Saving the Tarangire Migration

  Tanzania

Arusha,  Rural Areas

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

Description: Research Mission
Investigate why migratory zebras, giraffes, and wildebeest are declining in and around Tarangire National Park to develop strategies to conserve large mammal migrations throughout East Africa.

Situation Report
Tarangire National Park, Manyara Ranch, and Simanjiro Plains, Tanzania -- Tanzania's Tarangire National Park is home to an astonishing array of African mammals and more than 450 species of birds, all dwelling among the spectacular scenery of ancient baobabs and flat-topped acacia trees. Vast numbers of ungulates, such as wildebeest, zebras, buffalos, Grant's gazelles, giraffes, oryxes, elands, and hartebeest, migrate into the park in the dry season and out in the wet season. While the populations of some animals are relatively stable, others, such as wildebeest, hartebeest, and oryxes, have declined by roughly 90 percent over the last 20 years. Dr. Doug Bolger, Dr. Dan Doak, Tom Morrison, and Dr. Bill Newmark are investigating migratory species to find out why some are successful, and others are not. Understanding the roles of human activity, birth rates, and breeding sites will help wildlife managers worldwide conserve large mammal migrations.

Meals and Accomodations
Volunteers will stay in a tented camp that has a kitchen, a communal dining area, sleeping quarters, solar-heated showers, and private toilets. Two volunteers will each share an upscale tent, outfitted with single beds, mosquito nets, chairs, and kerosene lighting. An experienced camp cook will prepare meals of local favorites and western-style meals, including meat stews, pastas, and sandwiches.

Highlights: Working with experienced field team leaders, you will spend your days bumping along the dusty roads of Tarangire National Park and Manyara Ranch (dry season), or Simanjiro Plains (wet season), looking for zebras, giraffes, and wildebeest. In some locations, you will also do surveys on foot. Once a herd is found, you will note the location using GPS, record the number of adults and foals, and photograph each animal for identification. You'll also record the locations of kill sites and collect grass samples. Back at camp, you'll help download digital images, enter data, and match individual photographs of animals against a database of known animals. Your daily briefings will include short lectures on the ecology of the research site. In the evenings, you will have time to relax and enjoy the scenery at camp. On your recreational day, you might venture into town or visit open-air markets.

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$: 3,846

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

Participants Travel to Tanzania Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 7 - 15

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