Hiring Organization:
Primate Lab, Field Research Station Los Tuxtlas, Institute of Biology, National Autonomous Universisity of Mexico (UNAM) – www.ibiologia.unam.mx
Date Posted:
2011-09-09
Position Description:
Position Description:
We are looking for volunteers to assist in projects studying the social system and ecology of black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) at Palenque National Park, Mexico. Volunteers will assist in two simultaneously running projects:
(Feb-Dec 2012)
I. Social and genetic factors mediating individual participation in group defense in black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) in Palenque, Mexico (PIs: Dr. S. Van Belle - University of Illinois-Urbana - and Dr. Alejandro Estrada - UNAM).
(Feb-Dec 2012)
II. Bioacoustics and social behavior: flexibility in the vocal communication of the black howler monkey (Alouatta pigra) in Palenque, Mexico (PIs Dr. A. Estrada, Margarita Briseño (Ph.D student), Dr. Alban Lemasson – University of Rennes, France - and Dr. Sarie Van Belle, University of Illinois-Urbana).
Additional field projects for which volunteer research assistants are also required:
(February- June 2012)
III. Medium and large size terrestrial mammal species richness in Palenque National Park and in protected and unprotected forest fragments (PI Dr. Alejandro Estrada and Diana Flores, MSci. Student)
(Feb-Dec 2012)
IV. Rehabilitation of spider and howler monkey infants and young adults rescued from illegal pet trade (PI Dr. Alejandro Estrada). This project takes place at a rehab-ecopark center in Palenque – see www.ecoparquepalenque.com
You can choose to assist in one of these projects. If you are not certain of your specific interests, you can still join our research team and may assist in more than one project. Training will be provided. Participation is also geared to meet academic requirements at your institution of origin e.g. practicum, academic internship, thesis. If this might be the case, indicate this when contacting Dr. Alejandro Estrada (aestrada@primatesmx.com).
Specific tasks you will participate in:
Project I. Social and genetic factors mediating individual participation in group defense in black howler monkeys.
Study site: Palenque National Park
1. Collecting of behavioral observations using focal animal sampling and scan sampling techniques on several groups of howling monkeys in Palenque National Park.
2. Collection of fecal samples from howler monkeys for DNA extraction.
3. GPS recording of spatial position of groups
4. GPS tracking of ranging patterns, grops leading and progression order in groups of howler monkey groups under observations.
5. Data entering in computer databases and in geographic information system (GIS-ArcView)
Project II. Bioacoustic and social behavior: flexibility in the vocal communication of the black howler monkey (Alouatta pigra) in Palenque, Mexico .
Study site: Palenque National Park
1. Collecting of behavioral observations using focal animal sampling and scan sampling techniques on several groups of howling monkeys.
2. Recording short and long distance vocalizations by group members.
3. Collecting contextual information for recorded vocalization, including social context, background noise and vegetation density, among other parameters.
4. Sonogram analysis of recorded vocalizations.
5. Playback experiments to measure behavioral and vocal responses.
6. Data entering in computer databases.
Project III. Species richness of medium and large size terrestrial mammals in Palenque National Park and in protected and unprotected forest fragments.
Study sites: Palenque National Park and 6 forest fragments in the vicinity (7 sites)
1. Nocturnal and diurnal visual census of terrestrial mammals using line transects
2. Setting up camera-traps and sand-traps and monitoring “captures” every 10 days for camera traps and every 24hrs for san-traps at each site.
3. Vegetation census at each site
4. Data entering in computer databases
Project IV. Rehabilitation of spider and howler monkey infants and young adults rescued from illegal pet trade.
Study site: Aluxes ecopark in Palenque – see www.ecoparquepalenque.com
1. Assisting in veterinary in care and in socialization procedures of howler and spider monkey infants and juveniles.
2. Using focal animal sampling and scan samples, you will assist in recording social interactions and activity patterns in captive and semi-captive spider and howler monkeys.
3. Assisting in monitoring howler monkeys released in the forest of the ecopark as part of a repopulation program.
4. Data entering in computer database and drafting of general technical report.
NOTE: For all of the above projects, resting periods: resting days/periods will be scheduled regularly as part of the field work program.
Qualifications/Experience:
Qualifications/Experience:
The qualifications we are looking for in a research assistant are:
- Be physically fit, and capable of undertaking fieldwork in hot/humid conditions.
- Be capable of team work and not have issues with authority figures.
- Have a background in biology/anthropology/zoology/psychology or a related field.
- Be interested in animal behavior and conservation and in the behavior, ecology, and conservation of primates and of other mammal species of the tropical rainforest.
- Be hardworking, disciplined in following field procedures and be reliable.
- Some knowledge of animal behavior and data collection preferred but not required.
- Enjoy being outdoors and experiencing the tropical rainforest.
- Enjoy being in the culture of southeast Mexico
Salary/funding:
Salary/funding:
No salary will be provided.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions:
Assistants will be responsible for airfare/transportation to and from Palenque town and for food costs and local travel. Lodging will be provided by the field project in a comfortable fully equipped house (electricity, hot water, high speed internet, bunk beds, two bathrooms with showers, a large living room kitchen area) about 2 km from Palenque National Park. The town of Palenque is only 2 km away where banking, additional telephone services, hospitals, supermarkets, drugstores and others are available.
Term of Appointment:
3 - 12 months starting February 2012
Application Deadline:
none, but consider applying in advance as positions available are filled rapidly.
Comments:
To apply, please email a recent copy of your CV and send a letter of motivation describing your research interests and experience, the project you are interested in joining and your availability for the position.
If outcome of 1st-step assessment is positive, you will be requested to submit a letter of recommendation from your most recent advisor/supervisor. If approved to join the project, you will be provided with detailed information about the research program and about logistics.
Note on contingencies: Volunteers should be covered by medical insurance when traveling to Mexico. They will need to sign a releasing liability form upon joining the research team in Palenque.
Contact Information:
Dr. Alejandro Estrada
Field Research Station Los Tuxtlas-UNAM
Mexico
Website:
http://www.primatesmx.com
E-mail Address:
aestrada@primatesmx.com