Volunteer amphibian surveyor

A sustainable future for Chinese giant salamanders

Herpetologist wanted to volunteer on an amphibian conservation project in China for up to 3 months, all expenses paid. The successful applicant will join our Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus; CGS) conservation project in central and southern China. Over recent years, this iconic species has declined due to over-expoitation and habitat loss.

You will assist our Chinese partners in conducting intensive field surveys throughout the region to document the presence/absence of the Chinese giant salamander. You will also assist with non-destructive sampling (skin-swabbing, mouth swabbing and cloacal swabbing) of wild and farmed CGS for specific pathogen screening and CGS population genetics analyses.

Training will be provided as necessary, but you must be able to demonstrate knowledge of, and ideally experience in, amphibian survey techniques. Experience of working overseas, especially in developing countries, would be beneficial. Applicants must be proactive, resourceful, physically fit and able to swim.

Short-listed applicants will be interviewed at the Zoological Society of London and will depart for China in spring / summer 2015. Travel and medical insurance will be provided. To apply, please send a covering letter stating your experience, interest, and availability, plus a copy of your curriculum vitae, to ben.tapley@zsl.org

Closing date for applications is 6^th November 2014.