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Wildlife and Botanical Research to Help Prevent Extinction in Brazil

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Location Brazil
Start Date The first and third Saturday of every month
Duration
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The Project

Volunteer in Brazil on a conservation project in the Pantanal to help protect the white-lipped peccary from extinction. White-lipped peccaries (WLPs) are wide-ranging, fruit-eating ungulates that form large herds in Neotropical forests. The herds strongly affect forest biodiversity via fruit predation and dispersal, and WLPs are important prey for jaguar and humans. Throughout its range, local extinctions have occurred due to habitat fragmentation and hunting. White-lipped peccaries were selected as one of five “landscape species” for the Pantanal during a 2003 workshop sponsored by WCS and Embrapa-Pantanal.

Conservation efforts targeting landscape species help maintain regional biodiversity and ecological integrity because they use large, diverse areas, have significant impacts on ecosystem structure and function, and are vulnerable to human-related environmental threats. A nine-year study in the 210,000km2 Pantanal of central South America has shown that viable WLP populations persist, but they are vulnerable to recent economic trends that have caused deforestation. Problems related to deforestation include habitat fragmentation, hydrological alterations, erosion, degraded water quality, disease transmission, loss of habitat for forest-dependent species and increased wildlife-human conflicts.
Why the project needs you

Due to extensive deforestation and fragmentation of the highlands in the Cerrado Forest, gene flow and animal migrations between the highlands and flood plain forests of the Pantanal are now more restricted, potentially provoking genetic alterations and local extinctions of flora and fauna populations isolated in forest fragments. This project proposes to use a landscape species – the white-lipped peccaries (WLP), to identify properties that have important ecological corridors for this ranch program in the Pantanal/Cerrado highlands.

The multi-disciplinary nature of the project makes it ideal for enthusiastic volunteers to engage with conservation issues surrounding Brazil’s critically endangered Cerrado ecosystem.

Project Location

The region of the Pantanal in Brazil spans over 210,000sqm and has the greatest concentration of fauna in the new world. Around 100,000sqm of this area lies in Bolivia and Paraguay and rest lies in Brazil, split between the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul. The vegetation is Cerrado Forest, the second largest biome of Brazil and considered one of the most biologically diverse savannas. It is one of the oldest and most diverse tropical ecosystems.

The Cerrado consists of a variety of forest types, grasslands mixed with shrubs and small trees, dry-forest woodlands, and tall old semi deciduous forests. The Cerrado is the most biologically diverse savanna on Earth. Here you will see spectacular caves with prehistoric drawings, beautiful sandstone dominated stream channels, waterfalls, orchids, unique geological formations, and a diversity of native fruits and birds. Jaguars, giant anteaters, maned wolves, foxes, pampas deer, tapirs, capybaras, and monkeys live in the Cerrado as do nearly 200 other mammals, 600 bird species, 220 reptiles, and more than 10,000 plant species. There will be lots of opportunity to interact with the local community during regional country festivities.

During your project you will be located within the Pantanal Cerrado highlands of Mato Grosso do Sul, which is approximately 3 hours from the airport and 6km from the local village.
Project Facts

• Duration: 2 – 12 weeks
• Cost: £1040 ($1820) for 2 weeks and £245 ($429) for each week thereafter
• Requirements: age 18+
• Location: Pantanal, Mato Grosso
• Project activities: Monitoring, data capture, setting camera traps, fruit/vegetation consensus, community support
• Working hours: Monday-Friday 12-6 with the option of working extra hours at the weekend.
• Project Availability: First and third Saturday of the month
What is included

• Accommodation: Shared dorm accommodation in an eco-lodge on the reserve station
• Food: 3 meals per day – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Airport pick up and drop off from Campo Grande Airport
• Training: Pre-departure information pack and onsite orientation provided
• Support: 24 hour support
What is not included

• Flights
• Insurance
• Visas

Your life outside the project

Once you are in the Pantanal most of your time will be spent on site as transportation is very difficult and independent travel to places further afield pretty challenging. Weekends can be spent working additional hours on the project, or relaxing on site. You may also spend time visiting local villages or popping into the local town, and although small it will cater to some basic needs. From July to September there are a huge number of rookeries around, so if you visit the Pantanal during this time, you may be graced with their presence in the air.

