Climate Change, Canopies, and Wildlife

  Ecuador

• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Rural Areas

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

Description: Research Mission
Survey the rainforest and canopies of the Ecuadorian Andes for spectacled bears, jaguars, and ocelots in this biodiversity hotspot.

Situation Report
Santa Lucia Reserve, Northwest Ecuador -- The Ecuadorian Andes qualify as one of the world's exceptional biodiversity hotspots due to the extraordinary numbers of endemic plants and vertebrates, including 390 bird species. But, that diversity is threatened by habitat destruction, fragmentation, and hunting. Dr. Mika Peck and colleagues are monitoring the populations of large mammals, such as jaguars, ocelots, and spectacled brown bears, in this reserve. Because these animals need high quality forest habitat to survive, they act as umbrella species, that, if protected, will ensure the conservation of countless other forest plants and animals. The data collected on this project will help answer the question of whether existing reserves and corridors are sufficient to protect the wealth of wildlife in Ecuador's forests.

Meals and Accommodations
Volunteers stay in the Santa Lucia Lodge, which offers shared rooms, conventional and compost toilets, and hot showers with spectacular views over the forest! In the evenings, the lodge is lit by candlelight, as there is no electricity in this remote location. Lodge staff prepare traditional Ecuadorian and international meals, using organic produce from the garden. Volunteers are welcome to lend a hand in the garden and kitchen.

Highlights: The Santa Lucia Reserve is home to jaguars, ocelots, Andean cats, pumas, coatimundis, and spectacled bears. In this protected cloud forest, you'll hike through mountainous terrain, with a different research assignment each day. Teams will help establish and maintain camera traps, e.g., cameras set up to snap photos when triggered by animal movements. You'll also help identify and photograph animal tracks around the traps. Each team will help with collecting aerial images by launching a helium balloon using a giant catapult system, and then groundtruthing the images by matching them to the crowns of trees in the forest. At sites that are aerially photographed, you'll also gather data on the habitat by measuring and counting trees, determining canopy cover, and identifying the species of orchids and other plant life. In your recreational time, you can play pick-up games of soccer or volleyball, enjoy fiestas and dances in nearby towns, swim in the river, or hike to waterfalls.

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$: 2,546

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+

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

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 6 - 12

Application Process Involves:

• Other
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records

Post-Program 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