You will be assisting the two main researchers at a field station in southeast Peru called CICRA. CICRA is on the Los Amigos river in the Peruvian Amazon and is fully equipped to sustain long-term projects. You will assist in monitoring the behavior and reproduction of five groups of saddle-back tamarins (Saguinus fuscicollis). Three of these groups are habituated and will be the primary focus of the investigation. You will also assist in trapping the tamarins twice during the study in order to record morphometrics, obtain genetic material and tag individuals so that they might be individually identified.
Here are some of the specific tasks you will participate in:
1. Daily follows of individual tamarin groups
2. Making behavioral observations during follows
3. Using a GPS to get positional data on ranging patterns of groups
4. Setting up and monitoring traps
5. Assisting during processing of animals once trapped. This will include:
a. Photographing individuals
b. Recording data as obtained from the individuals
c. Storing DNA samples (painlessly, and with NO harm to the individual)
This is a great opportunity for a student interested in a graduate program in biology, conservation, ecology or anthropology. You will learn how to record behavioral data, track primates using sound as well as radio telemetry. This project is unique in that it involves more than just an opportunity to observe behavior. Volunteers will also have the chance to learn how to handle wild animals (while keeping in mind both your own and their safety)and record morphometrical and health data from wild tamarins. A wildlife veterinarian on site will be on hand to assist during all such procedures. Training will take about 1-2 months. A minimum of a 3 month commitment is required.
Fill out the application at http://www.primatesperu.com/how-you-can-help/raoa and send a recommendation letter to primatesperu@gmail.com. Decisions will be made by June/July 2009. The expected start date of the project is October 2009 and it will run for 10 months. We expect to require research assistants by December 2009 for a period of 3 - 6 months. Ideally, volunteers should have past experience working/or living in a tropical country, preferably in South America. More importantly, a background in science that allows you to understand the scientific method, basic research terminology, and maintainance of data records is vital.
The qualifications we are looking for in a research assistant are:
* Degree or expected degree in a life science or anthropology
* Knowledge of at least basic Spanish
* Good physical and mental health
* Ability to hike long distances (> 6 miles) in a day
* Ability to carry a moderately heavy pack
* Cheerful, optimistic approach to work
* Ability to be independent of family and friends for extended periods
* Commitment to the project during days of work (5/6 days a week)
* Ability to work with Microsoft Office for data entry/backup
* No fear of snakes, insects, etc.
Stay at CICRA costs $20 a day and includes three meals,snacks, wi-fi internet, and a room in either a dorm-type setting or a cabin. For more details on costs see www.primatesperu.com
Term of Appointment must be at least 3 months beginning December 2009.
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