Voluntariado / prácticas en conservación (primates, tortugas, mariposas...) en una isla de Guinea Ecuatorial

The Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program (BBPP) is seeking volunteers to assist with data collection on primate ecology, nesting sea turtle ecology, conservation activities, ecotourism, and threats to local wildlife at our two research/conservation camps on the southern beaches of Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea. BBPP will engage field assistants for a period of approximately 5 months during the upcoming dry season, beginning in November and lasting through the middle of March. All field assistants are expected to devote at least 40 hrs/week to the project, but due to the nature of the project and living conditions, hours will likely be considerably more.

Primary activities are listed below with the percent expected time dedication (time allocations are subject to change):
Marine turtle surveys (30%) - recording information on nesting sea turtles and tagging individuals at night as well as conducting daily beach patrols.
Conservation patrols (20%) – monitoring high activity areas for signs of hunting and other anthropogenic factors with local Ecoguards.
Primate research activities (20%) – completing transect surveys (along established BBPP trails) during the day for ten days each month with a trained team of local survey workers sampling of primate feces off-trail with the use of a handheld GPS unit.
Ecotourism with BBPP’s EG Expeditions (20%) – supporting visiting tourists and welcoming to them to the camp as well as guiding groups on outings to local camp landmarks.
Butterfly biodiversity assessment (10%) – Collection, preservation, morphological data collection, and identification of local butterflies.
Other research, conservation, and education duties as required.

Our field sites are in remote areas with no road access. Researchers and field assistants must hike in and out of the field site(s) when necessary along rough terrain. Researchers and field assistants will be living in tents, cooking over fire, and using water from nearby streams. Field assistants are also required to participate in daily upkeep and maintenance of the camp, including preparation of meals. The diet is very limited due to lack of electricity/refrigerators. There is no internet connection, but GPS inReach messaging is available on a limited basis. A satellite phone will be available in case of an emergency. The camp has generators to charge research equipment, which may be used for personal items as well. Field assistants are expected to devote at least 40 hrs/week to the project, but due to the nature of the project and living conditions, hours will likely be considerably more.

This is an unpaid (volunteer) position. However, BBPP will provide housing (tents or a room and bed when at another BBPP facility), food and local transportation. You are expected to provide international transportation to and from Malabo, Equatorial Guinea that will be reimbursed up to $1200 after successful completion of the experience, medical and evacuation insurance, appropriate immunizations (yellow fever) and medications (anti-malarial medications). Non-US citizens will need to apply for a visa to enter Equatorial Guinea. We will help to facilitate a letter of invitation but cannot guarantee a visa.

Field assistants work under the supervision of BBPP staff, Drexel University professors, staff, and graduate students, as well as national researchers, depending on the circumstances. They are encouraged to participate in all aspects of field research, outreach, and conservation activities during their stay on Bioko Island, but logistical constraints do play a role in what specific activities volunteers can participate in.

More information about BBPP’s research, conservation, education, and ecotourism activities can be found at www.bioko.org.

*Please note that this opportunity may have to be canceled, or change in scope or timing, as the Covid-19 pandemic may result in disruptions to BBPP’s workplan and/or affecting transportation links with Equatorial Guinea and/or within Equatorial Guinea. Participants should only apply to this opportunity understanding the risks of traveling to Equatorial Guinea during an ongoing global pandemic.

Qualifications:

- Field assistants are expected to be at least 21 years old.

- Field assistants are REQUIRED to have:
Some Spanish language ability (Spanish is the national language of Equatorial Guinea). If applicants do not have Spanish language ability, options for paid language training are available if applicants commit to the program by August 1st and agree to complete approximately 10 hours/week of online training.
Prior field experience in biology, ecology, environmental science, or related disciplines.
Physical fitness and a positive attitude towards isolated conditions, physically exhausting work in a hot and humid climate, and the ability to walk up to and over 10 kilometers per day. All assistants should be prepared for demanding and time-consuming work.
Interest and experience in working within a cross-cultural team dynamic

- Preference will be given to applicants with:


Experience in remote locations in developing countries and experience camping and hiking in wilderness areas.
A B.A. or B.S. in biology, ecology, environmental science, or related disciplines.

Applications:
Please send a cover letter, CV and contact information for 3 references to BBPP National Manager David Montgomery. The cover letter and/or CV should clearly detail applicants’ level of Spanish proficiency.