Volunteer Predator Research
Assistants: Primate and Predator Project in South Africa
Position Description:
We are looking for volunteer field assistants to help with ongoing
predator research as part of the Primate & Predator Project based at Lajuma
Research Centre within the Soutpansberg Mountains of South Africa. Our study
site has supports leopard (Panthera
pardus), brown hyaena (Hyaena brunnea), caracal (Caracal
caracal), civet (Civettictis civetta), serval (Leptailurus serval) and large spotted genet (Genetta tigrina). Our project focuses on understanding the ecology
of these species, especially the leopard, alongside an assessment of the
perceptions and drivers of human-wildlife conflict in the region. Another major objective of our research is to examine the behavioural
ecology of predator-prey interactions focussing on diurnal primates and their
predators as a model system.
Volunteers will work alongside an experienced team
of field biologists and may be involved in the following tasks:
- Hiking to check camera traps. Changing batteries and SD cards in
cameras.
- Sorting and tagging species from camera images.
- Helping to identify individual animals such as
leopards and servals from camera images.
- Assisting analysis of leopard and brown hyaena
scats. This may include washing scats, making slides or using a microscope to
help identify species consumed from cross sections of hair.
- Tracking collared leopards, and downloading store
on-board data.
- General data entry and analysis
and preparation of reports and papers for publication.
- At certain times
volunteers may be asked to assist with primate research and help with
supporting Earthwatch teams as part of the project.
The precise activities will vary depending on our recent requirements at
the time. Please get in touch if you have specific interests in particular
techniques or aspects of our research, since not all activities will be ongoing
at all times.
Qualifications/Experience:
We are looking for volunteer research assistants with the following experience:
We are looking for volunteer research assistants with the following experience:
1. A background in
biology/zoology/ecology or related field and an interest in the behaviour,
ecology and conservation of primates and other mammals.
2. Be physically fit and
capable of undertaking fieldwork in a mountainous environment, in hot
temperatures at certain times of year. You should be able to comfortably cover
10-15km per day (often more) over rough and often steep terrain and capable of
carrying a day pack these distances.
3. Capable of working well as part of a team, under the authority of field research coordinators, and be a
valuable team member.
4. Reliable, responsible and motivated when it comes to following research protocols and
methodologies, and an ability to work at unsociable hours when necessary.
5. Relevant experience of the
project’s field techniques and of working in southern Africa is desirable but
not essential.
Salary/funding:
No salary is provided, and you will need to cover your own food and accommodation costs at the research station. Accommodation costs are currently 4000 Rand a month. All research equipment will be provided. Volunteer research assistants will also be responsible for their own airfare and travel to South Africa and medical/travel insurance.
No salary is provided, and you will need to cover your own food and accommodation costs at the research station. Accommodation costs are currently 4000 Rand a month. All research equipment will be provided. Volunteer research assistants will also be responsible for their own airfare and travel to South Africa and medical/travel insurance.
Accommodation:
Housing is available at the Lajuma Research Centre which is equipped with hot showers, flush toilets, a gas stove, fridge, tapped water, washing machine, solar power, firewood and electricity (220V). Volunteers may join the town trip to Louis Trichardt (Makhado) once a fortnight for shopping, visits to an internet café, landline phone calls, etc. Accommodation fees are paid directly to Lajuma and not the Primate and Predator Project.
Housing is available at the Lajuma Research Centre which is equipped with hot showers, flush toilets, a gas stove, fridge, tapped water, washing machine, solar power, firewood and electricity (220V). Volunteers may join the town trip to Louis Trichardt (Makhado) once a fortnight for shopping, visits to an internet café, landline phone calls, etc. Accommodation fees are paid directly to Lajuma and not the Primate and Predator Project.
Term of Appointment:
We are looking for volunteers who are able to commit for a minimum of 3 months, although positions may be
held for up to 12 months or longer, depending on availability. Priority will be
given to those who are able to stay longer. Volunteers able to contribute for a
minimum of 6 months may take responsibility for certain sub-projects, including
data analysis and publication where appropriate.
Application Deadline:
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter to the project email
address (primate.predator@durham.ac.uk) outlining your suitability for the
role, relevant experience and duration and timing of your availability. Please
also include contact details for two referees. There is no specific deadline and
applications will be accepted until positions are filled.
Contact
Information:
Professor Russell Hill
Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Science Site
Durham DH1 3LE
United Kingdom
Professor Russell Hill
Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Science Site
Durham DH1 3LE
United Kingdom
Project related
websites
Durham University Primate and Predator Project http://community.dur.ac.uk/r.a.hill/primate_and_predator_project.htm
Lajuma Research Centre
http://www.lajuma.com
Mammal conservation in South Africa Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Mammal-Conservation-in-South-Africa/168026853274442
Primate and Predator Project blog http://primateandpredatorproject.wordpress.com
You can find us on Twitter @PrimatePredator
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant        |
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