Volunteer Field Staff

Join a team of highly motivated conservation biologists in the succesful Mauritius Fody Recovery Programme. Mauritius Fody Foudia rubra is a charismatic, endemic forest-dwelling Passerine. It is threatened by nest predation by introduced predators, and habitat loss, and has been reduced to very low numbers in the wild. Through extensive conservation efforts a second subpopulation now exists on a predator free offshore Nature Reserve, Ile aux Aigrettes, and the species was downlisted from Critically Endangered to Endangered in 2009 (IUCN). We are now seeking enthusiastic graduates with a degree in Biological Sciences to participate in our effort to further improve the conservation status of the Mauritius Fody. Previous field work experience is desirable but not necessary, a keen interest in conservation and birds is required. The succesful candidate will be based on Ile aux Aigrettes, and will carry out intensive monitoring of the reintroduced population of Mauritius Fodies on the islet. He/she will gain experience in collecting field observations, ecological data, nest monitoring and management, ringig and banding of chicks and juvenile birds, and gain an understanding of practical conservation management. In addition, he/she will have a unique opportunity to participate in a planned second translocation of Mauritius Fodies.

The starting date for these posts is in June, and it is hoped that the succesful candidate will be able to stay for a minimum of nine months.

Mauritian Wildlife Foundation provides all volunteers with accommodation and transport whilst in Mauritius; the volunteer will cover the cost of flights and food, as well as a basic travel insurance that will last the duration of the volunteering period.