Monitoring parrots and macaws in the Peruvian Amazon

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VOLUNTEER INFORMATION

Introduction

The thousands of hours of observations that have been added up over the years would not have been possible without the help of the many volunteers and assistants who have offered their time and energy in the cause of science and conservation. Volunteers are one of the most important aspects to the project. There are no qualification limitations, although most volunteers have come from a biological or environmental background. All applicants are welcome, as we can find a role for most people, be it data entry or tree-climbing.

As this is an ongoing project we accept applications and volunteers throughout the year.

A brief description of the field Work:

Volunteers will be expected to have done background reading when they arrive on site. All monitoring protocols will be sent to successful applicants.

The first 2 weeks are spent learning bird calls, orientating, data entry and monitoring the clay licks. This is fairly easy work, although observers need to be able to visually identify birds. The blinds or beaches from where monitoring is conducted provide a good environment during quiet times to read and study. After early mornings, most monitoring is done alone. Clay lick monitoring is conducted all day (12 hours), divided into 3 shifts.

The last week of the month is spent looking at trees to see if they have any fruit or flower. We have over 1000 trees marked, so this is a lengthy task. This is normally a team exercise that takes several days to complete.

After the first 2 weeks, training begins on tower monitoring for observers who have shown they can identify basic calls. The aim of this work is to understand group size and vocalizations. Observations are done from scaffold towers over 30m high, used by tourists, or from steep banks of the river. This exercise is normally done alone once proficiency has been demonstrated. This activity takes place from 5am to 10am, and in the afternoon.

When travelling by boat between town or the lodges, volunteers are asked to complete a river transect data sheet, taking note of parrots and raptors while the boat is moving.

At Refugio Amazonas afternoon monitoring will be done of artificial nests to observe what bird species are investigating them.

For volunteers spending more than 2 months on the project, training on transect methodology will be give during the second month, and depending on proficiency levels, transects may be conducted from the third month.

Facilities – Food and Accommodation

Project members eat with the lodge staff. There are normally 2 breakfast “shifts”, and project members normally eat at the first shift – 4:30am. Sometimes this is not even early enough, and food needs to be taken in a Tupperware or saved by other project members for those heading out extra early. Lunch and the evening meal are generally Peruvian fare – chicken and rice. Lunch is around 13:30, after lodge guests have eaten, and dinner at 19:30. Food is prepared by the staff, although we wash up our own cutlery, and on a rota system help clean the staff dining quarters. Being a vegetarian can be difficult. It is best to remind the lodge manager and cook of any dietary requirements, but special meals are not guaranteed. Tea and coffee is available all day, as is drinking water.

Accommodation is in the guides house. These are shared rooms with up to 3 double beds. Rooms walls are made from reeds and offer no sound protection, so if you are a light sleeper, ear plugs will be essential. Bathroom facilities are communal, with separate male and female facilities. There is running water, flush toilets and cold water showers.

How to apply

Please send an email to macawmonitoring@gmail.com with a letter of interest explaining why you are interested in joining the project and your CV with references.

Applications should be made well in advance of intended travel as we try and get volunteers on the research permits. Some of the work we do takes place in the Tambopata National Reserve, and as such activities are monitored by the Peruvian Institue for Natural Resources (INRENA). We are allowed 4 changes to our research permits per year. Not being on permits means that access will be limited to Posada Amazonas, the only lodge outside the National Reserve.

The Tambopata Macaw Project is a low budget research program. We recognise that our strength lies in supporting and maintaining long term Peruvian participants, and most funding that we receive goes towards that end. Our priority is quality information, no directors or project managers receive any salary or remuneration, and unfortunately we are not able to cover the expenses of flights or other expenses incurred by volunteers.

Cost - $10 a day for volunteers staying 2 months or more. This is a subsidized rate covering food, non-bar beverages, unlimited tea and coffee, accommodation (bedding is provided for and washed by the company), generator, internet, transport to and from the lodges from the town of Puerto Maldonado. This is paid directly to the RFE office in Puerto Maldonado. Payment needs to be made in cash. There is a cash machine in town that accepts foreign VISA cards and a bank where traveller’s cheques can be exchanged for a fee.

Travel - The major cost for most participants is the international air ticket. Unfortunately prices vary from season to season from airline to airline and country to country and we cannot give good advice on who is cheapest. The local airline LAN is associated with the One-world alliance and international bookings can be made to Puerto Maldonado with them or affiliated airlines. Otherwise you will need to get a flight to Lima and then purchase a ticket to Puerto Maldonado (around $110 for a one way trip at time of writing). Alternatively, a bus from Lima to Cusco is about 60 soles for a 22 hour bus ride, and about the same from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado for a trip which can last anything from 24 to 36 hours or longer depending on the state of the unpaved road. The later part of this journey is not recommended during the wet season from November to April.

Volunteer feedback - what past volunteers have had to say

More frequently asked questions

Practical information - field list, lodge communication etc.