VOLUNTEER RESEARCH ASSISTANTS

needed from Dec of this year through Jul
of 2005 for parrot research in Curú National Wildlife Refuge in Costa
Rica. Curú National Wildlife Refuge is located in a transitional area of
dry and moist tropical forest life zones on the southern tip of the
Nicoya Peninsula, jutting into the Gulf of Nicoya, and next to the
beautiful Tortuga Islands. The core of the program is centered on
monitoring populations of all 6 species of parrots found at the site
through daily census using point counts and walking transects. A fruit
abundance and phenology study is being implemented to estimate the
availability of food resources for the reintroduced population of
Scarlet Macaws and the other parrot species. Research assistants stay
for a minimum of one month, receive food, housing, on-site travel, and
training. All volunteers are required to pay a fee ($10/day) to help
defray costs to Curú. All participants will experience intensive and
diverse training in field ornithological survey methodologies.
Preference will be given to volunteers who have an educational
background in the fields of biology and ecology, and excellent field
skills, including the ability to work in heat, humidity, and rain. Prior
experience with parrots or other birds is an asset though not required.
International applicants with good Spanish skills are encouraged to
apply. If interested in this position, please send a CV and dates of
availability to GREG MATUZAK, M.Sc. Principal Investigator(EM:
gmatuzak@hotmail.com).