save your space. There is an
additional conservation fee of $25/week. Please bring this amount with you in
US dollars and it will be collected when entering the reserve.
FOR MORE INFORMATION please visit http://ravenadventures.com/tropical-ecology/
TO APPLY please contact Colin Garland at: [email protected]
