Fauna Forever (FF) is a non-profit organization based out of the jungle city of Puerto Maldonado in the Amazon rainforests of Tambopata, Madre de Dios in South-eastern Peru. The organization, which traces its origins back to 1997, works to promote biodiversity conservation, the sustainable use of tropical forest resources, and the continued flow of vital ecosystem services from Perus wild nature - for the benefit of all.
Volunteers and Interns There are several openings throughout the year for volunteer field assistants and interns who wish to join one of our many field and office- based teams. Applicants should have a keen interest in wildlife, tropical environments, conservation issues in general, and should be able to tolerate the sunny, rainy/humid, and nature-rich conditions that are the norm in the Amazon. Previous volunteer experience is preferred, however a high level of self motivation, proactive attitude and love of nature is generally enough to apply for our volunteer positions. Previous fieldwork experience and current or past related coursework is preferred for internship applicants, as would at least a basic knowledge of Spanish (or a willingness to learn whilst on the project). The mean age of volunteer assistants and interns to date is 24, ranging from 17 to 60. Volunteers can assist one or more of the current field research teams that specialize in the study of birds, mammals, plants, insects and herpetofauna (amphibians, reptiles). Example activities include helping to undertake transect surveys, point counts, mist-netting and bird banding/ringing, intensive quadrat searches, setting remote camera traps and baited insect traps for butterflies and dung-beetles, and much more. Assistance with ecotourist questionnaires and visits to local communities may also be required. Full training in all sampling techniques is provided. Interns are offered a number of 'mini-projects' that have been specially devised by our field biologists from their many years of experience in the region. We also offer the opportunity for undergraduate- and masters-level students to undertake their thesis fieldwork with Fauna Forever, on topics related to our core aims. Since 1997, more than 35 students have benefited from our expertise in this way. In most cases, interns will be given full supervision/assistantship provided by our field research coordinators (1-3 interns per coordinator) as well as overall supervision by Dr. Chris Kirkby. Those people interested in socio-economic surveys will require a working knowledge of Spanish. Housing and Communication All project participants are housed in good quality accommodation at eco- lodges and research stations located close to the field sites. Occasionally we do use field camps where tents are required and we will advise on necessary equipment on successful application. When in Puerto Maldonado the team is based out of the Fauna Forever office (equipped with sleeping quarters) and also uses local guest houses on occasions. A few lodges offer limited internet access, allowing for contact with friends and family when in the field. Schedule and costs The project manages a series of fixed phases (see below) during which we rotate field personnel, assistants and interns in and out. These phases are typically 20 days in length. Shorter stays on the project are possible, but rare. Longer stays are easier to organise. For those people looking to undertake their own research project, for a thesis, in a theme related to our projects, please contact us for more information. Volunteer placements Phase dates for the FFT project (assistance on bird, mammal, herpetofauna etc. research teams) and associated contribution fee (all inclusive from arrival in the town of Puerto Maldonado, the FFT base Airport pick-up in Puerto Maldonado, accommodation in shared rooms, food, local transport, equipment, training and supervision) are as follows: 2 week phases (14 day, 13 