Investigative Wildlife Research - Honduras

This is a newly established research facility on the north side of Utila, the smallest of the Bay Islands in Honduras. The facility is located about two miles outside the only town. It is surrounded by tropical broad leaf forest, just a few hundred feet from the crystal blue waters of Caribbean sea and situated at the bottom of 'Pumpkin Hill' which affords unparalleled views from the highest point of this small island. Forming part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second-largest in the world, the island is a fast growing diving and tourist destination. This growth threatens the islands delicate eco-systems and has lead to one endemic species of black spiny tailed iguana to be listed in the IUCN red list and on CITES appendix 2 as an endangered species.

Our strategies are to:

* Promote research to raise the level of understanding of the islands eco-systems in order to aid conservation efforts and facilitate sustainable development.
* Raise funds to purchase land and create guarded nature reserves.
* Establish a ‘free-to-access’ database of local and relevant research.
* Work with local NGO’s to achieve the above strategies and to assist them with their projects.

We offer places for:

· Students and biologists who would like research experience.
· Internships with full academic support from our international scientific advisory board.
· Researchers wishing to conduct their own studies.

Research on Utila has traditionally focused on the sea, leaving terrestrial research largely ignored. This new project is aiming to change this.

You will gain first hand experience as a Biology field researcher. The facility has its own projects including studies of the islands mammals, invertebrates and reptiles as well as acting as host to visiting scientists conducting their own research. Activities will include;

* Work on the population Study of the endangered endemic iguana (Ctenosaura bakeri).
* Assist with the collection and cataloguing of the island’s bat species.
* Trap, identify and mount insects, spiders and scorpions.
* Assist visiting researchers on their various ongoing projects.
* Each week there will be regular field trips to collect data, specimens and to monitor transects. Some of these field trips will involve camping overnight on the uninhabited side of the island.
* Time at the facility will be spent on data analysis, specimen identification and other work towards the facilities goals.
* The facility also assists with the island’s Marine Turtle monitoring program. So one night a week is spent camping on the beach just behind the facilities accommodation.

Those with specific interests and research questions are welcome to discuss them with us, do not hesitate to get in touch.

The facility has shared accommodation, 2 people per room with a private bathroom. There is a communal kitchen and three basic meals a day are included in the fees.

We offer bicycles for rent at $7.50 USD a week (this changes the 45 minute walk to town into a 10 minutes ride). There is a free, shared internet connection available on site, and for those who are internet dependants personal módems are available for a small fee.

The island of Utila is a modern diving mecca and if you would like to do some diving or a PADI dive course we can arrange this for you too (we get discounted rates) and schedule it into your stay with us. We can also arrange trips to the mainland to go river rafting in La Ceiba, visit National Parks and expeditions into the Moskitia Jungle. If you are interested in either the diving or visiting the mainland please indicate this when booking with us.

* A good level of general fitness and stamina
* Biological background
* Determination, self-motivation and ability to work in a team environment
* Minimum age 18
* Minimum 1 month commitment
* Travel & Medical insurance
* Necessary Vaccinations
* Spoken Languages English or Spanish

- Interns – we can provide academic support from an international scientific advisory board but you need to arrange this when you book your placement with us.
- Researchers please note if you wish to conduct your own biological studies in Honduras you will be required to obtain permits from ICF (Instituto Nacional de Conservación y Desarrollo Forestal, Áreas Protegidas y Vida Silvestre) and possibly CITES. This can be arranged for you by the facility but please note that it may take up to two months to be processed.

Fee:

$1000 USD for the first month ($225 for each week after) + £249 GBP Placement Fee
 

What's Included:

Project Fee includes all food, accommodation, 24 hour support, project activities and research support

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:

Flights, airport pickup, insurance, visas (if applicable) and vaccinations. Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged.

If conducting your own study you will need to apply for a special permit. It is possible to apply for it yourself, however it can take several months and you will need to travel to the capital several times, requiring alot of time and effort. Alternatively we can arrange this for an extra fee - please contact us for further information.