We are looking for volunteers to assist researchers in the collection of data on the first ecological study of the Bioko Island drill, Mandrillus leucophaeus poensis. The drill, one of the world’s largest monkeys, is a highly endangered and extremely elusive species found only in restricted ranges in the Gulf of Guinea forests. The overall objective of this study is to dramatically increase our knowledge of the feeding ecology and resource use of this species, providing field assistants a rare opportunity to track and monitor drill groups. Field work for this expedition will be performed within the forests of the Gran Caldera and Southern Highlands Reserve, southern Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea. This has been the field site for the long-term primate monitoring program performed by the Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program (BBPP) for over 13 years. As such, volunteers for this project will work under the supervision of Jake Owens (BBPP Staff and Ph.D. Candidate) and Dr. Shaya Honarvar (BBPP Research Coordinator). The commitment from volunteers will be for 2.5 months, from the beginning of January until mid-March. Activities for participants will include, but not be limited to:
• Transect surveys for primate encounters
• Drill group follows
• Collection of primary feeding and behavioral observations
• Collection and preparation of feeding remains and drill fecal samples
• Habitat assessments and vegetation sampling
• GPS mapping of encounters and newly explored locations
• Camera trap set up and maintenance
This opportunity is aimed at upper-level undergraduates or those recently receiving their degree in biology, environmental sciences, animal behavior, anthropology, or related fields (although others will be considered). Assistants will be primarily living in the field, working out of remote camps (sleeping in tents). This is an unpaid volunteer opportunity, however all on-island housing, food, and local transportation will be provided by the BBPP. You are expected to provide international transportation to and from Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, medical and medical evacuation insurance, and appropriate immunizations (yellow fever) and medications (anti-malarial medications). Assistance in acquiring these requirements can be provided.
This opportunity is ideal for those looking to continue onto a career in field research, especially those seeking to enter into related graduate programs. Volunteers will have the opportunity to live and work within a relatively pristine tropical rainforest with some of the highest densities of endangered primates found anywhere in the world. Opportunities to assist on other research projects (and gain other field work skills) will be available, including studies on frog phylogenetics and long term primate monitoring. We are looking for responsible individuals with the following qualifications:
• Physical fitness and a positive attitude towards physically exhausting work in a dynamic and humid climate.
• Experience camping and hiking, particularly in remote locations.
• Self-motivation. Daily census will be approximately 6 to 10 km a day, starting at sunrise and the work week will regularly exceed 40 hrs, with much of this time spent outside of camp.
• Some Spanish language ability.
• Ecological/biological field work experience.
For more information concerning volunteer opportunities email Jake Owens at jowens102@gmail.com, and for more information about Bioko Island and its wildlife, please visit our website at www.bioko.org.
For more info, contact:
Jake Owens: jowens102@gmail.com