Taking Part

A study such as ours is built on the hard work of field researchers who spend many hours in the sun every day, quietly observing dolphins and recording what they see. At the end of the day, they transfer this information from notebook to computer database, and in so doing contribute to our growing understanding of these enigmatic animals. The work is hard, but very rewarding, and not a day goes by without getting close to several groups of botos and/or tucuxis.

The long-term nature of this research means that we are always looking for new recruits to push forward our work in the field. These recruits are of two types – interns and volunteers:

Interns remain with the Project for a minimum of 9 months. They are normally post-graduates with a keen interest in zoology, and we give priority to people from countries with river dolphins in their waterways, principally Brazil or other South American states. Exceptionally we recruit from other parts of the World. Our purpose is to train young scientists in research techniques suitable for studying river dolphins, in the hope that some will carry the torch to other parts of the continent or further afield. Interns must speak Portuguese or Spanish, and have at least moderate skills in the English language. Previous relevant field experience would be an advantage. Applicants for internships should send a CV, the names and addresses of two referees, and a covering letter, explaining why they want to dedicate 9 months of their lives to living in the jungle to both Project Leaders (arm@bas.ac.uk and tucuxi@inpa.gov.br).

Data from the field notebooks are added to the computer database every evening

Volunteers are short-term visitors, normally staying with us for 2-4 weeks. There are no language, educational or nationality requirements, though they need to be reasonably fit. Volunteers contribute to the Project in two ways – with their time, and with their hard-earned cash!

Volunteers are treated as part of the team, sharing boat time and domestic chores, living as one community. Many join us to carry out a research project as part of their university studies, while others do so to experience the Amazon jungle and its legendary wildlife while contributing to its conservation. We welcome people from all over the world, and promise a life-changing experience. Volunteering is not cheap (minimum contribution is £800, to cover all food, transportation and accommodation), but this is no ordinary trip. We accept no more than three volunteers at one time, in order to preserve the flavour of the experience and to ensure that the research team can continue to concentrate on its primary function of collecting data.

Applications to join the Project as a volunteer can be made directly to Tony Martin (arm@bas.ac.uk) or via Global Vision International (www.gvi.co.uk), a reputable eco-volunteer organisation with whom we work in partnership.

Breakfast is taken soon after dawn, to make best use of
daylight and the cool of the early morning (above)

One of our interns prepares a fish lunch with our pet caiman hoping for the off-cuts (right)