Download Galápagos Islands Landbird Monitoring Project

International volunteer for “Galápagos Islands Landbird
Monitoring Project”
Application deadline: 20th November 2015
Time: 3 months or more from beginning January 2016
Introduction
The Galápagos Islands, known for its unique species, is one of the last archipelagos that sustains/still has
the vast majority of their original species and preserving them is a priority. In the last decade, studies in
Galápagos have shown that populations of subspecies of several species of land birds have declined,
especially on inhabited islands. The introduction of alien species to the archipelago as parasitic flies
(Philornis downsi), mammals, disease and habitat destruction are identified as some of the main reasons
for the decline. Since 2014, the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) and the Galápagos National Park
(GNP) have been developing and coordinating a Landbird Monitoring Project on several islands. The
project objective is to understand and help reverse the negative impact on land bird species in Galápagos
while working together with other national and international scientific institutions. The project works
closely with other essential conservations projects such as the Philornis project, the Mangrove Finch
Project and the Restoration of the Highland Zones of Galápagos, all programs are multi-institution
cooperations and provide important information for management and conservation of the ecosystems in
Galápagos. The project aim is to gain quality information and develop a standardized monitoring
throughout the archipelago for small land birds for future comparisons and has particular emphasis on
iconic birds of the islands.
The person selected as a volunteer will help with the research activities identified in the Landbird
Monitoring Project and be supervised by the principal investigator of the project. Activities will include
fieldwork, literature reviews, data analysis, in addition to working with students, local institutions, park
rangers and the Galápagos community, and collaborating with scientists who have long-term studies in
the Galápagos.
Responsibilities
Assist the leader of the project in:
Ø Galápagos Martin (Progne modesta)
• Help to determine the population status of the Galápagos Martin.
• Review forms filled from naturalist guides about this species, data entry and review historical
sightings.
• Visit the sites of their preferred habitat known and help identify any factors limiting their
distribution.
Ø Galápagos flycatcher (Myiarchus magnirostris)
• Review of cavities in bamboo poles at CDF facilities.
• Monitoring breeding when birds select a cavity for nesting.
• Set cameras on nest and review many hours of video.
• Help banding adults and juveniles birds, and track movements on their territory.
Ø Vermilion flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus).
• Visit highlands of Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands and monitor breeding and ecology.
• Help banding adults and juveniles birds and resights.
Ø Support for ecological monitoring of large ground finch (Geospiza magnirostris) and vegetarian
finch (Platyspiza crassirostris).
Ø Participate in monitoring nest predation in different altitudinal zones of Santa Cruz Island.
Ø Assist in training in the management of the Galápagos BirdEyes application to the general public.
Ø Participation, if necessary and appropriate in bird censuses.
Ø Participate, where appropriate and necessary in the Philornis Project, the Mangrove Finch
Project, the Restoration of the Highland Zones of Galápagos, and other programs of the
CDF or multi-institutional projects, if necessary.
Required profile
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Previous experience in bird ecology or conservation programs.
Bird identification skills and bird banding experience are a plus.
Ability to hike in harsh terrains and extreme conditions.
Good physical condition.
Excellent social skills appreciated.
Working languages are Spanish and English.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office, in particular Word & Excel.
Capacity to work on irregular shifts, including evenings.
Excellent work attitude and commitment to work in teams.
Excellent organizational skills.
Bachelor or Biology students will be given preference.
Terms
The international volunteer for the Landbird Monitoring Project will be under the supervision
of the scientist responsible for the project. The volunteer will be based at the Charles Darwin
Research Station on Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos, Ecuador, although this volunteer will
be involved in fieldtrips to other islands of the archipelago. The volunteer is expected to work
40 hours per week, from 7:30 - 12:00 and 13:30 - 17:00, although working hours are flexible,
especially during fieldwork. The CDF will provide the equipment and materials needed for
the project. Vacation or other time away from the research station may be requested in
advance by the volunteer but will be subject to the approval of the supervisor. International
volunteers are responsible for their own travel costs to and from the Galápagos Islands and
their room and board costs during their stay. However the CDF will provide accommodation
in share rooms with a fee of 7 USD per night (depending on availability). Volunteers must
provide their own accident and life insurance coverage for travel to and from Galápagos and
for the duration of their assignment in the Islands. The volunteer must faithfully comply with
the internal rules of the CDF and will conduct fieldwork strictly following the rules and
regulations of the Galápagos National Park.
How to apply
People interested can download the application form on the CDF website:
http://www.darwinfoundation.org/en/get-involved/volunteers/
Please fill out the form and send the application documents via email to the following addresses:
[email protected], [email protected], [email protected].
If additional information is needed contact David Anchundia [email protected],
Applications deadline: 20th November 2015.
Charles Darwin Foundation
Volunteer Program
Casilla Postal 17-01-3891
Quito – Ecuador Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz
Galápagos, Ecuador
PO. Box 17-1-3891 Quito - Ecuador
(593-5) 2526 146/147
[email protected]