Hiring Organization:
Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program, a cooperative program of Drexel University (Philadelphia, USA) and the National University of Equatorial Guinea (Equatorial Guinea, Central/West Africa)
Date Posted:
2008-08-19
Position Description:
Volunteer Research Assistant (10 needed) on an annual 3 week expedition (~January 2 – 24, 2009) to survey primate populations in Bioko Island's remote Gran Caldera de Luba.
The most recent expedition (January 2008) is the subject of a 22 page feature article in the August 2008 issue of National Geographic magazine. That’s your best introduction to where you will be going and what you will be doing. However, here’s some background:
Bioko Island has 7 endemic monkey species including two of Africa's most threatened, the drill and Pennant’s red colobus. All seven are found in the pristine Gran Caldera de Luba, a spectacular naturally protected volcanic crater on the southwestern coast of Bioko Island. This area is accessible only in the dry season (December through February), and then only by boat and a 2-day up-river hike. The Gran Caldera consists of undisturbed tropical monsoon forest; it was rarely visited in the past, and recently (last 10 years) our expedition has provided the only visitors (except for illegal commercial hunters).
This expedition, with a total of 20 scientists and volunteers, typically spends 2 weeks camped in the Caldera to complete the census, plus additional time tagging the four species of nesting sea turtles (mostly leatherbacks with 4000 nests and green turtles with 1000 nests) that visit the adjacent black sand beaches. Primate group encounter rate is very high (up to 2.3 groups/km on some trails). The expedition also includes local participants from the national university (UNGE) and from the isolated Bubi village of Ureca. The work is conducted in English, but the official language of Equatorial Guinea is Spanish.
Qualifications/Experience:
Research Assistants must be physically fit and willing to endure primitive work conditions. In addition to a commitment to biodiversity preservation, a sense of humor and knowledge of Spanish are helpful characteristics. Students must be at least sophomore level in their home university. Adult volunteers must be over the age of 21.
Salary/funding:
The cost of participation is $3000, which covers on-island expenses. Participants are expected to provide their own air transport and medical evacuation insurance. Academic credit is available through Drexel University, but at an extra charge. Many students arrange for credit (independent study) through their home university.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
The participation fee of $3000 covers your on-island costs: housing and meals in the capital city of Malabo; transport to the field site including boats, trucks, and porters; field facilities including tents, food and equipment. It also covers the pre-trip educational materials and on-site training in field techniques.
Modest BBPP scholarships are available for undergraduates or graduate students with particularly useful skills. No additional financial support is available from BBPP, but students are often able to get financial assistance from their home universities.
Term of Appointment:
January 2-24, 2009
Application Deadline:
September 30, 2008
Comments:
See the Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program Website (www.bioko.org) for details and an on-line application form.
Contact Information:
Gail W. Hearn
3200 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
USA
Telephone Number:
215 895 1476
Fax Number:
215 895 1273
Website:
http://www.bioko.org
E-mail Address:
gwh26@drexel.edu