Intern Field
Assistant Required - Mauritius Reptile Recovery Programme
Project background
The Mauritius Reptile Recovery Programme is run jointly by the Mauritian
Wildlife Foundation (MWF), Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and the National
Parks and Conservation Service. The programme was started in 2006, but is built
upon three decades of island restoration work by the project partners.
Mauritius was once
home to one of the world’s richest reptile diversities, which was integral to
the pristine ecosystem. Following the island’s colonisation in the 16th Century
numerous non-native species have been introduced and most of the natural Mauritian
forests have been destroyed. These disturbances caused the loss of more than
60% of Mauritian reptile species from the main island. Several species went
extinct, but some managed to remain on one or a few of the offshore islands. To
enhance their survival and restore missing ecological processes we have been
restoring endemic reptile species back to islands that have been made safe for
their return. Using a mixture of translocations, captive breeding and intensive
monitoring we have reduced the risks of extinction for a number of reptile
species. For example, the Telfair’s skink and Günther’s gecko, have been
translocated to the island Nature Reserve Ile aux Aigrettes, but are currently
threatened from recent invasions of non-native species.
Ile aux Aigrettes is
a small lagoon island (26ha) where conservation activities have been ongoing
since the 1980s to restore the endangered fauna and flora of Mauritius. The
island has a field station, which is permanently occupied by approximately ten
staff, interns and volunteers. The MWF also operate ecotourism and educational
activities on the island.
The position We are
looking for a highly self-motivated and conscientious intern to work on Ile aux
Aigrettes and assist the reptile team to:
• Monitor
the health, distribution and abundance of the Telfair’s skink and Günther’s
gecko populations
• Enhance
skink productivity through egg incubation, rearing of young and their food
• Search
for and monitor Günther’s gecko nest sites and eggs
• Ensure
the island is free from invasive predators through monthly monitoring and
trapping
The work involves
intensive systematic searches throughout the forest on the island, reptile
capture, handling and assessment of condition and health. Invasive species
control is an ongoing and important component of the work. Accurate data
collection/entry and reporting are a necessity and the intern will be expected
to talk to tourists/visitors about their work and assist with VIP tours and
student workshops on the island. The intern will receive training and guidance
from the reptile team.
Requirements
Applicants will need to:
• Have
recently gained a BSc in the biological sciences and have a keen interest in
herpetology
• Be
physically fit and able to stay focused on repetitive work in a hot and humid
environment
• Be
ready to adapt to unforeseen circumstances with initiative and due care
• Have
good written and spoken English
• Have
a sound knowledge of spreadsheet applications and data management
• A
working knowledge of programmes R, Mark, Distance and GIS software preferred,
but not essential
• A
full clean driving license is preferred
We need the intern
to commit for a six month period from April 2017. They would be required to pay
for their own return airfare and must have comprehensive insurance cover
(including repatriation) for the duration of their stay. Accommodation and
transport between MWF sites will be provided and the intern will need
approximately £150 to £200 per month to cover their own costs for food,
socialising and personal items. Personal equipment needs are basic (eg work
clothes, good boots, sun protection, reliable watch, LED head torch, thin
sleeping bag and/or bed sheet, mosquito net, mobile phone).
To apply: please
send a CV (resume) and a covering letter (with the word ‘Reptile’ followed by
your surname and initials at the start of each file name), by email to:
recruitment@mauritian-wildlife.org
The selection
process will involve short-listing and a Skype interview for the short-listed
candidates with senior Islands Restoration Staff.
Closing date for
applications: 24th February 2017.
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant        |
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