Volunteer field assistants are needed for an on-going wild feline monitoring and conservation project at the Aula Global Biological Reserve, a remote private reserve located in the mountainous regions near Monteverde, Costa Rica. The Global Classroom has been conducting scientific studies focusing on documenting the movement and population density of cats (jaguar, puma, ocelot, margay, jaguarundi) within the reserve. Among other tasks, volunteers will be using camera traps, track pads, animal tracking techniques, and photography to gather information on local and transient cats within the reserve. Collected data will be entered into a database. Secondary work projects within our private biological reserve may include bird, mammal and reptile census and behavioral observations, trail maintenance, and orchid identification. If volunteers are interested, upon discussion with the Aula Global Staff, they may conduct custom-built projects. The Aula Global volunteer project connects participants with some of the wildest, unspoiled tropical forests left in Costa Rica. Aula Global Reserve is not open to the general public so human activity within the reserve is at a minimum, allowing volunteers the unique opportunity to study unencumbered by tourist activity and restrictions placed upon many researchers studying in public reserves. No previous rain forest experience is necessary, but field assistants must be motivated, self directed and prepared for off trail hiking in rugged, wet conditions. Trails at the reserve can be steep, muddy, and slippery. Be prepared to hike up to 3 miles daily with a light day pack. There are no roads to our research station so upon arrival, participants must be able to carry all their personal gear, and possibly a small amount of group gear (i.e. food, equipment) approximately one mile to the station. FALL 2016: Session 1: October 23rd - 29th - FOR WOMEN** Session 2: October 30th - November 5th
**This session is specifically for women, led by women, to develop and share important field research skills and connect with other like-minded individuals. All of our other sessions are open to everyone. Cost is $450 per week and includes transportation from Monteverde to Aula Global Reserve, all food and lodging within the reserve, all technical equipment, animal tracking and other related workshops. A $200/session deposit is required to save your space. There is an additional conservation fee of $25/week. Please bring this amount with you in US dollars and it will be collected when entering the reserve. FOR MORE INFORMATION please visit http://ravenadventures.com/tropical-ecology/ TO APPLY please contact Kathy at: [email protected]
