Description

Forget the Amazon. Brazil's Pantanal region- a tropical wetland basin that covers over 200,000 square kilometres- boasts the greatest concentration of wildlife in the Americas. Spilling over into neighbouring Bolivia and Paraguay, it is a sparsely populated region (there are no towns) and transportation is challenging at best. But for budding environmentalists looking to gain experience in one of the world's most unique ecosystems this programme provides an unmissable research and conservation opportunity.

You will take part in ongoing academic research into the diverse flora and fauna in this area of rich beauty and biodiversity. Working alongside other scientists and researchers, you will develop and implement skills necessary for a career in environmental research and conservation. Specifically this project will help understand how the Pantanal's peccaries, tapirs, agoutis, and other frugivores, like macaws, certain fish, and numerous insects, affect tropical forest dynamics. The work at the plateau region of the Pantanal will attempt to discover which species of fruiting plants and frugivores are key to the survival of the entire forest ecosystem.

In addition, by extending the project from the Pantanal basin to the plateau regions, the project will further measure cattle impacts on palm recruitment, fruit diversity, and aquatic habitats. Preliminary data from censuses show that fruit availability varies widely between habitats, seasons, and years. Focal observations have revealed plant-frugivore interactions that have important conservation implication. Therefore, studies of frugivores, and peccary populations in fragmented habitats will be essential for their long-term survival and will assist wildlife managers establish viable conservation units.

Highlights

You will be working with participating ranchers to complete an evaluation of the current state of the ranches. Activities will include;

* Implementing management actions and conservation measures to reduce pressure on natural resources, habitat conversion, and the decline of populations of key species.

* Monitoring financial and socio-economic baselines, as well as landscape features, environmental characteristics, and taxa that are the most effective indicators of change when studying cattle management practices.

A typical day will include up to 5 - 7 hours in the field. You should be prepared to walk 5-10 km/day. Tasks may include mammal and fruit data collection, exploring and mapping new areas, GPS registration of mammal tracks, capturing peccaries (wild, pig-like creatures), conducting diet analysis and data entry, setting up camera traps, and participating in other projects in the area.

Extra Activities

The multi-disciplinary nature of the research centre, makes it ideal for engaging the local community in conservation issues. It also boasts numerous biodiversity monitoring programs with birds, herpetofauna, and plants. You will be able to participate in these activities, help construct our extraordinary bird and herptofauna list of species.

Extra activities will involve participating in community social events, helping local landowners implement their management technique, and of course exploring new regions, caves, and beautiful waterfalls.

Qualifications

* Able to work in a hot climate
* Good physical fitness
* Motivation to work with animals and plants
* Basic English or Portuguese
* Full travel and medical insurance
* Necessary vaccinations
* Necessary flights and visas

Intern Types

• Environmental Studies

Languages

• English
• Portuguese
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

330 GBP Project Fee for 2 weeks + 249 GBP Placement Fee

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country

Program Fees Include:

Includes 24 hour support, programme activities, all food and accommodation, transportation to and from Campo Grande.

Salary/Pay

Self-Funded

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Conservation
• Natural Resources
• Reforestation
• Research
• Wildlife Surveying

Typical Volunteer

A typical intern/volunteer is someone who is looking for a serious opportunity to further their career aspirations. They are not simply looking for a holiday for a unique opportunity to prove themselves and gain the experience needed to get a foot in the door to the industry they crave.

Age Range

21-70

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 2-10

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview
• Resume

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-3 days

Post Services Include

• Job and Internship Network

Global Nomadic Ltd's Mission Statement

Global Nomadic hosts a variety of projects and internships around the world, specially chosen for their ability to enhance career prospects in unique and diverse areas. We seek to specialise in serious placements, catering for those looking to get a foot in the door to the career they aspire to. We put you directly in touch with the project provider, offering a complete and ethical service.

Year Founded

2009