The Pampas Carnivore Project in Argentina started in 1996 and is based at Bahia Blanca University, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. The project focuses on Carnivore community (Pampas fox, skunk, lesser grison and Geoffroyi´s cat) in habitats with different anthropic pressure (protected area and cropland). Despite, or perhaps because of, they are very common these carnivores have received relatively little attention for research. Although they are not threatened, they play a vital role in one of the most endangered ecoregions in Argentina, the Pampas ( Argentinean grassland) . This project studies the social and spatial organization and behaviour of the carnivore guild.
Methods:
1. Radiotracking of foxes, skunks and, possibly, grisons
2. Behavioural observations of skunk
3. Counting of carnivores on nocturnal line transects
Field assistant duties include, but are not limited to, radio tracking on foot, behavioural observations, and trapping of carnivors to radiotag and id-tag and take samples.
Qualifications:
Volunteers are generally expected to have a good biology-related degree. The positions are ideal for those who want to get fieldwork experience in America before starting their PhD or Masters and/or for those who want to gain CV points for a career in conservation or wildlife areas. A clean driving licence and some Spanish knowledge would be an advantage. Applicants must be mature, self-reliant, flexible and capable of living and working in field conditions. Because of the nature of the work volunteers must be physically fit. Each volunteer will be under test for two weeks and after that if it accept could be keep the compromise at list four month.
Costs:
The work is open to self-funded volunteers: the project will provide all the equipment and support but cannot afford to pay volunteers. Field assistants are therefore responsible for all travel to Bahia Blanca (the biggest city near the studies areas) and any additional expenses they incur, including insurance, visas. Food and accommodation will be provided by the Project.
Positions available:
2 volunteers to assist with field work on the Pampas Carnivores project, From November 2005 to July 2006.
The project is leaded by GECM at Universidad Nacional del Sur. Volunteers will be involved in locating fox and skunk dens, density observations, on foot and truck radio tracking and behavioural observations. We do not require any previous experience in radio telemetry but it is essential some field experience. It not necessary to speak Spanish.
Further info and applying:
For more information please contact me by email (see below). If you would like to apply, please send an up-to-date CV including contact details, and a covering letter confirming when you are available to work and why you would like to work on the project. Email the above as attachments to: eluengos@gmail.com
Could be better if it is before 28 August, because up to this date I will be in
