Hiring Organization:
Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program
Date Posted:
2010-09-25
Position Description:
The Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program (BBPP) is seeking research assistants for multiple projects concerned with primate ecology, sea turtle nesting behavior, and amphibian diversity.
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. Research assistants will focus 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 searching for sea turtle nests, conducting habitat surveys, and collecting amphibians. Overall, research assistants will gain valuable experiential skills necessary for fieldwork and conservation in Africa.
Bioko Biodiversity Blitz 2011
The BBPP will embark on a 3 week expedition to Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea in January 2011. In collaboration with an international team of scientists 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, BBPP’s annual expedition widens its efforts this year to projects focused on 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 Bioko Biodiversity Blitz aims to document the variety, range, and diversity 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, this year’s expedition may represent the final chance for volunteers to view many of the island’s 7 species of rare/endemic monkeys in the wild, including the Bioko red colobus which was recently listed as one of the world’s Top 25 Most Endangered Primates.
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.
Qualifications/Experience:
Research Assistants must be physically fit and willing to endure primitive living conditions. In addition to a commitment to biodiversity preservation, a sense of humor and knowledge of Spanish is helpful. 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.
Salary/funding:
- 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, but 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 (~ $1900 RT from East/Central North America to Malabo, EG) are disappearing faster than in previous years 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:
4 January 2011 - 25 January 2011
Application Deadline:
1 November 2010
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.
See the Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program Website (www.bioko.org) for details and an on-line application form.
Applications arriving after the deadline are sometimes successful if we have last minute cancellations. (It's always worth a try!)
Contact Information:
Patrick McLaughlin
3141 Chestnut St., #5-118
Philadelphia, PA 19104
USA
Telephone Number:
215 895 1476
Fax Number:
215 895 1273
Website:
http://www.bioko.org
E-mail Address:
calderaexpedition2011@gmail.com