Nature Travel Specialists

South America Wildlife Volunteer & Research Travel

GUYANA

VOLUNTEER SONGBIRD FIELD TECHNICIAN in Guyana, South America – A volunteer field assistant is needed from January-April 2013 for a study of neuroendocrine regulation of courtship display in songbirds of Guyana, South America. Field conditions will be remote and rugged without regular access to amenities. The research team will be traveling through the rainforests and savannas of Guyana, collecting specimens from nine species of endemic Manakin (Pipridae). Applicants must be comfortable with primitive living, exposure to potentially dangerous environmental conditions including parasites and venomous snakes, and be in prime physical condition, capable of long days of hiking and carrying heavy research equipment. Previous experience with passerine mist-netting is preferred as is experience in tropical field conditions.
Food and lodging as well as in-country transportation will be provided. However, the assistant will have to purchase their own travel vaccinations and airfare to and from Georgetown Guyana. To apply, please send cover letter detailing interests and previous experience, resume, and list of 3 references to WILLOW LINDSAY (EM: wlindsay AT olemiss.edu). Please state dates of availability. Initial review of applications will begin October 21st and will continue until the position is filled.          posted Oct 7

ECUADOR

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR ECUADOR CLOUD FOREST BIRD BANDING EXPEDITION – Colonche Hills, Coastal Range, South America: 9-23 December 2012. Become a Life Net Volunteer! Join Dr. Dusti Becker for an exciting 16-day conservation experience in the coastal cordillera of western Ecuador.
Dr. Becker, a well-known tropical avian ecologist will lead the expedition assisted by experienced Ecuadorian field assistants.
Volunteers monitor birds with mist nets and along transects in a community-owned cloud forest protected area called the Loma Alta Ecological Reserve. Volunteers will also participate in the 10th annual Loma Alta Christmas Bird Count focusing on Choco endemics in the Colonche Hills and Tumbesian endemics in coastal dry forest lowlands.
Loma Alta is home to more than 20 species of hummingbirds and 48 of the
55 Tumbesian endemic birds making it a HOT birding spot. In 2004, our research prompted national and international bird conservation organizations to designate the area as an Important Bird Area (IBA).
Red-masked parakeets, crested guans, rufous-fronted chachalacas, Choco toucans, gray-backed hawks, and ornate hawk eagles are just a few of the regional specialties that are typically seen during a Life Net field project at Loma Alta. The ecology of woodstar hummingbirds including the endangered Esmeraldas woodstar is an additional focus of our research and monitoring project, offering potential close-up views of these spectacular tropical gems. Volunteers help set up and monitor mist nets, extract birds from nets, carry birds from nets to a banding station, and record basic ecological data. Bilingual volunteers may contribute to environmental education and ecotourism training Loma Alta. Volunteers will have some afternoons free to explore and bird around the protected area, including searching for Mantled Howlers and White-fronted Capuchin monkeys. Life Net projects advance scientific understanding of the ecology of tropical birds and provide incentive for local citizens to protect native habitats for birds and other wildlife. The volunteer contribution of $1500 to the non-profit Life Net is partially tax deductible and is used to cover costs to sustain the volunteer group, pay local salaries, and contribute to forest conservation at Loma Alta.
All transportation within Ecuador, room, & meals during the project are covered by the donation. The expedition begins and ends in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Contact DR. DUSTI BECKER (EM: dbecker AT lifenetnature.org) for further details. Visit http://lifenetnature.org and go to the volunteer page to download application form, briefing, and see photos of the site.     posted July 17

ONGOING POSITIONS

PERU

Amazon Shelter - CRCAS - has a week-long voluntourism program assisting with rehabiliating rescued Amazon wildlife. There's more information on our Amazon Wildlife Volunteer page.

COLOMBIA

See our information about ProAves' Ecovolunteers on our introduction pagefor ongoing Colombia bird volunteer opportunities.

SOUTH AMERICA

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY -- We are looking for undergraduates to participate in the Golondrinas de las Americas, a network of biologists
studying tree swallows in the genus Tachycineta from Argentina to Alaska. Founded by Cornell University professor David Winkler almost a
decade ago and supported by the National Science Foundation, the Golondrinas de las Americas project trains students to study the
breeding biology and behavior of swallows in North, Central and South America. The internship lasts approximately two and one half to four
months depending on the season and location. Using standardized protocols, students conduct field work, learn how to keep field records,
maintain nest boxes and search for swallows. The knowledge gained from the project is helping us understand the reasons for geographic
variations in the clutch sizes of these birds. In the long term, we anticipate the Golondrinas de las Americas project will contribute to
our knowledge about the impacts of climate change and the life histories of the birds and their insect prey. Interns must have a demonstrated interest in environmental biology or a related field. The ability to work, live, and communicate well with others under rigorous and remote conditions is essential. Travel and living expenses as well as a small stipend are provided. For more information or to apply for the program, contact CAREN COOPER (EM: Caren.Cooper AT cornell.edu). A completed application includes a cover letter, C.V. or resume, and contact information for two professional references. For a map of existing sites visit (URL: http://golondrinas.cornell.edu/Maps/MapOfStudySites.html).

Africa           Alaska         Asia         Australia & South Pacific         Canada 

Central America         Europe         Hawaii & North Pacific         South America        Rest of World

Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumor Disease    

<<<  back to Volunteer Opportunities