Volunteers needed
Evolution and Socio-Ecology of small Mammals in the Succulent Karoo of South Africa
Opportunity:
This is a great opportunity for anybody who wants to get more
experience in field work related to animal behavior, evolution,
eco-physiology, and ecology before starting an MSc or PhD project.
Project:
We study the evolutionary and ecological reasons as well as
physiological mechanisms of group living, paternal care, communal
nesting and social flexibility in the striped mouse. One focus is on the
adaptation to droughts, combining physiological, behavioral, ecological
and evolutionary research. As this species is diurnal and the habitat
is open, direct behavioral observations in the field are possible.
What kind of people are needed?
Biology/zoology/veterinary students are preferred as candidates.
Applicants must have an interest in working in the field and with
animals. Hard working conditions will await applicants, as the study
species gets up with sunrise (between 5 and 6 o` clock), and stops its
activity with dusk (19 o` clock). Work during nights might also be
necessary. Work in the field will be done for 5 days a week. Applicants
must be able to manage extreme temperatures (below 0 at night in winter,
sometimes over 40°C during summer days). Applicants must both be
prepared to live for long periods in the loneliness of the field and to
be part of a small social group.
Work of volunteer field assistants:
Trapping, marking and radio-tracking of striped mice; direct behavioral
observations in the field. Volunteers will also see how blood samples
are collected for physiological measurements. Volunteers are expected to
help with maintenance of the research station (water pump, solar power,
etc.).
Confirmation letter:
Students get a letter of confirmation about their work and can prepare a
report of their own small project to get credit points from their
university for their bachelor or masters studies.
Costs:
Students have to arrange their transport to the field site themselves.
Per month, an amount of Rand 1450 (around 175 US$, 100 Euro) must be
paid for accommodation at the research station. Students must buy their
own food etc in Springbok (costs of about R 3000, approx. 350 US$ or 250
Euro/month). Including extras (going out for dinner; shopping), you
should expect costs of about 600 US$ / 450 Euros per month. Students get
an invitation letter which they can use to apply for funding in their
home country.
Place:
The field site is in the Goegap Nature Reserve near Springbok in the
North-West of South Africa. The vegetation consists of Succulent Karoo,
which has been recognized as one of 25 hotspots of biodiversity. It is a
desert to semi-desert with rain mainly in winter (June to September).
When and how long:
At the moment we are looking for two volunteers starting in May 2016
and two volunteers to start in June / July 2016. Volunteers are expected
to stay for 2-3 months. We are also looking for volunteers for later in
2016.
How to apply? Send a short motivation letter stating why and for which period you are interested and your CV via email to succulent.karooo.research.station@kabelbw.de.
More information under
_______________________________________________________________
Dr. Carsten Schradin
Director
of the Succulent Karoo Research Station (South African non-profit
organization), Goegap Nature Reserve, PO Box 541, 8240 Springbok, South
Africa