Wild Horses of the Outer Banks

  United States

Rural Areas

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

Description: Research Mission
Are population controls interfering with the natural social groups of wild horses on an uninhabited barrier island?

Situation Report
Outer Banks, North Carolina -- On an uninhabited barrier island just off the coast of North Carolina, wild horses roam the sand dunes and marshes. These small horses may have arrived with the early colonists about 400 years ago, and have survived shipwrecks, hurricanes, droughts, and nor'easters on the Shackleford Banks. Tough and resourceful, these "Shackleford ponies" know where to dig for water, and even the foals are often seen swimming the small channels between the island and nearby tidal flats. To keep the population from growing too large, some mares are given contraceptives. You can help Jessa Madosky, Dr. Jerry Howard (University of New Orleans), and Dr. Daniel Rubinstein (Princeton University), find out how this contraceptive, also used on zebras, deer, and elephants, affects the behavior of these horses.

Meals and Accommodations
Shackleford Island is uninhabited, so be prepared to rough it! You'll have your own tent, but there are no showers and you'll soon be an expert in leave-no-trace bathroom procedures. You'll help prepare simple meals, such as cereals, sandwiches, fruit, pasta, burritos, and snacks. While in Beaufort at the beginning, middle, and end of the expedition, you'll stay at a local inn, allowing you to enjoy the luxuries of showers and air conditioning!

Highlights: With a handheld GPS unit and a data sheet, you'll trek this nine-mile-long island in small teams searching for groups, or harems, of horses. When you find a harem, you'll observe the horses and collect data on location, herd composition, behavior, and individual identity. You'll probably observe five to seven harems a day, taking short breaks for lunch, swims, or short naps. In the late afternoons, you'll have some time to enjoy the beach, read, or just relax before dinner. During the expedition, you'll head back to Beaufort, where you may have the opportunity to visit the Foundation for Shackleford Horses. You can also take advantage of your time on the mainland to stock up on any items you need, eat out, or visit attractions like Blackbeard's house or the North Carolina Aquarium.

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. Teams have a minimum age of 18, unless accompanied by parent or legal guardian, in which case the minimum age is 16.

Cost in US$: 2,346

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+

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to United States Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 4-6

Application Process Involves:

• Other
• 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