Program Background: Field Projects International's Wildlife Health program grew out of our primate mark-and-recapture program conducted at the Los Amigos Biological Station in Southeastern Peru since 2009. During that time we recorded individual survival, health status, and collected basic, non-harmful biological samples from more than 300 unique animals. In 2018, this program was expanded to the entire Neotropical vertebrate community (including bats, birds, terrestrial mammals, and herpetofauna) with the aim of improving molecular reference data for the region, and to study ecological links throughout the community via parasites and pathogens.
In 2024, we will continue this large scale research program that has become an in-depth training opportunity for many students and young professionals pursuing careers in fields related to veterinary care, conservation, or wildlife biology/ecology. Our program is not only unique due to the wide variety of taxonomic targets being studied and sampled simultaneously, but also because of our ability to perform on site sample analysis in conjunction with the In Situ Laboratory initiative.Activities: Participants will assist a wildlife veterinary team to learn safe capture and release techniques along with best practices for sample and data collection. Additional skills include field sampling for environmental DNA, sample biobanking under field conditions, species identification through morphometry, handheld GPS navigation, and safe animal handling procedures focused on bats, small mammals, and birds.
Start Dates: May 26, June 16, July 7
Minimum Commitment: 5 weeks
Location: Los Amigos Biological Station, Peru
Application Deadline: March 31, 2024
Program Fee: $2,450 for 5 weeks; $490 each additional week
(Fee includes food and lodging at the field station, training and use of field equipment. Fee does not include transportation to the field station).
Learn More: https://fieldprojects.org/part
Apply Online: https://fieldprojects.org/rese
Scholarships: https://fieldprojects.org/part