Volunteer Western Lowland Gorilla/Agile Mangabey Field Assistant

WE ARE SEEKING A VOLUNTEER FIELD ASSISTANT FOR OUR PRIMATE HABITUATION PROGRAM IN THE DZANGA SANGHA PROTECTED AREAS COMPLEX (DSPA), CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

One dedicated volunteer field assistant is needed to help with the habituation of western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and agile mangabeys (Cercocebus agilis) at the Bai Hokou and Mongambe Primate Habituation Camps in the Dzanga Sangha Protected Areas Complex (DSPA), Central African Republic. The region is home to Indigenous BaAka hunter gatherer communities and is renowned for its high mammalian densities (including forest elephants, chimpanzees, leopards, bongos, forest buffaloes, various monkey and duiker species, and of course western lowland gorillas and agile mangabeys). The DSPA forms part of the Sangha Tri-National Landscape that spans three countries, and has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status.

OVERVIEW OF VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities will primarily include contributing to the habituation of gorilla groups and the mangabey group, and collecting and entering data on their diet, behaviour, and ranging. Volunteers are furthermore expected to assist in camp management duties, supporting and overseeing the on-site staff and reporting to the Primate Habituation Manager and Chief of Department. Additional responsibilities may include: conducting phenology surveys, conducting mapping surveys, participating in large mammal surveys, and participating in work related to the health monitoring program/wildlife health laboratory. Field conditions are very remote, with limited access to modern conveniences, fresh foods and health care (‘running water’ is a nearby waterfall and solar electricity is present with internet connectivity). The candidate must be physically fit and may be required to work long hours in dense forest under challenging conditions. Daily contact with potentially dangerous animals such as elephants, gorillas, forest buffaloes and venomous snakes can be expected.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

The volunteer agrees to:

1. Contribute to the daily monitoring and habituation of all focal primate groups (western lowland gorillas, agile mangabeys, etc).
2. Participate and aid in the planning of daily activities and logistics at both PHP camps (e.g. distributing daily rations of food to the BaAka).
3. Contribute to the logistics of tourist visits and to participate in welcoming, receiving and guiding tourists; which includes explaining tracking rules and acting as a guide in the field.
4. Ensure that all data collected is entered carefully and in a timely manner (i.e. daily),
5. Participate in entering data – relating to PHP or to overall conservation research within the DSPA – into computer databases.
6. If necessary, contribute to any other field activity linked with PHP or overall research in the DSPA (i.e. maintaining trails, opening new trails, phenology surveys, wildlife surveys, etc).
7. Assist in any duties relating to the PHP and DSPA health monitoring and wildlife disease transmission program, including upkeep and maintenance of the wildlife health laboratory.
8. Contribute to providing logistical and data related support to researchers, veterinarians and interns. The exact nature of this support will be decided by the PHP Technical Advisor.

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:

• Candidates must be highly motivated, responsible, flexible, mature and amicable.
• Candidates must be team players who can work as part of a multi-national team under the supervision of the site manager.
• Candidates must also be comfortable living under isolated conditions with potentially extended periods when the volunteer is the only expatriate present in camp alongside local staff.
• Bachelor’s or master’s level students seeking to gain experience in conservation biology, primatology and/or zoology are encouraged to apply.
• Opportunities to conduct small, independent (non-PhD) thesis projects are available providing that studies can be carried out alongside habituation work and that research questions are in-line with the needs of the Primate Habituation Program and the Dzanga Sangha Protected Areas.
• Previous field experience would be extremely valuable, though openings can be considered entry-level and a ‘stepping stone’ for someone who is serious about a career in conservation, field research and/or wildlife eco-tourism.
• Be physically able to work everyday in a dense forest environment with possible danger present: elephant, snakes.
• Many PHP volunteers have gone on to successful careers in conservation and academia. Knowledge of French is extremely useful, though a commitment to learn the local Bantu language, Sango, may suffice.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

Contract Details:

• Duration: 12-month contract, starting on the day of the volunteer’s incoming flight from abroad.
• Leave: 20 days of break after the first 6-month period.
• Training Period: After a 3-month training period, volunteers may conduct a small, independent project (non-PhD or master’s related), provided it aligns with the needs of the PHP and DSPA.

Key Responsibilities and Commitments:

1.Environmental and Ethical Conduct:

• Adhere to all PHP rules, minimizing environmental impact and acting ethically toward primates and wildlife.
• Follow strict guidelines to reduce the risk of human-primate disease transmission (e.g., maintaining minimum distance, using masks, hygiene practices, avoiding stress-inducing behaviors for primates).
• Enforce rules to prevent unnecessary stress on primates.

2. Respect for Property and Laws:

• All camp equipment is property of WWF/DSPA. Volunteers are responsible for any loss, damage, or theft and will be charged for replacements.
• Abide by the laws of DSPA and the Central African Republic (CAR).

3.Risk Acknowledgement and Insurance:

• Understand that the volunteer position is not an employment relationship with WWF. WWF/APDS is not liable for any sickness, evacuation, accidents (e.g., snake bites, elephant attacks), or legal violations (e.g., war).
• Volunteers assume all risks associated with working in the Central African Republic and must provide proof of personal insurance, including emergency evacuation coverage for the entire duration of their stay.

4. Data and Publications:

• All data and samples collected are the property of WWF/DSPA. Volunteers do not have authorship rights for publications resulting from this data but may be involved in joint authorship and analysis where applicable.
• No material related to WWF research, policies, personnel, or volunteers may be published (e.g., blogs, social media, scientific papers) without written permission from WWF and involved parties. Unauthorized publication will be considered a breach of contract.

5.Living Conditions:

• Accommodation in camps will be in wooden houses.
• Limited internet access is available in camps (sufficient for calls), with improved access in Bayanga.
• Accommodation: Simple wooden huts in camps and lodging at project headquarters will be provided.
• Food: Meals are provided in camps. However, volunteers can supplement meals at their own expense. No meals are provided at the project headquarters, but food is available in the nearby village.

6.Work Schedule:

• Standard Schedule: 2 weeks in the forest, followed by 1 week off. This schedule is flexible and may be adjusted based on project needs.

7.Salary/Funding:

• Independent Funding: Volunteers must secure their own funding for essential costs (flights, insurance, and visas).
• WWF Contribution: Up to $2,500 USD towards travel-related costs (flight, insurance, visas) provided upon successful contract completion, contingent on adherence to the MOU and reimbursement procedures.
• Stipend: A monthly stipend of 150 EUR (totalling 1,800 EUR for 12 months) is provided upon successful contract completion.

The WWFCAR and especially PHP are extremely grateful for volunteer support. Since.PHP conception in the late 90s, volunteer contributions have been indispensable to the success of the program. Many of our volunteers have developed lifelong relationships with PHP and have returned as researchers, collaborators and even project managers.