The macaw project is an ongoing monitoring project in the Peruvian Amazon that uses long term and short term volunteers to collect seasonal information on parrot nesting habits and ecology. They work with local communities and ecotourism companies, to provide information on how best to manage the area’s natural resources.
The thousands of hours of observations that have been added up over the years would not have been possible without the help of the many volunteers and assistants who have offered their time and energy in the cause of science and conservation. Volunteers are one of the most important aspects to the project.
As this is an ongoing project they accept applications and volunteers throughout the year. Volunteers will be expected to have done background reading when they arrive on site. All monitoring protocols will be sent to successful applicants.
As a volunteer, you will be trained to identify all local parrots by sight and sound, monitor the clay lick, conduct parrot censuses, locate foraging parrots and enter data. Besides during the macaw breeding season (Nov-March) you will be trained to climb trees to check macaw nests and to monitor macaw behaviour inside the nest using video cameras.
Volunteers should be self-disciplined, responsible, enthusiastic, and patient. You should also be able to tolerate moderate insect levels, and hot weather (85-90F/30-33C with high humidity). You must also be able to get along well with others in a remote field setting. Volunteers should also be in good physical condition, able to carry a 40 lb (18 kg) pack over moderate terrain for up to 2 km, and possess no fear of heights.
Contact Information:
To apply please send an email to coordinator@macawproject.org This email should contain the following:
1.A letter of interest explaining why you are want to work on the project
2.Your CV or resume
3.Email addresses for at least 3 references
4.The range of dates when you will be available and how long you can participate. For example you may say something like “any 60 day period between March and July 2015”.