Help research and conserve pink river dolphins in the Amazon rainforest
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Program Overview
Travel to the very heart of the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil and help stop the decline of freshwater dolphins by contributing to crucial conservation work.
The research you will be assisting with focuses on two unique species of river dolphin: the boto and the tucuxi. The Amazon basin is the only area not experiencing dramatic declines in dolphin populations, but with human exploitation increasing, your efforts are needed to protect this incredible animal species.
This project is run in partnership with the Mamirauá Reserve, the largest protected area of flooded rainforest in the Amazon and a pioneering conservation unit. You will gain rare and wonderful insight into this diverse environment.
Life on the Program
You will spend the vast majority of your time on the water, gathering and processing data on the river dolphin population. River observations are divided between two teams of volunteers and take place up to 11 hours a day.
In order to study these amazing animals in a natural setting, you will be in area of flooded forest in the Amazon, a two hour boat journey from the nearest town. Like this project, the base is also very unique: it takes the form of a combined house and laboratory that floats on the water. Living conditions are basic but comfortable, and general duties are shared by the team.
The Amazon rainforest is both an astounding and challenging environment, and volunteers should be prepared for long, strenuous days.
Project Details
You will gather data on two species of river dolphin in order to:
- Gauge the number of dolphins that use the Mamirauá Reserve and its surrounding rivers
- Investigate the impact of fishing in the area
- Determine basic population parameters, such as longevity and age at first reproduction
The main aim of this project is to improve and transform our understanding of the biology and ecology of river dolphins by identifying key habitats and determining the dolphin/human interaction that most threatens the populations of these unique animals.
Data is shared with the Institute for Environmental Protection of Amazonas (IPAAM), and international agencies like the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), among others.
How this project makes a difference:
Data collected on this project has been published in international scientific journals, and in presentations at international conferences.
Conservation efforts have successfully achieved the development of the pool of marked and recognisable animals that form the backbone of this project, assuring there is an up-to-date database about the ecosystem and its species.
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Program Details
Build Your Program
What's Included
- Pre-departure support and discounted services
- 24-hour emergency phone
- Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated)
- Arrival orientation
- Long term experienced staff
- Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
- All meals (unless otherwise stated in field manuals)
- Welcome meeting
- Location orientation
- All necessary project training by experienced staff
- All necessary project equipment and materials
- 24-hour in-country support
- Live and work in the world famous Mamirauá Reserve
- Research rare river dolphins
- Lunch
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Medical and travel insurance
- Visa costs
- Personal kit
- Additional drinks and gratuities
- Extra local excursions
- International and domestic airport taxes
