Location:

Lima, Peru

Program Type:

Volunteer Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Work Types:

Environment

Duration:

1-3 months

Program Overview

Program Description:

Opportunities are available to volunteer in Peru, or intern in Peru, in some of the most remote, fascinating and largely unspoiled parts of the Amazon rainforest. Research Assistant Volunteers and Interns can work with 4 different taxonomic groups - Mammals, Birds, Herpetofauna and Insects. We also offer Individual Project Internships for students doing University placements, or wanting to carry out research for dissertations, or scientists/students wanting to do deeper research. You can join for 1 week up to 10 months all year round and we have places all throughout 2014 & 2015 available. Spanish lessons also available at project. Individuals, groups and students doing research all welcome.

We currently offer four different taxonomic groups for Research Assistant volunteers and interns to select to work with (although it may be possible to work with more than one, so please ask):Mammals, Birds, Herpetofauna and Insects. Each Research Assistant volunteer and intern will learn about all of the taxonomic areas that the project researches so as to benefit from a broad spectrum of rainforest knowledge, regardless of their chosen team(s). A training period at the start will cover the theoretical and practical background of the field methods to be used, the ecology and identification tips for the species under study, and forest safety. During this initial training period and throughout the project, open presentation and discussion sessions with the Principal Investigator and other project scientists and ecologists will be held about many of the current issues facing the rainforest, its wildlife and peoples, and potential solutions. This is a great opportunity to contribute to the ongoing dialogue between conservation groups, the government, local grass-roots organisations and communities concerning the appropriate use of the Amazon rainforest. Coaching and mentoring will continue throughout and while in the field with the team coordinators.

The aim is for environmental volunteers and interns to assist in the project’s long-term scientific research in the Peruvian Amazon; to better measure the effects of human activities on wildlife, including endangered species; to get the collected information to the people who can make decisions and act on the solutions that help conserve rainforest, and to make a clear and positive impact on the Amazon ecosystem in this part of Peru.

Setting Description:

Bordering Ecuador, Columbia, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile, Peru is an archaeological hotspot riddled with ancient sights, from the renowned Incan citadel of Machu Picchu situated thousands of meters up in the Andes Mountains near Cuzco, to the gigantic Nazca Lines featuring kilometre-wide images of animals and mythical creatures in the driest desert on earth. The country receives around 900,000 tourists each year, of which most come also to admire the breathtaking natural wonders of the country, such as Lake Titicaca, the Ausangate peak, the cloud forests of Manu, and of course the mighty Amazon river, its tributaries and evergreen rainforest.With 84 of the 104 known life zones on the planet, Peru is one of the 17 megadiverse countries on earth. Overall it ranks in the top four for species diversity, and is second in birds with 1,701 species, second in primates with 34 species, third in mammals with 361 species, and fifth in reptiles and amphibians with 297 and 251 species, respectively.

Cost:

The cost for 1 week is £695, 2 weeks is £995, 3 weeks is £1,195 and 1 month (30 days) is £1,550, 2 months (60 days) is £2,540 and 3 months (90 days) is £3,340. Please email for longer durations. This covers all programme costs, including all food (3 large, wholesome meals a day), clean drinking water at all times, lodging in town and in the field, project materials, boat transport to and from lodges, Puerto Maldonado airport collection and departure transfers, all training and supervision by p