Volunteer for Kenya's Forest Monkeys project
Hiring Organization:
Earthwatch
Date Posted:
2007-08-28
Position Description:
Research Mission
Track monkeys in coastal Kenya to see how stressed they are.
Situation Report
Gedi Ruins, Watamu, Kenya—Sykes monkeys are common throughout Africa, and live in a range of habitats, including montane rainforests and lowland dry forests. Many species closely related to Sykes monkeys are endangered due to habitat loss and human encroachment. Monkeys are smart and opportunistic, and will raid crops, gardens, and garbage piles for food. As they find reliable food sources, they can become more aggressive in defending "their" food, which can lead to chronically elevated stress levels that are detrimental to their long-term health and well-being. Researchers Steffen Foerster and Geoffrey Wahungu are gathering data on the causes and consequences of various types of stress in Sykes monkeys at Gedi The results from their study will help to understand and mitigate stress levels in non-human primate populations that are under human encroachment, particularly those that are threatened or endangered.
On the Expedition
Amidst the ancient Arab Gedi ruins, you will follow Sykes monkeys as they go about their daily business of feeding, traveling, resting, and socializing. After a quick lesson in identifying monkeys and recognizing different behaviors, you will venture off into the forest equipped with binoculars and data sheets to follow individual females for one hour at a time. If the opportunity presents itself, you will also collect fecal samples for hormone analysis to take back to the field lab. You will be doing a lot of walking among beautiful dry tropical forest with some impressive baobab trees. An extended trail system will allow you to follow the monkeys more easily, although a good amount of bushwhacking will be necessary to keep up with their movements. Free time options include an overnight visit to Tsavo East National Park (home to elephants and lions), birdwatching at nearby Mida Creek, or snorkeling the beautiful Indian Ocean coral reefs.
Meals and Accommodations
The Mwamba Bird Observatory and Field Study Center is operated by A Rocha Kenya, a Christian community conservation organization, and is right on the beach near Watamu Marine National Park. Volunteers will share rooms and bathrooms, which have a limited supply of solar-heated water. For lunch and dinner, A Rocha staff will prepare traditional Swahili meals of rice, beans, vegetables, fish, and chicken, as well as Western-style menus, and will welcome your help in cleaning up.
Rendezvous — Malindi, Kenya
Qualifications/Experience:
Must read briefing available at Earthwatch web site, speak English, be flexible (especially in the neck!) and willing to follow directions. Must be willing to transport yourself to the Malindi Rendezvous site and contribute ~$2749 towards project expenses.
Support
provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Project provides meals and shared accommodations while the volunteer is on the expedition.
Term of Appointment:
Team in 2007: 5-15 Dec. Teams in 2008: July, Nov., Dec.
Application Deadline:
No deadline. Must be able to get applicable shots, passport, submit health form signed by physician.
Contact
Information:
Mary Ellen Rowe
3 Clock Tower Place
Maynard, MA 01754
USA
Telephone Number:
(800) 776-0188 x 228
Fax Number:
(978) 461-2332
Website:
http://www.earthwatch.org
E-mail Address:
mrowe@earthwatch.org
Questions and Comments
Questions about a specific job listing should be directed to the
contact person listed for that job. Questions and comments about using
the Primate-Jobs web site can be directed to Ray Hamel, Special
Collections/Reference Librarian, at
hamel@primate.wisc.edu or (608) 263-3512.
