Volunteer research assistant: Bioacoustic study of loud vocalizations of black howler monkeys in Palenque National Park, Mexico.
Position Description:
We are looking for two volunteers to assist in a project studying vocal behavior in black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) at Palenque National Park, Mexico. You will work in a team together with a local assistant and Dr. Van Belle while observing study groups. Observations days run from sunrise to sunset during which multiple types of data such as activity scan samples, ranging behavior, and vocal behavior. Resting days will be scheduled regularly as part of the fieldwork.
Palenque National Park, located in the state of Chiapas in south-eastern Mexico, is known for harboring the ruins of the ancient Maya civilization. The Mexican government has created a national park to safeguard their patrimony. Only 10% of the ruins have been excavated; the remainder remains covered by tall evergreen tropical rainforest. It is in this forest that the study takes place.
Palenque National Park is an important tourist attraction and is located near the town of Palenque which provides all basic facilities (grocery stores, pharmacies, hospitals, banks, etc).
- Be physically fit, and capable of undertaking fieldwork in hot/humid conditions.
- Be capable of teamwork and not have issues with authority figures.
- Have a background in biology/anthropology/zoology/psychology or a related field.
- Be interested in primate behavior, ecology, and conservation.
- Be hardworking, disciplined in following field procedures and be reliable.
- Some knowledge of animal behavior and data collection is preferred but not required.
- Enjoy being outdoors and experiencing the tropical rainforest.
- Enjoy being in the culture of southeastern Mexico
- Basic knowledge of Spanish is required
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Assistants will be responsible for airfare/transportation to and from Palenque, food costs (estimated at 30 US$ per week), and personal expenses. Lodging will be provided by the field project in a comfortable fully equipped house (electricity, high-speed internet, beds, bathroom, a large living room kitchen area) in Palenque.
Term of Appointment:
The project is ongoing, and we urgently need two assistants. Assistants need to commit at least 4 months, but longer commitments are possible (till March 2023) and preferred.
Application Deadline:
none
Comments:
To apply, please email a recent copy of your CV and send a letter of motivation describing your research interests and experience, and your availability for the position.
If approved to join the project, you will be provided with detailed information about the research program and about logistics.
Note on contingencies: Volunteers should be covered by medical insurance when traveling to Mexico. They will need to sign a releasing liability form upon joining the research team in Palenque.
Email: sarievanbelle@gmail.com
Website: www.sarievanbelle.com
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sarie_Van_Belle2