Description

The main objective of this project is to contribute to knowledge and conservation of neotropical river otter (Lontra longicaudis). You will be integrating a research team, participating in all field work, research, environmental education activities and helping to keep animals in captivity.The project combines research work with social work, involving the surrounding communities.

Santa Catarina Island, where is the main basis of the project, is well known for its natural beauty, with magnificent beaches and opportunities for swimming, surfing, sailing and diving, or tasting the typical dishes of seafood.

During your participation, you will learn to paddle with kayaks, canoes, hiking trough amazing trails, in one of the most beautiful islands of Brazil, Florianopolis. You will be monitoring all types of signs of otters and their activities, as well as helping to feed and enrich the orphaned otters in captivity.

For that you receive training and all equipment is regularly revised to meet the highest standards of safety.

Initially, you will be based on the island of Santa Catarina in Santa Catarina. The primary basis for the project is on the shores of Lagoa do Peri, located within a conservation area, 25 miles south of downtown Florianopolis.

Additional travel, while you are participating in the project can be conducted. The Otter Project conducts research in different regions, from the coastal to the mountains of Santa Catarina State.

Species:
The otter is a carnivorous mammal, semi-aquatic, which belongs to the Mustelidae family - a relative of the mink, weasels and ferrets. It's an animal, agile, twilight, curious and shy, occupying the top of the food chain. It can weigh up to 20 kg. It has an elongated body, flexible and muscular, rounded head with small ears and short neck, and legs with webbed. These adjustments give the animal great agility in the water, resistance to heat loss, and allow long periods underwater.
Other species of animals can be seen during your stay. Birds like crows and aracu's; mammals like opossums, armadillos, and frugivorous bats, wild cats, raccoons, tayras, dolphins and, in June, July and August, right whales with calves.

Habitat:
Otters can be found in different environments, from rivers, streams and ponds of fresh water to estuaries, lagoons, mangroves and coastal islands. Otters were hunted by the skin, however, the result of hunting is small compared with the negative effects arising from the action of domestic dogs, pollution and habitat destruction. These factors, besides causing disease, limit the availability of food items such as fish and crustaceans, as they affect the food chain and restrict shelter areas for the animal. The otter is listed as critically endangered by CITES.

Climate:
The local climate is humid with an average annual rainfall of 1,406 mm and anaverage annual temperature of 20 degrees Celsius, with average temperatures of 24.3 degrees Celsius and 16.4 degrees Celsius in January and July, respectively.

Travel Information:
You need to travel to the city of Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, independently.

This project is open to you throughout the year. There is no minimum stay, you can come any time and stay as long as you want. When you arrive, if you choose to travel by bus or plane, someone from the Project staff will meet you at the airport or bus station, and bring you to the main base of the project. If you come by car we send a little map with directions on how to get to the base of the project.

Accommodation:
You'll be at the main base of the project, the Scientific Breeding Animal Refuge of the Otter Project. The accommodations are very comfortable, especially designed for for researchers, trainees and eco-volunteers. The rooms have mini bar. A social room has TV and computer. Internet connection via wireless, accessible to all and free. Equipped kitchen available 24 hours. Private parking.

Involvement:
We follow a weekly schedule of activities, this way you know in advance what will happen. Activities include hiking through the Atlantic, use of canoes and kayaks, and maintenance of enclosures and animals in captivity. Depending on weather, field work can be done by kayak or on foot and this includes analysis of the frequency of otters in the shelters, monitoring nests, Ethological Studies in captivity and eating habits. Although most of the work is in the field, some laboratory work will also be made. You may make short visits to other areas of study, always accompanied by an experienced team. The feeling of living, breathing and sleeping in a research environment is unforgettable and indescribable, is sure to be something to remember in the future.

Highlights

- Serious and recognized scientific project, many papers published;
- Since 1986
- Wonderful environment, Atlantic forest; comfortable accommodations;
- Base placed inside a park
- Local community very close, walking distance to a small center;
- Weekends free, possibility to explore the beauties of the island by yourself
- Families accepted

Qualifications

- Minimum age 12 years (accompanied by parents) or 16 years if unattended. There is no age limit.
- Given the characteristics of field work, the volunteer must be prepared to share tasks and collaborate with researchers.
- You will have enough time to explore the environment itself. Safety rules, however,must be respected.
- Sense of humor and partnership are extremely important.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Day: 60,00 (Nov to Mar); Day: 39,00 (Mar to Nov); 1 Week: 415,00 (Nov to Mar); 1 week: 270,00 (Mar to Nov); 2 weeks - 830,00 (Nov to Mar); 540,00 (Mar to Nov); extra week - 385,00 (Nov to Mar); 252,00 (Mar to Nov)

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Housing
• Registration fees

Program Fees Include:

Price includes:
* transfers in/out airport/base
* working local transport
* accommodation
* and your financial contribution to the project

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

No background required. Everyone is welcome.

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Independent living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

48 32375071

Instituto Ekko Brasil's Mission Statement

Improve quality of life for future generations by maintaining the biodiversity, conservation of ecosystems and threatened species.

Year Founded

2004