• Soqtapta view

    Peru: Field training for biologists in Latin America

  • Jaguar in Manu

    Peru: Field training for biologists in Latin America

In Brief

Conservation Value:

Individual conservation biologists living in developing countries can have a huge impact in bringing conservation about and we need more of them.  That is what this program is about.

Threats:

Students in Latin America have few opportunities for field-based training that addresses important conservation issues. Leadership requires personnel with skill sets, experience, and fortitude — characteristics that are not readily acquired in university or other academic settings. Large conservation organizations and academic institutions are increasingly staffed by professionals who are well grounded in theory, but who have little experience in field conditions.

Actions & Results:

Since 2022, cohorts of students have aquired training in workshops that fosters field-biology skillsets at the Manu Biological Station. Visits were made to Los Amigos Biological Station, Wayqecha Biological Station, and Concesión para la Conservación Soqtapat. Training includes:

  • fieldwork and survival techniques
  • GPS navigation and mapping
  • citizen science apps like iNaturalist and eBird
  • techniques in data management and statistical analysis, using locally gathered data
  • biodiversity sampling strategies, specimen collection techniques, species identification, and experiment planning
  • science communication
  • fundamentals in tropical ecology, like population dynamics, niche ecology, and species competition theory
  • rigors of living and working at a biological research station.

This program develops the capacity of the region, giving individuals the means to advance towards a career in field conservation. Over time, these cohorts of students will be part of an expanding network of alumni, who are then also able to mentor and train others.

Goal:

Improving prospects for conservation by training the next generation of conservation biologists in Latin America.

Support this project

Location:

Manu Biosphere Reserve in Southern Peru and other sites

Project Field Partner:

Alejandro Lopera Toro and Adrian Forsyth

Our Investment to Date:

Cost to ICFC (2022-2023):  $181,672
2024 budget: US$62,700

"The program has trained two cohorts of young professionals who are passionate about conservation and are committed to promoting environmental stewardship."

Gallery

Click to enlarge an image

Fellows in presentation
Fellows in dna extraction
Dna extraction in los amigos biological station
Survival course 2
Training from reporters of mongabay latam
Tree climbing course in manu
Small cat in manu
Malaise in manu 2
First aid in manu

In More Depth...

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