Interns & Volunteers Needed in the Amazon Rainforest (Peru)
Location
Peru: Puerto Maldonado, Rural Areas
Description
Fauna Forever (FF) is a non-profit organization based out of the jungle city of Puerto Maldonado in the Amazon rainforests of Tambopata, Madre de Dios in South-eastern Peru. The organization, which traces its origins back to 1997, works to promote biodiversity conservation, the sustainable use of tropical forest resources, and the continued flow of vital ecosystem services from Peru’s wild nature – for the benefit of all.
Volunteers and Interns
There are several openings throughout the year for volunteer field assistants and interns who wish to join one of our many field and office- based teams. Applicants should have a keen interest in wildlife, tropical environments, conservation issues in general, and should be able to tolerate the sunny, rainy/humid, and nature-rich conditions that are the norm in the Amazon. Previous volunteer experience is preferred, however a high level of self motivation, proactive attitude and love of nature is generally enough to apply for our volunteer positions. Previous fieldwork experience and current or past related coursework is preferred for internship applicants, as would at least a basic knowledge of Spanish (or a willingness to learn whilst on the project). The mean age of volunteer assistants and interns to date is 24, ranging from 17 to 60.
Volunteers can assist one or more of the current field research teams that specialize in the study of birds, mammals, plants, insects and herpetofauna (amphibians, reptiles). Example activities include helping to undertake transect surveys, point counts, mist-netting and bird banding/ringing, intensive quadrat searches, setting remote camera traps and baited insect traps for butterflies and dung-beetles, and much more. Assistance with ecotourist questionnaires and visits to local communities may also be required. Full training in all sampling techniques is provided.
Interns are offered a number of ‘mini-projects’ that have been specially devised by our field biologists from their many years of experience in the region. We also offer the opportunity for undergraduate- and masters-level students to undertake their thesis fieldwork with Fauna Forever, on topics related to our core aims. Since 1997, more than 35 students have benefited from our expertise in this way. In most cases, interns will be given full supervision/assistantship provided by our field research coordinators (1-3 interns per coordinator) as well as overall supervision by Dr. Chris Kirkby.
Housing and Communication
All project participants are housed in good quality accommodation at eco- lodges and research stations located close to the field sites.
Occasionally we do use field camps where tents are required and we will advise on necessary equipment on successful application. When in Puerto Maldonado the team is based out of the Fauna Forever office (equipped with sleeping quarters) and also uses local guest houses on occasions. A few lodges offer limited internet access, allowing for contact with friends and family when in the field.
Schedule and costs
The project manages a series of fixed phases (see below) during which we rotate field personnel, assistants and interns in and out. These phases are typically 20 days in length. Shorter stays on the project are possible, but rare. Longer stays are easier to organise. For those people looking to undertake their own research project, for a thesis, in a theme related to our projects, please contact us for more information.
Volunteer placements
Phase dates for the FFT project (assistance on bird, mammal, herpetofauna etc. research teams) and associated contribution fee (all inclusive from arrival in the town of Puerto Maldonado, the FFT base Airport pick-up in Puerto Maldonado, accommodation in shared rooms, food, local transport, equipment, training and supervision) are as follows:
2 week phases (14 day, 13 Night):
PLACEMENT FEE: USD 1,200
3 week phases (21 day, 20 Night):
PLACEMENT FEE: USD 1,500
6 week phases (43 day, 42 Night):
PLACEMENT FEE: USD 2,500
Internship placements
Interns can work with us at any time for a minimum of 1 month. Fees
include: Airport pick-up in Puerto Maldonado, accommodation in shared rooms, food, local transport (bus, taxis, boat), equipment, all training and supervision:
Fee per day:
•30 days – USD 70
•60 days – USD 55
•90 days – USD 50
•120 days – USD 45
•150+ days – USD 40
Please Note:
For other durations (e.g. 45 days) we apply a pro-rata system to determine the final fee. **This pro-rata system does NOT apply for periods longer than 150 days (5 months). For special requirements, requiring services other than our regular capabilities, an additional fee may be required to cover this
What the fee includes:
ALL accomodation in Puerto Maldonado and in the field
Three substantial and healthy meals every day
Clean drinking water at all times
Airport (Puerto Maldonado) transfers on arrival and departure
Close supervision from an experienced tropical biologist
Higher supervision from Dr. Chris Kirkby
Support and training: Health & Safety; species identification; data collection in a Neotropical environment, data analysis; impacts and challenges affecting the rainforest in Tambopata; machete use; and much more.
What the fee does not include:
Travel insurance (this is essential)
Flights
Spending money for extra snacks, sodas, alcohol, souvenirs and additional excursions
Note: Internal flights between Lima and Puerto Maldonado (see our website) cost approx. USD70-350 (rtn) depending on season and how far in advance reservations are made. Bus connections are also possible travel time is 24 hrs from Lima via Cusco.
Application Procedure:
Please complete the application form on our website.
1. GO TO our website
2. See ‘PARTICIPATE’ section on the main menu
3. Select the volunteer or internship program you are interested in
4. Click the ‘Apply now’ button on that page
Highlights
The FF research sites are located in the world's most biodiverse rainforest area, including prize-winning ecolodges and special areas within private and national parks.
Volunteers and interns will benefit from the experience and skills of a highly trained team of Neotropical experts.
Volunteers and interns will have the opportunity to get up close to a number of bird, mammal and herpetofauna species during their time on the project.
Depending on the locations visited and length of stay on the project, days off may include a number of the following: tree canopy walkway, 60m viewing tower, small oxbow lakes, large oxbow lakes, kayaking, tree climbing, visit to the world's longest macaw clay-lick, and much more.