WE ARE SEEKING A VOLUNTEER FIELD ASSISTANT FOR OUR PRIMATE HABITUATION PROGRAM IN THE DZANGA SANGHA PROTECTED AREAS COMPLEX (DSPA), CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
One dedicated volunteer field assistant is needed to help with the habituation of western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and agile mangabeys (Cercocebus agilis) at the Bai Hokou and Mongambe Primate Habituation Camps in the Dzanga Sangha Protected Areas Complex (DSPA), Central African Republic. The region is home to Indigenous BaAka hunter gatherer communities and is renowned for its high mammalian densities (including forest elephants, chimpanzees, leopards, bongos, forest buffaloes, various monkey and duiker species, and of course western lowland gorillas and agile mangabeys). The DSPA forms part of the Sangha Tri-National Landscape that spans three countries, and has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status.
OVERVIEW OF VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities will primarily include contributing to the habituation of gorilla groups and the mangabey group, and collecting and entering data on their diet, behaviour, and ranging. Volunteers are furthermore expected to assist in camp management duties, supporting and overseeing the on-site staff and reporting to the Primate Habituation Manager and Chief of Department.
Additional responsibilities may include: conducting phenology surveys, conducting mapping surveys, participating in large mammal surveys, and participating in work related to the health monitoring program/wildlife health laboratory. Field conditions are very remote, with limited access to modern conveniences, fresh foods and health care ('running water' is a nearby waterfall and solar electricity is present with internet connectivity). The candidate must be physically fit and may be required to work long hours in dense forest under challenging conditions. Daily contact with potentially dangerous animals such as elephants, gorillas, forest buffaloes and venomous snakes can be expected.
These positions are connected to the primate habituation program in the Dzanga-Sangha Protected Areas in the Central African Republic, where work focuses on habituation of western lowland gorillas and agile mangabeys and on behavioural and ecological data collection.
Dr Klára Petrželková (petrzelkova@ivb.cz) has been working in this region for approximately 20 years and collaborates with WWF Central African Republic. She can provide additional information to candidates who are seriously interested in applying.