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| Andean Bear Project
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 You will be working with our partner organization at a nature reserve in the cloud forest of northern Ecuador.
Our partner in this region is focused on protecting Ecuador's endangered Andean Spectacled bear population and its critical habitat. The main focus of this project is to research the behavior and ecology of the Andean bear in an effort to conserve the bear's cloud forest habitat and improve future rehabilitation projects.
As a volunteer on the Andean Bear Project, you will be tracking and monitoring the movement of the Andean bears using radio tracking technology. While in the mountains, you will also watch for signs of illegal activity, such as cutting trees or poaching. This helps the landowners protect the forest and wildlife in their care. If new bears are captured during the project, volunteers may help to collar the new bears and release them.
Volunteers will receive hands-on training on radio tracking, habitat conservation, and wildlife management techniques. You will also go on camping trips and night assignments which will allow you to see more remote regions in the Ecuadorian Andes. As a volunteer with our Andean Bear Project, you will help curb the destruction of the bear’s habitat and improve the chances of survival for the last species of bear living in South America.
Orientation:
After arrival in Quito, you will stay one night in a hostel. Then you will be taken to a rescue center in Quito for an introduction to animal rehabilitation. Then you will be transported to the high plains near the snow-covered Cotopaxi volcano, where you will ride horses and have a chance to use radio equipment to track a bear that lives in the area. On day four, you will continue to a research station at Intaq to complete your training with radio equipment and begin working in the cloud forest.
Transportation:
Volunteer Adventures will provide transportation for the following:
 Airport pickup, transportation to project site
Transportation
for weekend trips
 Accommodations:
While you are volunteering, you will be staying in a traditional Andean house. The house sleeps a total of 7 people and contains a kitchen, shared bedrooms, and a covered veranda with hammocks. Beds and sheets are provided, but you will want to bring a warm sleeping bag, as it can get quite cold at night.
There is electricity and running water at the house. Candles are also provided; however, it is recommended that you bring a torch/flashlight and batteries. The kitchen is equipped with cooking utensils and a gas stove. The house has a warm shower and an outdoor toilet.
Meals:
You will be provided with 3 meals per day. The food is largely vegetarian. Since volunteers are out in the field all day, they usually pack a picnic for lunch.
Excursions:
On the weekends, volunteers have the opportunity to visit areas surrounding the reserve. Possible trips include the following:
Routine camping trips to remote regions where bears are being tracked.
Bear rehabilitation center to study and observe Andean bears in captivity.
Activities:
Volunteers are expected to work 5 days a week, 8-10 hours per day. Hours will vary based on the work at hand. Weekends will be free to explore the surrounding areas and participate in optional activities.
In-country support:
You will have the continual support of the on-site staff at the rainforest reserve. They will be happy to help you with any immediate needs or concerns. |
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Volunteer
Adventures - 915 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO, 80246
Phone: 1-888-825-3454 or 303-777-7783 Fax: 303-777-7246 UK Toll
Free: 0800-028-8051 |
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