The Biodiversity Group, a non-profit organization, is seeking 4-6 research assistants to join its field team of wildlife biologists in Mexico’s rare and wild tropical deciduous forests to study the conservation ecology of native reptiles and amphibians and other wildlife. Some species of interest include the Mexican beaded lizard, mountain king snake, desert tortoise, spotted box turtle, Madrean black-tailed rattlesnake, barking frog, and the Mexican leaf frog.
Research participants will be involved with conducting night and day surveys for reptiles and amphibians (however other taxa such as invertebrates are also of interest), animal data collection, and lab work. Lab work consists of more detailed information such as scale counts (for reptiles) and other morphological information, animal measurements, screening for chytrid disease (amphibians), preservation (only when necessary), and acquisition of DNA samples. Diagnostic photographs of all animals will be taken. Other tasks include animal handling and general note taking and data organization.
For 2012, two Mexico expeditions are scheduled for September 1-12 and September 14-25. The cost for one term is a donation of $1000, but participants are encouraged to stay for two terms at a cost of $1900. This donation does not include airfare but covers room/board and travel within Mexico. One hundred percent of contributions go directly back into TBG’s tropical conservation research and into educating locals on their native ecosystems and their part in maintaining them. Volunteer assistants will gain valuable research experience, contribute towards our mission in conservation ecology, meet wildlife biologists in their field of interest, have an opportunity to conduct research hands-on with animals in the field, and enjoy beautiful Alamos like no one else.
For more information please go to the following link: (http://www.biodiversitygroup.org/participate/mexico/mexico_apply.html)
Qualifications:
Participants must have a general interest in conservation ecology and field work and must be over the age of 18 to apply. Assistants will be required to work long hours over rugged terrain in humid conditions. Particularly, the most important qualifications that an assistant can bring to the project are enthusiasm and a good work ethic. Anyone meeting these general criteria is encouraged to apply.
Students:
Students usually can acquire academic credit (often towards senior research/thesis) or if they are a returning participant can apply for an internship with TBG along with their current college or university.
Apply:
Please apply at www.biodiversitygroup.org
Nathalie Aall expeditions@biodiversitygroup.org with any questions