Volunteers wanted to assist with research and surveys on various carnivore species in Paraguay, Argentina, and Boliva, with an emphasis on the Chaco ecoregion. Volunteers will participate in field survey expeditions to help record sign, collect noninvasive genetic samples, and assist with camera-trapping activities for one of a variety of projects on jaguars, maned wolves, bush dogs, giant otters, and various small carnivore species. A two-week commitment is required by all volunteer participants as well as a $1000 fee to help defer project expenses and includes the volunteer’s in-country expenses. Surveys will take place from July through November 2011 so inquire as to availability. Some goals of these projects include: (1) determining the status of jaguars in the region, assessing conflict levels and causes, and evaluating the threats posed to them, (2) modeling the distribution and occupancy of maned wolves in Paraguay, (3) conducting the first presence-absence and relative abundance surveys for giant otters in many regions of the Pantanal, (4) evaluating the efficacy of new survey techniques to detect bush dogs in various habitats, and (5) investigating community-level interactions of multiple small carnivore species.
A Bachelor’s of Science in biology, natural resources management, wildlife biology, or a related field is preferred. Experience conducting surveys for medium- large mammal sign and a conversational knowledge of Spanish is a plus, but not absolutely necessary. Field sites can be extremely remote and conditions can be difficult, so field durability is a must. Long hours driving and/or walking in the sun are the general rule, daily field conditions permitting. All in-country logistics will be arranged by project field coordinators. Volunteers are responsible for making all international travel arrangements and for obtaining all needed travel documents in time (See: http://www.traveldocs.com/ for more information).
Many of these areas are true wilderness areas. Extensive daily travel in or across various regions will afford you an unparalleled opportunity to see many elusive forest wildlife species in their natural habitat, including the target species listed here. In fact, jaguars, maned wolves, deer, tapir, peccaries, etc., have often been seen by team members and volunteers alike on expeditions.
Finally, this is a unique chance to participate in an important conservation project, as well as develop important field survey and data collection skills for a career in conservation and wildlife research. Moreover, it is a rare opportunity to gain valuable experience in the field of international wildlife conservation. For additional information and/or to apply, please email/ send your resume ASAP to: species01@gmail.com.
For more info, contact:
Anthony J. Giordano, M.S.
Executive Director & Director of Conservation Science
SPECIES, of LifeScape International
Email: species01@gmail.com