Night): PLACEMENT FEE: US$1,200 14 Jan 2013 27 Jan 2013 25 Jan 2013 07 Feb 2013 16 Feb 2013 01 Mar 2013 16 Mar 2013 29 Mar 2013 07 Apr 2013 20 Apr 2013 01 May 2013 14 May 2013 23 May 2013 05 Jun 2013 16 Jun 2013 29 Jun 2013 08 Jul 2013 21 Jul 2013 01 Aug 2013 14 Aug 2013 23 Aug 2013 05 Sep 2013 16 Sep 2013 29 Sep 2013 08 Oct 2013 21 Oct 2013 01 Nov 2013 14 Nov 2013 23 Nov 2013 06 Dec 2013 22 Dec 2013 04 Jan 2014 13 Jan 2014 26 Jan 2014 29 Jan 2014 11 Feb 2014 20 Feb 2014 05 Mar 2014 16 Mar 2014 29 Mar 2014 07 Apr 2014 20 Apr 2014 01 May 2014 14 May 2014 23 May 2014 05 Jun 2014 16 Jun 2014 29 Jun 2014 08 Jul 2014 21 Jul 2014 01 Aug 2014 14 Aug 2014 23 Aug 2014 05 Sep 2014 22 Dec 2014 04 Jan 2015 2 week phases (14 day, 13 Night) [PLACEMENT FEE: US$1,200] 3 week phases (21 day, 20 Night): PLACEMENT FEE: US$1,500 25 Jan 2013 14 Feb 2013 16 Feb 2013 08 Mar 2013 16 Mar 2013 05 Apr 2013 07 Apr 2013 27 Apr 2013 01 May 2013 21 May 2013 23 May 2013 12 Jun 2013 16 Jun 2013 06 Jul 2013 08 Jul 2013 28 Jul 2013 01 Aug 2013 21 Aug 2013 23 Aug 2013 12 Sep 2013 16 Sep 2013 06 Oct 2013 08 Oct 2013 28 Oct 2013 01 Nov 2013 21 Nov 2013 23 Nov 2013 13 Dec 2013 22 Dec 2013 11 Jan 2014 29 Jan 2014 18 Feb 2014 20 Feb 2014 12 Mar 2014 16 Mar 2014 05 Apr 2014 07 Apr 2014 27 Apr 2014 01 May 2014 21 May 2014 23 May 2014 12 Jun 2014 16 Jun 2014 06 Jul 2014 08 Jul 2014 28 Jul 2014 01 Aug 2014 21 Aug 2014 23 Aug 2014 12 Sep 2014 16 Sep 2014 06 Oct 2014 08 Oct 2014 28 Oct 2014 01 Nov 2014 21 Nov 2014 23 Nov 2014 13 Dec 2014 22 Dec 2013 04 Jan 2014 3 week phases (21 day, 20 Night) [PLACEMENT FEE: US$1,500] 6 week phases (43 day, 42 Night): PLACEMENT FEE: US$2,500 25 Jan 2013 08 Mar 2013 16 Mar 2013 27 Apr 2013 01 May 2013 12 Jun 2013 16 Jun 2013 28 Jul 2013 01 Aug 2013 12 Sep 2013 16 Sep 2013 28 Oct 2013 01 Nov 2013 13 Dec 2013 29 Jan 2014 12 Mar 2014 16 Mar 2014 27 Apr 2014 01 May 2014 12 Jun 2014 16 Jun 2014 28 Jul 2014 01 Aug 2014 12 Sep 2014 16 Sep 2014 28 Oct 2014 01 Nov 2014 13 Dec 2014 6 week phases (43 day, 42 Night) [PLACEMENT FEE: US$2,500] Internship placements Interns can work with us at any time for a minimum of 1 month. Fees include: Airport pick-up in Puerto Maldonado, accommodation in shared rooms, food, local transport (bus, taxis, boat), equipment, all training and supervision: Fee per day: 30 days - US$ 70 60 days - US$ 55 90 days - US$ 50 120 days - US$ 45 150+ days - US$ 40 Please Note: For other durations (e.g. 45 days) we apply a pro-rata system to determine the final fee. **This pro-rata system does NOT apply for periods longer than 150 days (5 months). For special requirements, requiring services other than our regular capabilities, an additional fee may be required to cover this Please note: What the fee includes ALL accomodation in Puerto Maldonado and in the field Three substantial and healthy meals every day Clean drinking water at all times Airport (Puerto Maldonado) transfers on arrival and departure Close supervision from an experienced tropical biologist Higher supervision from Dr. Chris Kirkby Support and training: Health & Safety; species identification; data collection in a Neotropical environment, data analysis; impacts and challenges affecting the rainforest in Tambopata; machete use; and much more. What the fee does not include Travel insurance (this is essential) Flights Spending money for extra snacks, sodas, alcohol, souvenirs and additional excursions Note: Internal flights between Lima and Puerto Maldonado (see http://lan.com or http://starperu.com) cost approx. US$70-350 (rtn) depending on season and how far in advance reservations are made. Bus connections are also possible travel time is 24 hrs from Lima via Cusco. Application Procedure Please complete the application form on our website. 1. GO TO: http://www.faunaforever.org 2. See 'PARTICIPATE' section on the main menu 3. Select the volunteer or internship program you are interested in 4. Click the 'Apply now' button on that page
