Kenya's Forest Monkeys

  Kenya

Rural

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: see website for details

Description: Research Mission
Track monkeys in coastal Kenya to see how stressed they are.

Situation Report
Gedi Ruins, Watamu, Kenya--Sykes monkeys are common throughout Africa, and live in a range of habitats, including montane rainforests and lowland dry forests. Many species closely related to Sykes monkeys are endangered due to habitat loss and human encroachment. Monkeys are smart and opportunistic, and will raid crops, gardens, and garbage piles for food. As they find reliable food sources, they can become more aggressive in defending "their" food, which can lead to chronically elevated stress levels. Various studies have shown that prolonged exposure to stress can have severe negative effects on the health of human and non-human primates. Researchers Steffen Foerster and Geoffrey Wahungu are gathering data on long-term stress in Sykes monkeys to help understand and mitigate stress levels in other non-human primates, particularly those that are threatened or endangered.

Meals and Accommodations
The Mwamba Bird Observatory and Field Study Center is operated by A Rocha Kenya, a Christian community conservation organization, and is right on the beach near Watamu Marine National Park. Volunteers will share rooms and bathrooms, which have a limited supply of solar-heated water. For lunch and dinner, A Rocha staff will prepare traditional Swahili meals of rice, beans, vegetables, fish, and chicken, as well as Western-style menus, and will welcome your help in cleaning up.

Highlights: Amidst the ancient Arab Gedi ruins, you will follow Sykes monkeys as they go about their daily business of feeding, traveling, resting, and socializing. After a quick lesson in identifying monkeys and recognizing different behaviors, you will venture off into the forest equipped with binoculars and data sheets to follow a particular female for as long as you can. If the opportunity presents itself, you may also collect fecal samples for hormone analysis to take back to the lab. You will be doing a lot of walking among beautiful old growth lowland forest, where an extended trail system will allow you to follow monkeys without having to bushwack your way through trees. Free time options include an overnight visit to Tsavo East National Park (home to elephants and lions), birdwatching at nearby Mida Creek, or snorkeling the nearby beautiful Indian Ocean coral reefs.

Qualifications: Earthwatch volunteers are enthusiastic to learn about the research topic and are willing to contribute their time and energy to support leading scientists in conducting field research. Volunteers will be trained upon arrival at the research site. There is no upper age limit, yet all volunteers must be at least 16 years old, and in some cases 18 or 21 years old.

Cost in US$: 2,546

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Earthwatch expeditions appeal to a variety of people: educators gain new knowledge and develop exciting lesson plans; students explore career options and build research skills; writers, photographers and artists contribute their skills and share their experiences through a variety of media; businessmen and women, doctors and nurses, engineers, homemakers, retirees . . . people from all walks of life choose to volunteer on research expeditions each year. Volunteers are actively engaged on a daily basis with the research project, develop global perspectives, and explore new cultures and environments.

Age Range: 18 - 90

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Kenya Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 6-8

Scholarships are Available. - Fellowships may be available, mainly for high-school students and educators. Visit our website for more information.

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Earthwatch Institute's Mission Statement: Earthwatch Institute engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. Through a unique method of funding, the volunteers Share of Cost contributes directly to the support of the research projects. Earthwatch enables scientists to pursue research goals and members of the public to gain hands-on experience with science. Each year, over 4,000 people from 46 countries directly contribute to scientific research by working alongside scientists, local community members and other volunteers. Earthwatch volunteers can track sea turtles; join archaeological digs; observe animal behavior; collect rare plants, study dolphin behavior and more. The Earthwatch community also includes 20,000 global members, 4,000 eager volunteers each year, 50 collaborating conservation organizations, and 50 corporate partners, all of whom work together to make a difference. Below you will find out more about our leadership, employment opportunities, and contact information.

Year Founded: 1971