sue_bertram
Volunteer field assistants are needed for an ongoing project regarding the community ecology of tropical bats. Short- or long-term, dates flexible.
Description: This is a PhD study examining the diet, behaviour, and movement ecology of the tropical bat community in Brunei Darussalam, Borneo. It is being conducted through the University of Auckland, in collaboration with the Universiti Brunei Darussalam.
Duties are largely focussed on bat-trapping, and may include harp trap deployment and maintenance; bat handling; and measuring and identifying specimens. Some radio-telemetry tracking work may also be involved. This project involves regular late evening/early morning work. It will also include some or all of the following: hot, humid climate; heavy lifting; climbing up steep hills; off-trail jungle walking; and night work. Would suit a fit, energetic and adventurous individual.
The majority of research will take place at the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre (http://www.ubd.edu.bn/faculties-and-institutes/iber/kuala-belalong-field-studies-centre/), which is situated on the Belalong River in the stunning, unlogged dipterocarp forest of Brunei’s Temburong District. The forest is home to a wide variety of tropical wildlife, and there is a canopy-access tower located 5 minutes downstream where species such as hornbills, gibbons, and colugos may be seen. Work schedules and duties will vary, with plenty of free time for wildlife watching.
Volunteers must pay their own expenses, but accommodation, transport and food may be arranged/subsidised depending on individual requirements.
Qualifications: No specific expertise necessary (training will be given), but experience in field work/hiking is essential. Would suit undergraduates looking to gain research experience, but there is also potential to develop post-graduate projects (masters/honours) alongside the current research.
To apply: Please send a CV and cover letter, with details of research interests, experience and availability to Kathleen Collier (kcol057 @ aucklanduni.ac.nz). Enquiries or expressions of interest are also welcome