Para La Tierra Job Vacancy: Volunteer Assistant for Tufted Capuchin Monkey Project - Santa Rosa, Paraguay

Title: Volunteer Assistant for tufted capuchin monkey project

Sectors: Animals, Birds & Plants (Terrestrial Ecology)
Location: Paraguay
Town/City:Santa Rosa
Salary: Unpaid
Type: Temporary / Contract / Seasonal
Status: Full Time
Level: Voluntary & Interns
Deadline: 16/12/2015

Get ready for a new adventure and meet new friends from all over the world while boosting your CV with experience in primatology fieldwork and seeing what Paraguay is really like. Whether you’re preparing for a degree in biology, or a masters in primatology, this program will give you first-hand experience of life on a research station as you explore little known habitats and learn the skills you need to progress in your biology career.

As a PLT Primate Volunteer you’ll have the opportunity to be involved in all of the studies of the population of Azara’s capuchin (Sapajus cay) population underway at Laguna Blanca.

1. Long-term behavioural changes during the habituation process.
2. Use of decoy behaviour in unhabituated capuchins.
3. Use of camera traps to observe anointing behaviour and preference of anointing materials.
4. Development of a vocalization archive.
5. Development of a home range use map using ArcGIS.
6. Capuchin and Howler Population Estimates for Reserva Natural Laguna Blanca.
7. Writing a project proposal and implementing a pilot study.

Endemic to Paraguay, and wedged between two closely related Sapajus species, the biology of this sub-species of capuchin is virtually unknown and its conservation status remains unclear. Due to extensive habitat destruction across their range in Paraguay, population numbers are predicted to be low. Therefore we consider it urgent to study these fascinating monkeys and their habitat. The project aims to establish the first long term research into the behaviour, ecology, and genetics of this sub-species. Para la Tierra needs volunteers to assist the project. Other duties will include trail cutting, trail marking, GPS work, map making and collection of basic data when the monkeys are located. In addition you can get involved in PLT’s other ongoing projects including working with lizards, frogs, bats and insects.

Paraguay remains one of the least visited countries in South America yet is also amongst the most friendly, safe and traditional. Paraguay is perfect for an adventurer ready to explore a different world off the beaten track. Para La Tierra operates from Reserva Natural Laguna Blanca, a beautiful location in the east of Paraguay, boasting a clear freshwater lake ready for swimming in, and a sandy beach for you to relax on at the end of the day. Laguna Blanca lies on the border of the Paraguayan Cerrado and the Atlantic Forest, two globally endangered habitats in desperate need of protection. You will be able to explore both of these areas and see some of the biodiversity that Paraguay has to offer such as the maned-wolf, jaguar, capuchin monkey, brock deer, burrowing owl and armadillo.

So if you're motivated to do something 'Para La Tierra' and make a real contribution to conservation in a little-known corner of South America, then get in touch with Karina at paralatierra@ymail.com  No experience necessary, just a willingness to get your hands dirty!

Costs - 

$840 per month for the 1st 2 months, $750 for each subsequent month. You can also pay on a weekly basis pro rata. There is a 25% discount for South American nationals. 
This price includes all of your living costs during you stay with us. The meeting point is in Santa Rosa del Aguaray which is the nearest town to the reserve. The cost includes three meals a day with unlimited fruit juice and mineral water, tea and coffee, accommodation, wifi, access to leisure activities such as kayaking and horse riding, administrative costs and a small contribution to Para La Tierra's projects.

We have already hosted more than 170 volunteers from all over the world who have built lifelong friendships. References from past volunteers are available on request. You can chose your own arrival and departure dates with no minimum stay length and you can apply by sending a CV to paralatierra@ymail.com.

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