-
1 person is interested
Sea Turtle Biology Training Camp
ORGANIZATION: LEATHERBACK TRUST INC
Please visit the new page to apply.
-
1 person is interested
We invite early-career biologists join our scientific team at Playa Cabuyal to gain valuable hands-on experience collecting data on nesting sea turtles and hatchlings. ( http://www.leatherback.org/get-involved/join-us/playa-cabuyal/training-at-playa-cabuyal) Green and olive ridley turtles commonly nest at Playa Cabuyal, although the beach also provides important secondary nesting habitat for leatherbacks and, on rare occasions, hawksbills.
Additional studies conducted at Playa Cabuyal include documenting the nesting ecology of East Pacific green turtles, tracking turtles between nesting events using satellite telemetry and investigating the impacts of climate change on hatchlings.
Apart from studying turtles, researchers at Playa Cabuyal also catalog wildlife (including monkeys, jaguars, crocodiles, birds, spiders and insects) and monitor threats to local biodiversity.
Participants must commit to a minimum of 15 days, and up to 2 months at Playa Cabuyal.
Applicants must be in good physical shape and comfortable with working long hours at night. Night patrols generally last up to 6 hours, over which time field biologists walk distances exceeding 10 km in soft sand. Applicants must also be comfortable working in tropical conditions, with extreme heat, humidity and mosquitoes. Playa Cabuyal is very rustic, without hot water, cell service or internet access. All participants are expected to contribute an equal share in fieldwork, cooking, and cleaning activities.
Cost: The participation fee is $8/day for Costa Rican biologists and $16/day for international biologists to cover camp food and accommodations. Additional costs such as airfare, visas, bus transportation to/from Guardia and personal supplies or snacks are not covered. To apply, please send a letter of motivation specifying your preferred dates for participation and a resume (or curriculum vitae) demonstrating your background in the biological sciences to apply@leatherback.org with "Playa Cabuyal Training Camp" in the subject line.
Selected applicants will be required to submit a copy of their passport and proof of international travel insurance, including medical and emergency evacuation coverage, to secure necessary research permits.
More opportunities with LEATHERBACK TRUST INC
No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
About LEATHERBACK TRUST INC
Location:
5736 Kinlock Place, Fort Wayne, IN 46835, US
Mission Statement
The Leatherback Trust is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving the leatherback sea turtle. Our mission is to promote the conservation of leatherbacks and other turtles at risk of extinction.
Description
Eastern Pacific leatherback turtles are critically endangered. This population of sea turtles has declined by more than 98% since 1990. The Leatherback Trust is working to reverse this trend by tackling the 5 most deadly threats to leatherbacks and other sea turtles around the world. Our scientists conduct research at nesting beaches and at sea, collecting critical data to support conservation interventions. We partner with communities to protect nesting beaches and work with governments to inform sustainable development and fisheries management priorities.
CAUSE AREAS
WHEN
WHERE
Playa CabuyalPlaya Cabuyal, Guanacaste Costa Rica
DATE POSTED
August 2, 2016
SKILLS
- Outdoor Recreation
- Research
- Cross-cultural Communication
- Spanish
- Multi-Tasking
- Environmental Policy
GOOD FOR
N/A
REQUIREMENTS
- Must be at least 18
- At least 15 days