Hiring Organization:
Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program, a cooperative program of Drexel University and the National University of Equatorial Guinea
Date Posted:
2013-07-09
Position Description:
Volunteer Research Assistant (10 needed) for the 20th annual 3-week expedition (~January 2 – 22, 2014) to survey primate populations in Bioko Island's remote Gran Caldera de Luba.
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 20 years) our expedition has provided almost all the visitors.
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 counting the four species of nesting sea turtles (mostly leatherbacks and green turtles) that visit the adjacent black sand beaches. Primate group encounter rate is very high (more than 2 groups/km on many 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.
You will find more details on the BBPP website (www.bioko.org) and the Hearn Lab website (http://www.pages.drexel.edu/~gwh26/).
The 2008 Gran Caldera Expedition was the subject of a 22 page feature article in the August 2008 issue of National Geographic magazine. That’s still your best introduction to where you will be going and what you will be doing.
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. Although we accept university students (must be at least a sophomore) on the expedition, we encourage undergraduates to participate via Drexel’s Study Abroad on Bioko Island Program for a much more in-depth experience. Adult volunteers must be over the age of 21. Some of our volunteers (we're now beginning our 20th season) have been over 70, but most are between 25 and 55. US citizens are preferred (no visa to EG required) but other nationalities can be accommodated. Once the fee is paid we will assist in obtaining the EG visa.
Salary/funding:
The cost of participation is $3000. Academic credit is available through Drexel University, but at an extra charge. If you are an undergraduate, consider arranging academic credit (independent study) through your home university, or consider the Drexel Study Abroad on Bioko Island which includes the expedition and a semester of coursework (January through mid-March).
Participants are expected to provide their own air transport and medical evacuation insurance.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
The cost of participation includes the necessary on-island expenses: housing and almost all meals in the capital city of Malabo; transport including boats, trucks, and porters; field facilities including tents, food and equipment. Extensive pre-trip on-line materials and on-site training in field techniques are provided. Academic credit is available through Drexel University, but at an extra charge. If you are an undergraduate, consider arranging academic credit (independent study) through your home university, or consider the Drexel Study Abroad on Bioko Island which includes the expedition and a semester of coursework (January through mid-March).
Term of Appointment:
January 2-22, 2014
Application Deadline:
October 15, 2013
Comments:
Applications are considered as they arrive until the positions are filled so early application is encouraged. Sometimes participants cancel and positions become available after the deadline so late applications can be successful.
Contact Information:
Biology Department, Drexel University, 3245 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
USA
Telephone Number:
215 895 1476
Fax Number:
215 895 1273
Website:
E-mail Address: