Ecology Research Assistants needed in Mexican Dry Forests

Title: Ecology Research Assistants needed in Mexican Dry Forests
Location: Alamos, Mexico
Job Description: The Biodiversity Group is seeking research assistants to join its field team in Mexico's tropical dry forests to study the conservation ecology of native reptiles and amphibians and other wildlife. Some species of interest include the Mexican beaded lizard, mountain king snake, desert tortoise, spotted box turtle, Madrean black-tailed rattlesnake, barking frog, and the Mexican leaf frog. Expeditions travel to the Alamos region in Sonora Mexico to conduct research in a rare and wild tropical deciduous forest ecosystem.

The work that research participants will be involved with will primarily consist of conducting night and day surveys for reptiles and amphibians (however other taxa such as invertebrates are also of interest), animal data collection, and lab work. Lab work consists of more detailed information such as scale counts (for reptiles) and other morphological information, animal measurements, screening for chytrid disease (amphibians), preservation (only when necessary), and acquisition of DNA samples.

Diagnostic photographs of all animals will be taken. Other tasks include animal handling and general note taking and data organization.
For 2012, TBG has two Mexico expeditions scheduled for September 1-12 and September 14-25. The cost for one tour is a donation of $1000, but participants are encouraged to stay for two tours at a cost of $1900. Volunteer participants will gain valuable research experience, contribute towards our mission in conservation ecology, and have an opportunity to conduct research in a safe environment and hands-on with animals in the field. For more information please go to the following link:

Students:
Students usually can acquire academic credit (often towards senior research/thesis) or apply for an internship with TBG along with their current college or university.

Apply:
Please APPLY at www.biodiversitygroup.org
Please email expeditions@biodiversitygroup.org with any questions

Opportunities for research expeditions in Ecuador are also available, please see website for further information.
Qualifications: Participants must have a general interest in conservation ecology and field work and must be over the age of 18 to apply. Assistants will be required to work long hours over rugged terrain. Specifically, the most important qualifications that an assistant can bring to the project are enthusiasm and a good work ethic. Anyone meeting these general criteria is encouraged to apply.

Last Date to apply: August 1, 2012
Website: http://www.BiodiversityGroup.org
Contact: Nathalie Aall
E-mail: expeditions@biodiversitygroup.org(Preferred)