Description

Help collect data in the field for a scientific project radio-tracking Andean Bears in the cloud forests and paramo of northern Ecuador. This ground-breaking project is investigating the habits and ranges of the spectacled bear in order to produce a land management plan to avoid conflict between the farmers and the bears, which eat their corn. The bears are an endangered species due to habitat loss and hunting.

Highlights

This is a fantastic opportunity for biology students to gain practical experience in the field collecting data for an internationally-respected project run by a well-known biologist.

Andean bears are timid, solitary creatures and little is known about them. Despite being large mammals, they are rarely seen by humans. Your volunteer work here will be expanding the world's knowledge of the bears in the hope of saving them from extinction.

You will spend time in a little-visited part of Ecuador, off the beaten track, in stunning scenery, with a chance to get to know local people.

Qualifications

No formal qualifications needed. Applicants must be fit and healthy, willing to walk at altitude in beautiful mountain and cloud forest scenery, sometimes in adverse weather conditions.

We need enthusiastic, patient, flexible people with a genuine interest in wildlife research.

Fluent English needed, basic Spanish useful but not essential. (Alternatively fluent Spanish and basic English is fine).

Intern Types

• Biology(General)
• Zoology & Wildlife Sciences

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 660 for 4 weeks.

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Written materials pre-departure

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Biological Research
• Conservation
• Environment
• Volunteering
• Wildlife Surveying

Typical Volunteer

- Physically Fit, - Enthusiastic, - Loves the outdoors, - Interested in wildlife and especially in bears, - Flexible, - Patient

Age Range

19 and above

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 3-6

Application Process Involves

• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 weeks

Andean Bear Foundation's Mission Statement

The Andean Bear Foundation is registered in the USA and supports the Andean Bear Conservation Project, based in Ecuador. Our goal is to save the Andean Bear from extinction through in-field scientific studies and through the rehabilitation and release of captive bears. We monitor both wild and rehabilitated bears, by direct observation and through the use of radio tracking equipment. Our aim is to improve human understanding of these gentle creatures by gathering data on their diet, behaviours and social interaction. Time is running out for the Andean Bear. The tranquil cloud forests of the Andean mountain ranges, where these bears live, are rapidly disappearing. We're working for a better understanding of their needs so we can implement a strategy for their survival.