Might be of interest.
For YETI
Debabrata Phukon
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Kshitij Garg <kshitij@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Fri, Jan 3, 2020, 3:33 AM
Subject: 2020 Research internships on Otters, Bats and Community
relationships at Goa, India | Wild Otters Research
To: Young Ecologists Talk & Interact Yeti <meet.yeti@xxxxxxxxx>
Hi,
Kindly circulate on YETI mailing list.
*About the internship and volunteering program :*
Wild Otters Research <http://wildotters.com/> is a wildlife research
organization based on Chorao Island, Goa - India working on studying the
habitat, behaviour, ecology and threats to otters, bats, as well as
projects involving community conflict and wildlife trade aspects. We
primarily work outside of protected areas, but some work does take us
inside of them. *We have our internship and volunteering slots open from
Jan, 2020 onwards.* But you can apply now and block a slot even if you wish
to start much later.
The internship and volunteering program is tuned to be beneficial and
attract individuals (both Indian and Foreign nationals) pursuing any
discipline as it is multidisciplinary in nature to teach them not only
wildlife skills and contribute directly to the projects, but also about
running such an organization more holistically, being part of media
outreach and other aspects basis their interest and skills. We regularly
get interns from across the world, some of whom work in very varied fields.
Interns work directly with our research and communications team and is a
focused training program in gathering and analyzing data, doing field
visits, using methods like camera trapping, GPS, GIS, Bat Detectors, UV
lights, Scat sampling, surveys, community engagement, written reports,
essay/report writing and presentations to undertake their projects.
Interns will
get a flavour of multiple projects and can choose which one/multiple of
them they would like to be more involved in. They will also have to
complete a mini-project during their internship independently. They can
also be involved in other aspects like outreach and merchandise, as well as
executing other programs and workshops, depending on their interest.
Volunteering on the other hand is a shorter and more independent stay at
Wild Otters to self explore different projects, field techniques in a
smaller time frame, do photography, create merchandise or other activities
and choose how you wish to involve and learn/contribute to wildlife and
conservation. We are pursuing a number of very interesting projects, some
of which are listed below :
*Non-exhaustive list of current projects :*
1. Den usage of Smooth-coated otter : Understanding movement patterns,
behaviour and reproduction cycles alongside human and other animal
disturbance at den sites of otters.
2. e-DNA study of the Smooth-coated otter : In a first of its kind research
in such an ecosystem, e-DNA methods are being assessed to see if it can be
made into a credible source of getting data for recording otter presence.
3. Audio analysis of the Smooth-coated otter : Using frequency analysis and
vocalizations at different times, of varying types and at different areas
to study behaviour and threat to otters.
4. Habitat study of the Asian small-clawed otter : Assessment of the
habitats including behavior analysis towards preferences and how that
changes with seasons is being done at different locations in the Ghats.
5. Agricultural conflict with wildlife : Understanding how the community
views certain wildlife as pests (porcupines, peacocks, cormorants etc.),
any conflicts, losses to crops and how they can be dealt with in
sustainable ways. Porcupines are considered widely to raid crops and lead
to loss for farmers. The question to answer is how much real loss happens
in different cases, and how to mitigate these to reduce sustained conflict.
6. The Otter Collective (a dedicated project against the Illegal Wildlife
Trade) : Addressing the issue of illegal wildlife trade in different ways
by analyzing data, creating videos and spreading awareness. Artwork from a
community of artists across the world is being used to channelise thoughts
and art towards fighting the illegal and pet otter trade.
7. Identification and threat analysis for different bat species in Goa
: Bat is a rather under studied animal in this part of India. The initial
aim is to ID different species and create a map of presence/absence and
distribution. A threat analysis (for instance, from electric wires) is
being done alongside.
*Duration :*
The minimum duration for internships is 3 weeks, while the maximum is a
year, whereas volunteering can be done for a shorter duration of a minimum
1 day. Basis availability of slots (which are rather limited) we can
accommodate you, so please plan and apply early. We have weekly offs on
Saturdays and Sundays, and any other activities that interns and volunteers
may want to plan on those days can be assisted with. We typically work from
about 9 to 5, but on some days surveys may start early at 7, and some
evenings may have surveys (esp relating to bats) later in the evening.
*Slots open :*
Immediately and for the following months. As slots are limited, please
write to the undersigned to check availability of your desired dates.
*Age :*
The lower age limit is 16 years for volunteering and internships. There is
no upper age limit, and we encourage participants from all age groups and
careers to join and explore a few days in this field.
*Note :*
Researchers who would like to come and execute their own projects/ideas
while staying and using facilities of Wild Otters Research are encouraged
to do so. The undersigned may be contacted for the same as well.
*Research team :*
The research is headed by Dr. Katrina Fernandez, and we have a team of
researchers under her looking after different projects - Kilian Hughes,
Shiri Lev, Jasper Maberly, Meg Cookson, Isha Tikoo and Alexandra Kahler.
*Fees (there are two different options) :*
*1. With accommodation and all meals* *:* *Internship fee is US$ 400
(converted to ~ INR 25000 ) for 3 weeks & US$ 100 (converted to ~ INR 6000)
for every week after, Volunteering fee is US$ 20 / INR 1200 per day. **(This
is inclusive of accommodation (sharing basis) at Wild Otters Field Base,
daily basic meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), training & travel to field
sites & equipment handling charges. Please note this includes travel costs
for arriving at the Field Base (on Day 1) and departure from the Field Base
( on Final Day) from/to the airport/relevant spot.) *Volunteering fee
doesn't cover arrival and departure travel. *
*2. Without accommodation : Internship fee is US$ 175 (converted to ~ INR
10,500) for 3 weeks & US$ 50 (converted to ~ INR 3500) for every week
after. **(This is exclusive of accommodation (sharing
basis) at Wild Otters Field Base, while inclusive of lunch, training &
travel to field sites & equipment handling charges.) There are various
hostels/Airbnbs and other places in Goa where the interns can stay
depending on their choice. 2-wheelers are very easily available on rent as
well. You are entitled to visit and use the facilities of the field base on
non-working days during your program. *
*Please note : All government taxes are included. *
*To apply :*
*Write an email to kshitij@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx <kshitij@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> with the
following :*
1. Subject : Internship/Volunteering application for the month of *******,
Year ****.
2. Preferred dates.
3. With our without accommodation option.
4. Short cover letter on why you would like to do the internship.
5. Attach CV.
6. Please do also mention any queries or clarifications you would need
regarding the programs.
The undersigned can also be reached on phone/whatsapp at +91-8879335165
regarding these programs. Do feel free to circulate to individuals who may
find the same useful.
Warm regards,
Kshitij Garg
*Chief of Communications, Wild Otters Research*
kshitij@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
(91) 8879335165
Chorao Island, Goa, India