Hiring Organization:
Gola Forest Programme
Date Posted:
2009-09-22
Position Description:
The Gola Forest Reserves, the last tropical lowland rainforest in eastern Sierra Leone, are home to some rare and unique species such as the pygmy hippo, western chimpanzee, Jentink’s duiker, zebra duiker, white-necked Picathartes and the olive colobus monkey. In late 2008, the Gola Forest Programme began habituating a group of Diana monkeys with the objective of studying the ecology of this threatened species.
Since this time, and throughout the habituation process, we have collected baseline data on habituation behavior, diet, ranging, and activity budgets. There is also a concurrent phenology study underway in the area. At present, the monkeys are semi-habituated and we expect them to be fully habituated very soon.
The location of the group is in Gola East, where a sub-office/house is located. Currently, the research house has accommodation for 1-2 researchers, has solar power, and running water (including a flush toilet). The monkey group is located close to the research house and there is a 100 m x 100 m grid system to facilitate monkey follows.
Starting in November 2009, we are opening up this group to external researchers for field research. In particular, we are looking to collaborate with a graduate student to continue on with our ecological studies and conduct more detailed research to further our objectives of determining the ecological requirements of this species. We are most interested in topics on feeding and ranging ecology, especially seed dispersal, and how we can apply this information in management plans.
Qualifications/Experience:
Must be enrolled as a masters or doctoral student
Previous experience collecting behavioral/ecological data on primates highly desirable, although similar experience with other mammals or birds comparable
Previous experience working in a developing country desired
Must be able to live in independently, sometimes as the only expatriate, in a remote rainforest
Be able to work in a very humid environment
Have the characteristics of flexibility, patience, and a good sense of humour
Salary/funding:
200 euros/month
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
For the collaboration, we can provide:
-use of study group without research fees
-free accommodation with housekeeping/laundry services
-reimbursement of Sierra Leone visa fees
-some logistical help
-to and from airport-Gola forest transportation
-scientific guidance and support from staff conservation scientists
-possible use of previously collected ecological data on the Diana monkeys as well as phenology data
In return, we would require
-detailed report(s) of research findings to the Gola Forest Programme
-depending on the level of involvement of our scientific staff, and the amount of data used from our database, authorship on any resultant publications by the student.
-contribution of data collected to our database, but with a signed MoU stating authorship on any resultant publications authored by the Gola Forest Programme staff, using the da database, will include authorship of the contributor
A signed MoU regarding this collaboration will be required, in particular for all issues surrounding usage of data by either the student or the Gola Forest Programme
Term of Appointment:
committment of at least 6 months, but a longer time desired
Application Deadline:
16 October 2009
Comments:
Please send a cover letter explaining why you are interested in this collaboration, which school you are attending, what topic you are pursuing for your thesis, and your availability as well as your CV listing 3 references to Jessica Ganas at the below listed email contact
Contact Information:
Dr Jessica Ganas
164 Dama Road
Kenema
Sierra Leone
Telephone Number:
+232 (0)76 271 091
E-mail Address:
jessica.ganas@rspb.org.uk