Wildlife Volunteering Opportunity!

Vaishnavi sent us this -

Field Training Workshop on the application of sampling-based methods to monitor large mammal populations Centre for Wildlife Studies, Bangalore in collaboration with Karnataka State Forest Department, is organizing field training workshops in the application of sampling-based methods for monitoring large mammal populations at Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, Karnataka during April 16 - 30, 2005.

The primary method taught will be on the abundance estimation of prey species using distance sampling methods. The participants will also be exposed to other methods like relative abundance estimation of large carnivores and their prey through sign encounter surveys and abundance estimation of large carnivores using capture-recapture methods.
There are a few openings available for individuals interested in participating in these training camps. Candidates must fit the following description: candidates in the age group of 18-40 years, who are physically very fit and have some experience in hiking through forests and rough country and have a reasonably good ability to spot and identify large mammals. The training will involve long and arduous working hours in difficult terrain.

The candidates will be selected after a screening of their applications to judge their suitability for doing the field work. The trainees are expected to stay for the entire duration of the camp.
The training will be imparted in two batches and each batch will last for a week. The first batch will commence from April 16, 2005 while the second batch will begin on April 23, 2005. Simple vegetarian food will be provided free of cost to the participants. We are trying to provide free
accommodation for the trainees in arrangement with the Karnataka State Forest Department. In case we do not succeed in this, the participants should be willing to bear this cost. Travel expenses to and from Nagarahole will have to be borne by the participants.

Very strict camp discipline has to be observed (this is not a picnic).
Candidates must be keen wild lifers and come prepared with appropriate field clothes (grey, khaki, green, camouflage etc. not white, red or bright colours) and tough walking shoes. They should bring a pair of binoculars and a sleeping bag with sufficient warm clothings. They should be prepared to rough it out and stay in tented accommodation. The candidates must report on the assigned dates, and must spend a minimum of seven days thereafter.

If you or any specific candidate from your organisation is interested in participating in the training program, please contact me immediately (preferably by email, or by letter) giving your background details and the batch in which you would prefer to participate. Please do not arrive in Nagarahole without written or verbal confirmation from us that you have been selected, because accommodation and the number of opportunities available are limited.

Best wishes
Sincerely,
KIRAN M.R.
Office Manager
Centre for Wildlife Studies
823, 13th Cross, Jayanagar 7th Block West
Bangalore 560082, India
Ph. 91 80 26715364 Fax 91 80 26715255
Visit us at http://www.wcsindia.org

Thanks, Vaish!