Conservation Volunteer

^{Nature Seychelles}

^{Nature Seychelles is a leading local NGO with a global reputation for conservation and environmental protection. Part of Birdlife International, Nature Seychelles has been instrumental in projects to rescue endangered species, such as the Seychelles warbler and Seychelles paradise flycatcher, and in habitat restoration. Its conservation expertise is enhanced by a strong science and monitoring programme and our work supports local people’s livelihoods and their communities. Visit www.natureseychelles.org for more information.}

^{Cousin Island Special Reserve}

^{Nature Seychelles manages Cousin Island. Owned by RSPB, this small 27 ha island has been designated as a Special Reserve and includes a marine reserve 400m radius around the island. It is a wildlife jewel. It has five endemic land birds including the red data book listed Seychelles warbler and the Seychelles magpie-robin and more than 300,000 seabirds from seven species nest here. It is home to giant land tortoises and has the highest density of skinks in the world. Moreover, in relation to this project, Cousin is the most important nesting site for the hawksbill turtle in the Western Indian Ocean. In 2010 Cousin Island became the World’s First Carbon Neutral Nature Reserve.}

^{Conservation work on Cousin Island}

^{Volunteer tasks vary depending on what time of year it is, predominantly the bulk of work focuses on the large seabird colonies and the land birds; we monitor the populations and study the breeding success as well as recording behavioral data. There is also reptile work and habitat conservation via removal of invasive species and planting of native plants and trees. At certain times of year there are also coral reefs surveys and marine turtle nesting monitoring. Aside from this you will be involved in the day-to-day running of the island such as maintaining the pathways, pumping water and helping the reserve wardens with boats during the weekdays when tourists come for guided tours. There will also be data entry and organization; as this is an integral part of all monitoring and survey work.}

^{Life on the Island
Working under the direction of the conservation officer and chief warden you will form part of a small team of 2-4 of volunteers, working along side the reserve staff and living alongside visiting researchers. All necessary training will be provided, but preference will be given to volunteers with previous conservation work experience. Free time on the island can be used to relax. There may also be the opportunity to undertake a small personal research projects. Weekends may be available for travel off the island, depending on the work schedule.}

^{Cousin Island is a remote location in a developing country. Therefore you should anticipate a degree of hardship as part of the role and you can expect to be on the island for several days at a time. Nature Seychelles boats leave the island for supplies three times a week. Accommodation is provided but volunteers are responsible for their own cleaning and cooking.}

^Duration                 

^{We are looking for volunteers for a period of 10 weeks throughout the year.}

^{What we are looking for from you}

• ^{·                 A good background in biology or conservation}
• ^{·                 Willingness to work in tough condition – and keep smiling!}
• ^{·                 Ability to walk lots and in the heat}
• ^{·                 An adventurous, self-reliant, self-starter}
• ^{·                 Experience of living/working in remote locations would be an advantage}
• ^{·                 Previous experience of bird monitoring would be good, but it is not necessary as training will be provided}
• ^{·                 A commitment of 10 weeks volunteering (shorter periods maybe considered)}
• ^{·                 Flexibility, adaptability and patience}
• ^{·                 A good team player}
• ^{·                 Age 18 years or over}
  
  

^{What we offer}

• ^{·                 An amazing experience in one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots}
• ^{·                 Certified training in bird monitoring including survey methods, capture techniques, handling and ringing.}
• ^{·                 Acknowledgment and reference of your work on Cousin as part a world leading conservation program.}
• ^{·                 A wealth of knowledge from our local and international staff team as well as the visiting researchers.}
• ^{·                 Accommodation and regular transport to and from Cousin Island for supplies etc.}
• ^{·                 Nature Seychelles shorts and t-shirt to wear during work}

^{Costs and benefits
We do not charge you to be a member of the volunteering team. We will provide accommodation and regular transport to and from Cousin Island for supplies etc. We will also provide Nature Seychelles shorts and t-shirt to wear on patrol. You will be responsible for your travel to and from Praslin Island (the closest island to Cousin Island), including international and domestic flights, any insurance costs and travel during your free time.}

^{To apply, send your CV with a 200-word cover letter saying why you are interested in joining the conservation team to april@natureseychelles.org}