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1 person is interested
Short Term Volunteer- Orangutan Health Project
ORGANIZATION: Orangutan Health Project
Please visit the new page to apply.
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1 person is interested
The Orangutan Health Project (OHP) is located in North Sumatra, Indonesia and investigates the special behaviours and ecological conditions necessary for the maintenance of health in wild orangutans, using parasitic infections as a measure of this health. By volunteering with OHP, you will be contributing to the research and conservation goals of the project. It is a two week position based in Sumatra which includes a 5 day trek into the Gunung Leuser National Park.
Possible research tasks at base:
- Taking pictures and drying collected plant samples
- Keeping temperature, humidity and weather records updated
- Helping to maintain the project base
- Entering behavioural data
- Making new herbariums of important medicinal plant species
Tasks in the forest:
- Helping to collect medicinal plant samples that will be further analyzed in Europe
- Locating areas with a significant wild orangutan population
- Finding and following orangutans to collect behavioural data, faecal and plant samples
As a volunteer you will learn the day in day out tasks of the project and be given presentations about the project research, orangutan parasites and the problems surrounding the National Park. You will also gain an insight into the local culture and how to act appropriately.
The most important fact - there will be absolutely NO physical contact with the orangutans. If you are hoping to come so that you can cuddle one of these amazing creatures, then this is not for you. This rule will be strictly enforced if necessary. We also cannot guarantee encounters with orangutans - our research focuses on wild orangutans and much of our work therefore takes place in areas where the orangutans themselves can be quite elusive, often staying high up in the canopy or traveling to other areas where more fruit is in season.
Qualifications/Experience:
Interest in orangutans and conservation
Fluent in English
Good physical fitness
Cost:
US$1,289 (excluding flights, insurance and tourist visa) / US$990 for students (excluding flights, insurance and tourist visa).
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Accommodation, 3 meals a day, water and all transport associated with the project are included.
Application procedures:
Please email us at orangutanhealth@gmail.com requesting a short term volunteer application form.
More opportunities with Orangutan Health Project
No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
About Orangutan Health Project
Location:
c/o Leuser International Foundation, Jl. Bioteknologi, Kampus USU, Medan, North Sumatra 20155, ID
Mission Statement
We are investigating the special behaviours and ecological conditions necessary to the maintenance of health in wild orangutans. This research will provide vital information for successful conservation planning, rehabilitation and reintroduction programs and environmental/dietary enrichment of permanently captive orangutans.
Description
Research project with conservation goals and education interests, primarily supported by the 'UMI - Saving of Pongidae' foundation of the Czech Republic and led by MVDr. Ivona Foitova PhD
CAUSE AREAS
WHEN
WHERE
Bukit LawangMedan, North Sumatra Indonesia
DATE POSTED
May 8, 2017
SKILLS
GOOD FOR
N/A
REQUIREMENTS
- Must be at least 18
- 2 Weeks