Volunteer Monitoring Assistant, Projet Protection des Gorilles (PPG), Gabon

The Aspinall Foundation (TAF), in cooperation with the governments of the Republic of Congo (since 1987) and of Gabon (since 1998), set up the Projet Protection des Gorilles (PPG) for the overall goal to work with local partners for the conservation of indigenous endangered species in general, and of gorillas in particular. Gorilla reintroduction is one of several activities carried out by PPG in Congo and Gabon to achieve this goal; in Gabon the gorilla reintroduction is based in the Batéké Plateau National Park (PNPB) in the south-east of the country. Most gorillas in the PNPB were released many years ago and are now monitored remotely with camera-traps, which also record other wildlife species in the PNPB. One small group of gorillas is currently on a pre-release island in the PNPB, requiring daily feeding and monitoring. Other wildlife in the PNPB include a unique mix of forest and savanna species such as forest elephants, forest buffalos, leopards, golden cats, servals, chimpanzees, monkeys, duikers, and a diverse avifauna.

Responsibilities of PPG Volunteer Monitoring Assistant

• Implementing and further developing the project monitoring activities.
• Recording quantities of daily food provided to gorillas, and where possible estimating daily calories provided to individual gorillas.
• Downloading camera-trap images from SD cards collected by PPG-Gabon field team, and arranging them on the project computer in a manner agreed with the PPG-Gabon Field Coordinator.
• Identifying species recorded in the camera-trap images and recording the information in an excel database.
• Summarising the data collected on a weekly or monthly basis, with support from the PPG-Gabon Field Coordinator.
• Assisting the PPG-Gabon Field Coordinator with monthly reporting duties.
• Developing additional monitoring activities as appropriate, on any wildlife species.
• Assisting with other duties relevant to the work of PPG-Gabon.

Reporting to PPG-Gabon Field Coordinator

Location and conditions of work

Most of the time will be spent in the Batéké Plateau National Park, based at an established field camp on the west bank of the Mpassa River. Time out can be taken in the city of Franceville, approximately 5 hours travel by boat and vehicle from the field camp.

Accommodation and some travel costs will be provided by the project.

Skills and experience required

• Proficiency in French essential, competence in English an advantage.
• Proven experience in relatively isolated field sites, preferably in Africa.
• Experience with excel and word.
• Experience analysing camera-trap images an advantage, or other wildlife monitoring experience.