Volunteers are needed to serve as research assistants in a primate study in the Amazon Rainforest in Madre de Dios, Peru. Volunteers will be assisting Peruvian biologist, Jorge Florez Mayorga, conduct his research at CICRA. Jorges research focus is mixed groups of Cebus apella (brown capuchin) and Saimiri boliviensis (squirrel monkey). Volunteers will be assisting the following types of activities: primate surveys, assessment of habitats and food resources, monitoring primate behavior.
Period October 2011 - May 2012. Minimum committment of 2 months. Location Centro de Investigación y Capacitación del Rio Los Amigos (CICRA). To learn more about CICRA, visit the websites: http://cicra.acca.org.pe/ and http://www.amazonconservation.org/ourwork/research.html Here are some of the specific tasks you will participate in: 1. Line transect surveys of primates 2. Daily follow-ups of mixed groups primates 3. Behavioral observations during follow-ups 4. Positional data recording (GPS) on different patterns of groups 5. Vegetation sampling 6. Recording locations and monitoring plant feeding sites a. Photographing individuals b. Recording data as obtained from the individuals Candidates should possess: 1. Basic knowledge of Spanish. 2. Interest in researching wildlife in a remote spot, surrounded by beautiful scenery. 3. Physical Fitness: Be able to perform long walks. 4. It is not necessary to have previous experience in working primates, training will be provided as soon as the volunteer arrives at the station. Estimated Costs Unfortunately for this project, there isnt sufficient funding to pay for the travel expenses and lodging of participants. Participants are welcomed to search for grants or scholarships. We can assist in your search by advising you or writing letters on your behalf. The prices for lodging is as follows: Large cabin, solar powered electricity all day, attached bathroom (~$50 per diem) Concrete dormitory, attached private bathroom, electricity from 6-9:30pm (~$35 per diem) Wooden dormitory with attached shared restroom, 2 to a room (~$33 per diem) Cabins, shared restroom within short walking distance, possibly 2 to a room (~$30 per diem) These costs include three large meals a day (packed for you if you need to take them with you to the field), snacks for those in-between hours, clean water, showers (cold), internet, and office space and laboratory space. Please note that there is also a $30 cost for a one-way ride on the CICRA boat. This is a great opportunity for students interested in a graduate program in biology, conservation, ecology and anthropology. You will learn how to record behavioral data to assess habitat and food resources, identification and monitoring of primates by sight and sound, and live in a biologically diverse area. Those interested should send resume to Jorge Florez Mayorga at [email protected]
