Hiring Organization:
Drexel University
Date Posted:
2011-06-23
Position Description:
Gran Caldera and Southern Highlands Expedition 2012
Hiring Organization:
Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program (BBPP)
The BBPP is a cooperative between Drexel University (Philadelphia, USA) and the National University of Equatorial Guinea (Equatorial Guinea, West-Central Africa).
Project Description:
The Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program is seeking volunteer field assistants for a research expedition to Bioko Island. Research objectives will be focused on multiple projects concerned with the ecology of primates, sea turtles, and amphibians.
Bioko Island lies 30 km off the coast of Cameroon in the heart of one of the world’s least explored biodiversity hotspots. Bioko’s Gran Caldera and Southern Highlands Scientific Reserve contains some of Africa’s last truly pristine tropical rainforest. Bioko’s isolation has helped to protect its unusually high primate species richness, and as such is recognized today as the most important place for primate conservation in Africa. Volunteers will assist primarily in research focused on primate census along Bioko’s southern coast and within a dormant volcanic caldera. Depending upon interest and skills, volunteers may have additional opportunities to assist in other projects such as performing nesting sea turtle census, conducting habitat surveys, and collecting amphibians. Participants will not only learn many of the valuable skills necessary for fieldwork in tropical ecosystems, but their participation will help with the long-term conservation strategies of the BBPP.
The Expedition:
The BBPP will embark on a 3 week expedition to Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea in January 2012. In collaboration with an international team of experts in the fields of primatology, herpetology, and botany, this year’s expedition aims to explore and document an extensive swath of Bioko’s biodiversity. Typically focused on primate census, the BBPP’s annual expedition continues to widen its conservation efforts with an increased focus on projects concerning sea turtle conservation, plant diversity, and amphibian inventories. The BBPP has recognized that even Bioko’s remote and pristine tropical forests are not immune to the encroaching threats posed by global climate change, habitat loss, overhunting, pollution, and human-spread pathogens. The 2012 Gran Caldera and Southern Highlands Expedition aims to document the variety, range, and diversity of a multitude of Bioko’s wildlife in order to assess the future needs for conservation on the island. As the bushmeat pressure on Bioko’s primates continues to worsen, the chance for volunteers to view many of the island’s 7 species of rare/endemic monkeys in the wild continues to decline.
For additional insight regarding BBPP’s expedition and Bioko primate conservation, refer to the August 2008 issue of National Geographic- Island Ark: A threatened African treasure.
Term of Appointment:
4 January 2012 - 25 January 2012 (However dates may vary by +3 days due to transportation availability)
Application Deadline:
1 November 2011
Comments:
The annual BBPP Gran Caldera Expedition is the longest running annual research expedition in West Africa. It offers a unique and unparalleled opportunity to experience field biology in one of the most remote regions of the world. Participants will have the opportunity to encounter some of the world’s rarest and least studied animals.
See the Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program Website (www.bioko.org) for details and an on-line application form. Meet the BBPP research associates and learn more about our ongoing projects on Bioko here: Hearn Lab
Contact Information
We prefer applicants use our email address for expedition applications/questions.
E-mail Address:
calderaexpedition@gmail.com
Mailing/Shipping Address:
Dr. Gail Hearn
Drexel University
Department of Biology
3141 Chestnut St., #5-118
Philadelphia, PA 19104
USA
Telephone Number:
215 895 6906
Fax Number:
215 895 1273
Website:
http://www.bioko.org
http://www.pages.drexel.edu/~gwh26/
Qualifications/Experience:
Research assistants must be physically fit and willing to endure primitive living conditions. In addition, a commitment to biodiversity preservation and the conservation of threatened and endangered species is integral, while a sense of humor and enthusiastic nature is encouraged. This is an excellent opportunity for aspiring field biologists to gain experience, however we encourage and welcome applicants of all backgrounds. Applicants must be 18 years or older.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Costs:
- The cost of participation is $3000, which covers the following on-island expenses:
• Housing
• Transport
• Meals
• Field Equipment (personal gear excluded)
• Pre-trip Online Materials
• Training in Field Techniques
- Academic credit is available through Drexel University, at an extra charge. University students who come on this expedition usually arrange for credit (independent study) through their home university.
- Participants are expected to provide their own air transport and medical evacuation insurance. Cheap air tickets (~ $1500-$1900 USD RT from East/Central North America to Malabo, EG) typically disappear fast, so we advise acting promptly.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
No additional financial support is available from BBPP, but undergraduate students are often able to get financial assistance from their home universities.
Term of Appointment:
3 weeks (Jan 4-25, 2012)
Application Deadline:
November 1, 2011
Contact Information:
Demetrio Bocuma Mene
3141 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19146
USA
Telephone Number:
215-895-1476
Fax Number:
215-895-1273
E-mail Address:
calderaexpedition@gmail.com