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Research Assistant: Seed dispersal by howling monkeys and tropical rainforest regeneration in Palenque, Mexico
Hiring Organization:
Laboratorio de Primatología, Field Research Station Los Tuxtlas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Date Posted:
2009-04-24
Position Description:
We are looking for a 2 volunteers to assist on a project studying the role of howler monkeys and of dung beetles as seed dispersal agents in the tropical rainforests of Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico. Volunteers will work under the supervision of David Muñoz, a Ph.D student, and of Dr. Alejandro Estrada.
Specific tasks you will participate in:
•Collecting of fruit-eating behavior data on howling monkey groups in Palenque National Park and in three forest fragments in a landscape adjacent to the national park.
•Daily collection of fecal samples from howler monkey to rescue seeds being dispersed.
•Collection of dung beetles attracted to howler monkey dung using baited pitfall traps.
•GPS recording of ranging patterns of the howler monkey groups under observations.
•Germination experiments for seeds dispersed by the howler monkeys and for control seeds (collected from fresh fruits)
•Seed predation experiments on seeds dispersed by howler monkeys using camera-traps
•Vegetation data collection: census of vegetation at the study sites – to be done only once.
Resting periods: resting days will be scheduled regularly as part of the field work program.
Qualifications/Experience:
The qualifications we are looking for in a research assistant are:
1)Be physically fit, and capable of undertaking fieldwork in hot/humid conditions.
2)Be capable of team work.
3)Have a background in biology/anthropology/zoology/psychology or a related field.
4)Be interested in primate behavior, ecology, conservation.
5)Be hardworking, disciplined in following field procedures and reliable.
6)Some knowledge of animal behavior and data collection preferred but not required.
7)Enjoy being outdoors and experiencing the tropical rainforest.
Salary/funding:
No salary will be provided.
Support
provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Assistants will be responsible for airfare/transportation to and from Palenque town and lodging and food costs. Lodging costs are about USD$10.00/day. Lodging will be in rustic, but comfortable cabins (electricity and hot water) in our campsite. Local transportation to and from study sites is provided. Food purchases and cooking are shared by team members. An additional cabin functions as a shared kitchen for team members. Depending on grant status, a portion of the food and/or lodging fees may be paid. The town of Palenque is only 4km away with banking, internet and telephone services, hospitals, supermarket, drugstores and others.
Term of Appointment:
4-6 months or more starting August 2009/4-6 months or more starting in January 15, 2010.
Comments:
To apply, please email a recent copy of your CV and describe your research interests and experience, and your availability for this position.
Note on contingencies: Volunteers should be covered by medical insurance when traveling to Mexico. They will need to sign a releasing liability form upon joining the research team in Palenque.
Contact
Information:
Dr. Alejandro Estrada
Laboratorio de Primatología
Field Research Station Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz
Mexico
Telephone Number:
+52+200+125-5405
Website:
http://www.primatesmx.com
E-mail Address:
aestrada@primatesmx.com
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