Flexible Schedule
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Cusco, Peru
The volunteer program at Manu Biological Station is centred around three key focus areas: climate change and biodiversity monitoring, reforestation, and regenerative agriculture. Here’s an overview of just some of the activities that you’ll be involved in... Climate Change & Biodiversity Monitoring Manu Biological Station is surrounded by the rugged, snowy peaks of the Andes to the west, and the dense, sprawling jungles of the Amazon to the east. This 'altitudinal gradient’ constitutes one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, and Manu is right in the middle of it. Manu Biological Station is monitoring wildlife populations in a variety of ways, and tracking those which are moving up the altitudinal gradient in search of cooler temperatures on a warming planet. You’ll be involved in a wide variety of activities, including... Collection and analysis of camera traps and acoustic recorders for monitoring of mammals, birds and amphibians. Assisting with field work on altitudinal transects along the Manu Road, between Manu Biological Station (500masl) and Wayqecha Biological Station (3000masl). Collection and processing of malaise traps for monitoring of insect populations, with possibility of training in advanced tree-climbing for long-term volunteers. Point counts of birds, reptiles and amphibians, including recording on citizen science apps such as iNaturalist and eBird. Ultraviolet light-trapping for monitoring of butterfly and moth populations. Curation of entomological collections, including pinning of insects. Reforestation Manu Biological Station has its origins as a coca-growing region for the Inca Empire, before becoming an agricultural operation over the course of the 20th century. Amongst huge areas of relatively healthy forest, there are a number of old plantations, and even a disused airstrip. Rewilding the patches of old agricultural land at the station, our goal with the Reforestation program is to better understand the process by which bamboo takes over a forest, and learn how to reverse it. You’ll work alongside our resident team and be involved in the following activities: Assisting in the construction of a greenhouse where the seed bank will be developed. Cultivation of a variety of native plant saplings in preparation for reforestation. Surveying of the property and identification of key target areas for bamboo management and reforestation. Active control, removal and monitoring of bamboo patches. Packing and planting of trees. Ongoing care and maintenance of reforested areas. Regenerative Agriculture Our Regenerative Agriculture program is designed to secure food access and progressively improve agricultural ecosystems by cultivating fertile and healthy soils, diversifying cropping systems, and collaborating with local and Indigenous communities in the region. This is currently being achieved through a combination of agroforestry systems, including aquaculture (native Paco fish farming), permaculture using Peruvian native crops, composting, meliponiculture (native bee farming), and a medicinal garden. You may be involved in the following activities: Cultivation and harvesting of plantains, yuca, cacao, uncucha (native potatoes), sweet potatoes, beans, pineapples, watermelons, eggplant, tomatoes and more. Assistance in fortnightly harvesting of native Paco fish from the station’s aquaculture system. Maintenance of colonies and collection of honey from the hives of native Meliponini stingless bees. Activities associated with caring for the station’s chickens. Composting and soil regeneration projects in conjunction with the Reforestation program. General maintenance of the station’s gardens and crops. Assistance with the development of forthcoming expansions to the station’s agroforestry systems.
Date Posted: 2024-11-13
Flexible Schedule
|
Cusco, Peru
Are you a bird enthusiast who wants to do more than just list? With 660 species of bird recorded at the station, Manu Biolodge is a birder’s paradise, and the bird volunteer program has been designed to provide a range of unique experiential learning opportunities for participants. This is an incredible opportunity for anyone with a love of birds and a passion for protecting them, and no prior skills are required to participate! The bird volunteer program at Manu Biolodge is centred around four key focus areas: Building a bird haven Bioacoustics Surveying Building a Bird Haven Manu Biolodge is home to two dedicated bird gardens - a hummingbird garden and a generalist garden - as well as a number of other curated birdwatching locations. You’ll be involved in maintaining these areas and turning them into the ideal habitats for the many spectacular bird species . Activities may include: Cleaning and refilling hummingbird feeders Placement of fruit and seeds in various locations Building, painting and installing nest boxes Composting waste to produce worms and larvae for tinamous and antpittas General garden maintenance This aspect of the program is designed to ensure that Manu Biolodge is a paradise for birds and birdwatchers alike. Bioacoustics Much of the cutting-edge research being undertaken in avian conservation today is dependent upon bioacoustic monitoring - the recording and analysis of wildlife sounds in order to assess the overall health of ecosystems. Using state-of-the-art acoustic recorders, you’ll be involved in the development of a 'heat map’ that monitors the distribution and abundance of the 600+ bird species here at Manu Biolodge. Activities in the Bioacoustics program will include: Deployment and collection of acoustic recorders Training in basic knowledge of bird vocalisations Identification of bird species using Raven Pro/BirdNet software Analysis and incorporation of data into the bird-monitoring project Surveying During your stay, you’ll be involved in daily birdwatching activities throughout our network of trails. Using a variety of citizen science apps, you’ll help document, record and monitor the station’s incredible biodiversity. Potential activities will include: Morning and afternoon bird surveys Monitoring of nest box occupants Observations from the tinamou blind UV light surveying for nocturnal, insectivorous birds Uploading of observations to eBird, iNaturalist, Macaulay, Xeno Canto and more This work will help us to better understand the dynamics of bird populations at the station. Science Communication Whilst volunteering at Manu, we don’t just want you to enjoy our incredible birdlife, we want you to share your passion with the world. Using a suite of media technology, you’ll work with our resident photographer to create high quality educational videos about the many captivating bird species found here at Manu Biolodge. The Science Communication program will involve: Use of high-tech equipment, including our mirrorless camera, drone and camera traps Training in science communication for various audiences from our resident photographer Creation of informative, bird-related videos Distribution of content throughout our networks
Date Posted: 2024-11-13
