Conservation & Environmental Academic Research - Serious, Affordable Internships

  Brazil

• Southern Brazil: 
Campo Grande

Term: Throughout the year 
Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks

Description: This placement is for those looking to develop their career in environmental research. You will take part in ongoing academic research into the diverse flora and fauna of an area of rich in beauty and biodiversity. Working alongside other scientists and researchers, you will develop and implement skills necessary for a career in environmental research and conservation.

The Cerrado (Pantanal) is the second largest of Brazil's major biomes, after Amazonia. More than half (55%) of the Cerrado (1 million km2) has been transformed into pasture and cash crops in the past 35 years, with large-scale agricultural conversion for soy and cattle remaining the biggest threat. Fragmentation of tropical forests has dramatically disturbed the natural dynamics of these systems, resulting in the extinction of an unknown number of species and altering the ecology of the surviving species.

This project will help understand how peccaries, tapirs, agoutis, and other frugivores, like macaws, certain fish, and numerous insects, affect tropical forest dynamics. The work at the plateau region of the Pantanal will attempt to discover which species of fruiting plants and frugivores are key to the survival of the entire forest ecosystem.

In addition, by extending the project from the Pantanal basin to the plateau regions, we can further measure cattle impacts on palm recruitment, fruit diversity, and aquatic habitats. Preliminary data from censuses show that fruit availability varies widely between habitats, seasons, and years. Focal observations have revealed plant-frugivore interactions that have important conservation implications, e.g. the toco toucan, Rhamphastos toco, appears to be the only seed disperser for "manduvi" trees, Sterculia apetala, which are important nesting sites for endangered hyacinth macaws, Andorhynchus hyacinthinus. Therefore, studies of frugivores, and peccary populations in fragmented habitats will be essential for their long-term survival and will assist managers in establishment of viable conservation units.

Highlights:
You will be working with participating ranchers to complete an evaluation of the current state of the ranches. Activities will include;

* Implementing management actions and conservation measures to reduce pressure on natural resources, habitat conversion, and the decline of populations of key species.

* Monitoring financial and socio-economic baselines, as well as landscape features, environmental characteristics, and taxa that are the most effective indicators of change when studying cattle management practices.

A typical day will include up to 5 - 7 hours in the field. You should be prepared to walk 5-10 km/day. Tasks may include mammal and fruit data collection, exploring and mapping new areas, GPS registration of mammal tracks, capturing peccaries (wild, pig-like creatures), diet analysis, data entry, setting up camera traps, and participating in other projects in the area.

Qualifications:
* Able to work in a hot climate
* Good physical fitness
* Motivation to work with animals and plants
* Basic English or Portuguese
* Full travel & medical insurance
* Necessary vaccinations
* Necessary flights and visas

Cost in US$: USD800 a month

Salary / Pay: Self-Funded

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A typical intern/volunteer is someone who is looking for a serious opportunity to further their career aspirations. They are not simply looking for a holiday for a unique opportunity to prove themselves and gain the experience needed to get a foot in the door to the industry they crave.

Age Range: 21-70

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Brazil Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 2-10

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview
• Resume

Post-Program Services Include:

• Job and Internship Network

Global Nomadic Ltd's Mission Statement: Global Nomadic hosts a variety of projects and internships around the world, specially chosen for their ability to enhance career prospects in unique and diverse areas. We seek to specialise in serious placements, catering for those looking to get a foot in the door to the career they aspire to. Unlike other companies we add ZERO commission to the price of the project, asking for a placement fee instead. We offer full pre departure support, ongoing email assistance, and a range of discounts with our partners. We put you directly in touch with the project provider, offering a complete and ethical service.

Year Founded: 2009