Investigative Wildlife and Ecology Research - Indonesia

Just southeast of world-famous Bali lies Nusa Penida, an island of rugged beauty which has managed to stay off the main tourist track. It is unique in Indonesia, and indeed the world, for hosting an island-wide sanctuary for endangered Balinese and Indonesian bird species. Here you can find Bali Starlings (already extinct in the wild), Mitchell Lorikeet, lesser silver crested cockatoo, mostache parakeet, java sperrel, and a number of other species which are now thriving in their new protected habitat.

You will be working with a local NGO that seeks to address all variables in wildlife rehabilitation, including reforestation, community development, eco tourism and agro-forestry. They aim to create a better environment and future for wildlife in Indonesia using all means necessary, and not simply focusing on a narrow range of indicators or variables.

Your academic and investigative skills are needed to help the organisation expand. You will have the opportunity to conduct research on the organisation's activities, the biodiversity of the island, or conduct your own dissertation work. Your research can be conducted in conjunction with the local university or alongside the local NGO staff who will be on hand to help.

All data will be published on the organisation's website and in a range of journals. Most importantly your data will help further the activities of this very worthwhile NGO and work towards preserving and increasing the biodiversity of this extraordinary island.

You will help this dynamic organisation by conducting academic research on their activities, successes and the biodiversity of the island.

Topics and projects currently underway include:
* Reforestation review
* Biodiversity - Species identification - population numbers etc.
* Habitat assessment
* Carrying capacity of island for bird release, recommendations for new types of birds which could be released.
* Review of Standard Operation Procedure (SOP)- possibility for adaptation and improvement.
* Hands-on work, including release of birds, creation of cages, feeding, working in the tree nursery, reforestation etc.

Individual research

Potential research themes could be;

- Bat populations native to the area including the flying fox and fruit bats. There are many caves in the area that are ripe for exploration but have not yet been researched.
- Scorpion spiders, snake varieties, macaque monkeys and other species. You could be amongst the first to conduct biological research on the island's populations.
- Methods to prevent monkeys from interfering with farming areas.
- Population counting and control for monkeys - including potential sterilization of dominant male. Needs research on population and methodology.
- Research on swift birds population, including their population, habitat, carrying capacity, etc.

In addition to conducting research you can help develop and implement a number of activities such as creating bee hives for honey production using local bee species, and developing aquaculture. This is a very flexible investigative project, with much scope for you to achieve your own goals while enjoying the beauty of Nusa Penida and neighbouring islands.

You will be met at Denpassar Airport (Bali), and taken to the project HQ in Ubud. Here you will be able to acclimatize and meet all the staff. You will then be accompanied to the project location on Nusa Penida (about 2 hours travel from Ubud).

You will be staying in locally provided accommodation, which is basic but clean and adequate. You will have a private bathroom and will be able to cook food in the kitchen or eat at one of the many local restaurants. Internet is available in the nearby town. You will be able to get a SIM card for your mobile which will work throughout the island.

* Min age 18

* Minimum 1 month commitment

* Enthusiasm and interest to work in academic research, must have strong investigative abilities and previous experience

* Good English

* Ability to ride a motorbike and hold an international Driving License

* Full travel & medical insurance

* Necessary vaccinations 

* Necessary flights & visas 

Fee:

 €350 Euros Project Fee per month +  £249 GBP Placement Fee
 

What's Included:

Project Fee includes all accommodation, 24/7 support, airport pickup, domestic travel, use of motorbike whilst on the island, and an English-speaking guide for 1 month. 

We charge a flat, one-off Placement Fee of £249 GBP per person per project. This covers our costs for promoting the project and providing our services. We offer full pre-departure support (for all necessary flights, visas and vaccinations) and ongoing assistance throughout your placement.
 

What's not included:

Food on Nusa Penida (you should budget around €5-10 per day) flights, insurance, visas and vaccinations. Full assistance will be provided in getting all these sorted.

Food and accommodation whilst you are Bali is not included. You can live very comfortably for around €15-20 per day.