Andean Condor and Puma Research

  Peru

• All Other Areas in Peru: 
Rural Areas

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: all year round

Description: Condors and Pumas both being majestic and symbolic species of the Andes, are endangered by human activities. Centuries of habitat loss, dwindling food supplies, human persecution, and the impact of the pesticide DDT on the bird's reproductive success have restricted once-robust populations of the condor to remote sections of the high Andes in Peru, Chile, and Argentina. The puma was eliminated from the entire eastern half of North America within 200 years following European colonization. Forests were cut down for timber and fuel, deer populations were greatly reduced, and pumas were hunted out. Any remaining eastern populations are considered Critically Endangered. It has also gone from the more densely settled areas of South America. Andean condors are clearly adapted for exceptionally low mortality and reproductive output, and are therefore highly vulnerable to human persecution, which persists over most of its range owing to alleged attacks on livestock. Even if people do not directly hunt the condor, they often put out poisoned carcasses in order to kill pumas or the condors themselves. Condors fall victim to these carcasses. Hunting is the biggest threat to pumas in Latin America. In Peru Andean people are used to kill every puma that comes in sight.

There is very little information about the conservation status of pumas in the local population. A first and necessary step is therefore to study the size of the remaining puma populations in the Andes in order to identify key areas and develop conservation strategies. Equally population surveys are needed for the condor.

This program will lead you into the central Andean mountain region of the River Chancay. Together with us you will explore the Andes in order to:
1.) Create a rapid assessment of bird diversity in the area
2.) Search for condors and their nesting sites and count them
3.) Survey for pumas and count them
4.) Survey vicuña and deer populations

The information obtained with this study will help to define future conservation activities of Mundo Azul in the area and lay the ground for us lobbying for the declaration of a private conservation area in order to protect the condor and puma population.

Highlights: As Mundo Azul conservation volunteer you have the unique opportunity to take part in an effort to conserve pumas, condors and an entire habitat. While being in the survey area you also have the opportunity to visit the amazing archeological sites of Rupak and Chiprak being two former cities of the pre-inca culture the Atavillos. You will find entire cities with many intact two story buildings overlooking the valley from an altitude of 3400 meters. You will be able to spot a huge number of birds of prey, humming birds and other species as well as vicuñas, deer and other wildlife.

Qualifications: The survey area lies between 3400 and 4500 meters of altitude and you will be camping in tents and trekking during the day. This program is physically demanding and you should consider your physical condition before applying to this program. Please do not apply if you do suffer from any kind of heart failures.

Apart of physical fitness participation as a volunteer in the condor and puma survey requires no specialized skill-set. You will be oriented and trained by our research team to participate fully in the project once you arrive at the study site. Although our field staff speaks English, a little Spanish is of course to your advantage in communications with locals. The only skill we ask for is patience, which is important while learning a new language and negotiating new and different local customs.

We hope that volunteers are open to new adventures, committed to the objectives of the project, and are able to live in a simple environment, in constant and close contact with nature.

Cost in US$: 2000

Experience Required: yes

Apart of physical fitness participation as a volunteer in the condor and puma survey requires no specialized skill-set. You will be oriented and trained by our research team to participate fully in the project once you arrive at the study site. Although our field staff speaks English, a little Spanish is of course to your advantage in communications with locals. The only skill we ask for is patience, which is important while learning a new language and negotiating new and different local customs. We hope that volunteers are open to new adventures, committed to the objectives of the project, and are able to live in a simple environment, in constant and close contact with nature.

Typical Volunteer: Mundo Azul conservation volunteers are nature-loving conservation oriented people of all ages and professions ranging from student to cook, office worker or scientist. They are open-minded, flexible and interested to meet other people (local and international) and explore different environments and customs. They are easy going and fun, but at the same time commited to the research and conservation efforts of Mundo Azul.

Age Range: 15-50

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

Participants Travel to Peru in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Written Application

Asociacion Mundo Azul's Mission Statement: Mundo Azul contributes to the conservation of biological diversity and nature, to sustainable development, to poverty reduction and to an improved human and animal welfare.

Year Founded: 1999