Description

This exciting volunteer opportunity is located on a private Reserve, about 20 minutes from the city of Manta. The Reserve includes a lush tropical dry forest and semi-dry habitats, surrounded by beautiful beaches and cultural features of the Ecuadorian coast.

The 10 ha. (25 acre) Reserve lies in the Region Tumbesian, an ecological hotspot. The IUCN recognizes the region as an important conservation site, for its large number of endemic species, many of which are threatened by the high level of deforestation and fragmentation of their habitats. Of the 218 identified regions of endemism (unique environments) in the world, Tumbesian is among the top four most important. This is why we have decided to protect this forest which rich in endemism and biodiversity.

This volunteer program is based in a paradise for lovers of bird watching, where counts made 5 years ago identified 204 species. Among these were West Peruvian Screech Owl, Rufous Headed Chachalacas, Short-tailed Woodstar, Esmeraldas Woodstar, Gray and White Tyrannulet, Saffron Siskin, Guayaquil Woodpecker, etc. (Solano, 2006). Of the 204 species of birds that we recorded, 22% are endemic to the forests of the Tumbesian region and 14% are at some level of risk of extinction, according to the IUCN.

The lush flora found in the area include the straw scarf (used to make the famous Panama hats), the tagua palm, the colorful bamboo cane, sugar cane, coffee, fruit and other plant species endemic to the forest. The forest has 374 species of plants, of which 28% are trees and 89% of total vascular species are native and 5% are endemic at a national or provincial level.

So far, the major achievement of the Reserve has been to serve as an example of sustainable tourism in the area. There are no other similar examples in the Tumbesian Forest. The Reserve has also been working with the local community, providing facilities for community events, hiring local workers, buying materials from the area, and teaching English and computer classes (thanks to our volunteers).

The main goal of the reserve project is the protection and conservation of Mantled Howler Monkey (Alouattapalliata). The Matled Howler is diurnal, arboreal, and gregarious, forming groups of two to 38-50 animals. It feeds mainly on leaves but it also eats certain fruits. Sometimes, insects, flowers and nectar are included in its diet. The Alouattapalliata is a sedentary species, with a relatively small home range (between 3 and 10 ha, [7-24 acres]). Groups are territorial and organized, with one or more adult males, several females and their offspring. The Alouattapalliata delivers a powerful roar that usually last several minutes and can be heard up to two miles away; this is the "howl" part of the animal's name.

Howler Monkey conservation depends on the conservation of the last remnants of semi-dry forest where the animal lives and interacts. The Mantled Howler species is responsible for the dispersal of seeds of various plant species on which it feeds; thus, this special habitat is inter-dependent on the Howler Monkey for survival!

In the Reserve project, volunteers work on the following activities:

* Research the Mantled Howler Monkeys by monitoring eating habitats to determine what species of plants are being eaten, leading to germinate and reforestation of those plant species which feed the monkeys.
* Germination of seeds found in the woods.
* Reforestation of native plant species.
* Maintenance of the trails in the reserve.
* Development and maintenance of an organic garden.
* Social work in the village school, such as teaching English and computer classes.

Highlights

Time volunteering: 3 weeks minimum. We welcome volunteers all year round.

Qualifications

Volunteer profile: Teamwork, initiative and creativity, commitment to the activities, respect for the environmental.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 90 per week.

Program Fees Include:

Includes: Pick-up at airport in Quito, free night with a host family in Quito including breakfast, transfer from host family to bus station in Quito, accommodations in a volunteers' house (shared room), three meals per day.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

This Program is open to

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

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Eco Volunteer UP Foundation's Mission Statement

We are a non-profit organization which is legally recognized by the Ecuadorian Government. Volunteers with Eco Volunteer UP have the choice of many worthy programs, such as vulnerable orphanages, institutes for children with disabilities, street children and local indigenous communities. There are volunteer programs located in and around Quito, the capital of Ecuador, as well as programs located in the Cloud Forest and its communities close to Quito, the Ecuadorian Amazon, the Galapagos Islands and other key places around Ecuador. We offer volunteers real immersion in the various Ecuadorian ecosystems, and the unique opportunity for learning and sharing about Ecuadorian cultures, costumes and traditions.