Discover the beauty of the Amazon as you explore the magnificent Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, the largest protected area of pristine tropical rainforest in Peru as an active member of a research tem investigating biodiversity.
Spanning over 2,000 sq. km, this is a truly exceptional wilderness area at the head of the River Amazon, with a unique flooded forest ecosystem that is home to some of the greatest diversity of animals and plants found anywhere on Earth. Some of the fantastic wildlife you are likely to discover includes birds such as parrots, hummingbirds, kingfishers, macaws and hawks; mammals such as jaguars, spider monkeys and river dolphins; fish such as piranhas, pintados and electric ells and over 1,800 species of butterfly!
The area you will be exploring is only accessible to recognised scientific research programmes and we are currently the only UK youth organisation allowed access. This gives you the unique opportunity to work alongside a team of dedicated researchers and conservationists from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the Peruvian University of Amazonian Studies to contribute to the preservation of one of the last true remaining wilderness areas on Earth.
On arrival at the remote jungle outpost of Iquitos, you will travel deep into the Amazon Rainforest for three days by boat, entering the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve where you will establish two base camps (land- and boat-based) and train in jungle survival and scientific research techniques.
The expedition will attempt to visit previously unexplored territory to survey and research. The adventure phase will involve cutting transects through dense primary rainforest and wild camping in the jungle. You will be sleeping out under the stars on many occasions in tents, in hammocks and in improvised shelters surrounded by the wild animals of the forest; some will be welcome visitors, others not so!
You will camp and/or live rough whilst canoeing and trekking for several days at a time along rivers and through swamp forests in the most remote areas of the reserve before returning to the support boats for replenishment.
Jungle survival and canoe training will be provided and you will also undertake a series of tasks to try to make you examine your personal attitudes and approach to the environment.
You will be collaborating with experienced Peruvian fieldworkers on biodiversity projects that will determine the abundance and behaviour of rare, threatened and endangered species within the reserve. This data will be used in developing and modifying the reserve's management practices.
Water-based research projects may include surveying pink and grey river dolphins in the Samiria River, collecting turtle eggs and relocating them to secure hatching areas away from poachers, and catching and measuring caimen. Back on dry land you may conduct census work on many types of primates, such as the red howler monkey and the rare spider monkey, survey the tropical birdlife and search for new species of insect as you explore the thick forest trails. This is a fantastic opportunity to get really stuck in and contribute to worthwhile projects. The 2006 expedition relocated 30,000 turtle eggs that would otherwise have been threatened by poachers.
Cost
Your contribution will be in the region of £2,900 including a deposit of £500.
Travel costs are expected to be around £1,050 including all taxes.
Key dates
Application Deadline Monday 6th April, 2009
Compulsory Briefing Weekend Friday 17th - Sunday 19th April, 2009
Expedition Dates Mid July to mid August, 2009
BSES Annual Presentation of Expedition Reports Saturday 30th January, 2010
Once you are onboard you will have access to a password protected area of the website which contains all the information you need for the expedition, from a full kit list and equipment advice to health information, suggested fitness programmes and logistical information.
All details are subject to change and correct at time of writing.