If you have a love for rural outdoor life and want to get away from it all, then this project is definitely for you.
Ideas for Independent Travel

Amazon Rain Forest

The world's largest tropical rainforest, Amazonia covers more than half of Brazil. The Amazon represents over half of the planet's remaining rainforests, and it comprises the largest and most species-rich tract of tropical rainforest in the world. Float down lush river corridors teeming with rainforest birds and wildlife. Experience the warm tropical water via raft, kayak or dugout canoe. Enjoy the South American birds, wildlife, flora and fauna unique to the Amazon. Hike through the jungle with a shaman or naturalist and discover medicinal plants, spiritual traditions and the history and politics of the Amazon rainforest. If you've ever wanted to visit the Amazon basin, now is the time before it changes forever and its culture and wildlife disappear.

Canaval

This annual festival held 46 days before lent, lasts up to a week kin some places. With grand parades in Rio and Sao Paulo, led by the samba schools, and smaller bloc parties encouraging crowd participation in Salvador and other northern cities, it is the highlight of the Brazilian calendar. Everything closes down for carnal week and 80% of tourists visit during this time, making it an unmissable event!

Project Quality

Kaya evaluates every project we offer to ensure that we only commit to programmes with genuine need for volunteer aid, not just financial assistance. We develop relationships with the projects and help shape initiatives to ensure in the long run that we do not encourage dependence on outside help, but rather establish foundations on which the people can build and develop themselves. We also ensure that the members of those communities are open and eager to learn and discover our culture, as we become a part of theirs. The quality and sustainability of our programmes are very important to us. We want you to have the most fulfilling and memorable time as possible, and be part of something that is going to last into future generations.

Accommodation & Meals

Volunteers stay on-site in a volunteer house where, in most cases, they share their room with other volunteers. Shared rooms are usually single-sex. Three meals a day are provided, all included in the placement fees. In most instances there will be a cook to prepare your food for you and a cleaner to ensure the house is clean and tidy, though in sometimes volunteers will be expected to assist with these chores.

In-Country Coordinators

Each country coordinator is there to make sure your time in your programme runs smoothly. They will pick you up from the airport and take you on your orientation. All in-country coordinators are English speaking and are there to ensure you have all the information and resources for the best placement.

24/7 Emergency Support

As well as support from your in-country coordinators, you'll be given access to a 24/7 emergency phone line managed by Kaya staff, in case any problem should arise while you're overseas.

Kaya Help-desk

Each member of Kaya staff have worked, travelled, studied or volunteered abroad, and many staff have visited and volunteered in our projects knowing firsthand the country and nature of the programme placements. Their knowledge of international travel and volunteering is invaluable, and they can give you good advice and tips to make the most of your international placement.

Briefing Pack & Materials

Once you have booked a programme, an information pack will be sent out detailing everything you need to know - from specific project details and vaccinations required to the visa application process.

Airport Pickup

When you arrive at your destination a member of Kaya staff will meet you with a warm welcome at the airport and take you to your accommodation to get you set up for your stay.

Cultural Excursions

Kaya staff are at hand to help organise weekend excursions and activities, which can include visiting cultural places of significance and visiting various projects around the area. Due to the remote nature of this region, activities will mostly be centred around the villages, though staff can assist with planning further travel outside the project.

Arrival Orientation

Shortly after you arrive you will be given your orientation by one of our in-country coordinators. They will show you your placement, local transport, take you into the local area, and show you things you can do in your spare time. Information regarding safety and security will be given along with some much needed lingo when moving and travelling around the area.

Local Community Benefits

Not only is your participation on your project of great help to the local communities, but so is the boost to the local economy that volunteers create while they are visiting.