Description

Expedition Summary
Survey the astounding biodiversity of the rainforest and canopies of the Ecuadorian Andes for tropical birds and a variety of plant species, and help set camera traps for rare shots of spectacled bears, puma, ocelots and other animals.

Expedition Details
The Santa Lucia Reserve is home to tremendous biodiversity, protecting over 390 species of tropical birds, thousands of plant species and an estimated 45 species of mammals. In this stunning cloud forest, you'll hike through mountainous terrain toward a different research assignment each day.

You'll help survey key bird and large mammal species (studying the latter primarily through camera trapping) and their associated vegetation types to determine abundance and distribution. This information will provide reserve managers with accurate scientific data to create habitat and species action plans in the hope of connecting with and extending the habitat corridor which stretches from Ecuador into Colombia and provides larger species, in particular, with extended territories.

You'll help to set up camera traps to record the presence of mammals; you'll conduct daily bird surveys; you'll explore the unique invertebrate and amphibian communities that make their home in the bromeliads of the cloud forest; and you will survey tree species, size, and density to determine the carbon storage of the reserve. You'll also help identify and photograph tracks around the traps. You'll also gather data on the habitat by measuring and counting trees, determining canopy cover, and identifying species of orchids and other plant life. In your recreational time, you can enjoy pick-up games of soccer or volleyball, take part in fiestas and dances in nearby towns, or hike to gorgeous waterfalls.

Meals and Accommodations
Volunteers stay in the Santa Lucia Lodge, which offers shared rooms, both conventional and compost toilets, and hot showers with spectacular views of the forest! In the evenings, the lodge is lit by generator. Lodge staff prepare traditional Ecuadorian and international meals, using organic produce from the garden. Volunteers are welcome to lend a hand in the garden and kitchen.

About the Research Area
The Santa Lucia Reserve, declared a protected forest in 1988, covers an area of 713 hectares of cloudforest and spans an altitudinal range from 1400 to 2600 m. The base station at 1900m has a pleasant daily temperature in the mid to upper 20s (Celsius), although afternoons and evenings can be cool and chilly. Mammalian species registered at Santa Lucia include four species of cat (jaguarundi, ocelot, Andean cat, and puma), coatimundis and spectacled bear. Among the tropical birds that make their home in the reserve are hummingbirds, tanagers, Red-billed parrots, Toucan barbets, Wattled guans and many, many more. Native plants include an amazing variety of orchids, bromeliads and other epiphytes.

Highlights

The Ecuadorian Andes host some the world's most exceptional biodiversity hotspots. Unfortunately, the distribution of many species has been dramatically reduced due to habitat loss and hunting. To make matters worse, climate models suggest the Andes will experience heightened warming relative to lower altitudes as a result of global climate change. Such warming may result in a loss of many plants and the species that rely on them. Dr. Mika Peck and colleagues monitor populations of large mammals and tropical birds in the reserve. Because these animals need high quality forest habitat to survive, they act as umbrella species whose protection will also ensure the conservation of countless other forest animals and plants. The data collected on this project will help answer the question of whether existing reserves and corridors are sufficient to protect the wealth of wildlife in Ecuador's forests in the face of climate change.

Travel Types

• Eco Tours
• Ecology
• Environmental Studies
• Hiking
• Nature Tours
• Volunteering

Qualifications

No experience is necessary - all you will need is enthusiasm and the desire to make a difference. For over 40 years Earthwatch Institute has pioneered the involvement of ordinary people in peer-reviewed scientific research worldwide. By joining an Earthwatch Expedition, you have a unique opportunity to get up-close and personal with some of the worlds rarest animals and visit remote and beautiful locations, while directly supporting conservation science. We offer life enhancing experiences in nearly 50 countries each year, with projects for teens, adults, and families.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

2,795 - 3,375 USD

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Medical services
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Our volunteers not only contribute essential funds that help to cover the cost of the research, but also, through their inspiration and effort, they provide the people power without which many of our vital projects simply couldnt take place. We are a non-profit organization but accommodation, meals, insurance, training and transport in the field are also included in your contribution cost. As a non-profit organization that supports scientific research, your contribution and airfare costs are usually tax-deductible for U.S. citizens.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Earthwatch expeditions appeal to a variety of people, including students, retirees, families, educators, and anyone seeking an exciting journey that enables them to give back to the environment. Our expeditions have a wide range of activity levels, from hiking intensive to easy expeditions with limited physical activity. There is an Earthwatch expedition out there for everyone!

Age Range

Adult (age 18-90) teams available.

This Program is open to

Worldwide, American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi and South African Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Other

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 6 - 12

Scholarships are Available

Very limited fellowships may be available, mainly for high-school students and educators. Visit our website for more information.

Application Process Involves

• Other
• Phone/Video Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records

Typically The Application Process Time is

Brief

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Earthwatch Institute's Mission Statement

Our mission is to inspire connections between people and the environment by engaging them in worldwide scientific field research and education. These efforts will promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. Earthwatch enables scientists to pursue research goals and members of the public to gain hands-on experience with science. We believe it is essential that people participate in solving the environmental challenges we face.

Year Founded

1971