Amazon Research Assistant

location
4 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Learn research technique like camera trap for mammals, search for frogs and glowing mushrooms, bird and forest inventories and much more
  • Help conservation actions in the Amazon
  • Boat tours for wildlife watching to see slothes, monkey and lots of other Amazonian species along with gorgeous beaches and native forest

Highlights

  • Learn research technique like camera trap for mammals, search for frogs and glowing mushrooms, bird and forest inventories and much more
  • Help conservation actions in the Amazon
  • Boat tours for wildlife watching to see slothes, monkey and lots of other Amazonian species along with gorgeous beaches and native forest
  • Learn about Amazonia culture like Curimbo (traditional dance), cook and capoeira classes, Brazilian bbq on the beach
  • Free time activities: Visit gigantic sumauma trees of the Amazon, Visit Manatee Rehabilitation center, Kayak and much more


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Conduct inventories on Amazonian wildlife in the field: mushrooms, birds, mammals, fish, bioluminescent and fluorescent organisms as well as flora.

    We are a non-governmental, non-profit organization that develops and supports projects in environmental education and scientific research on biodiversity, ecology, as well as on the behaviour of species of fauna and flora of Brazilian ecosystems.

    Volunteers can participate as Biodiversity Research ...

    About the program

    We are a non-governmental, non-profit organization that develops and supports projects in environmental education and scientific research on biodiversity, ecology, as well as on the behaviour of species of fauna and flora of Brazilian ecosystems.

    Volunteers can participate as Biodiversity Research Assistant and help us conduct long term inventories essential for understanding trend in wildlife patterns and monitoring the effects of climate change. These activities are done in a group and are field research activities where repetitive data collection is required to understand trends over long periods. This role is for volunteers who like to be outside and enjoy physical activity.

    Projects all volunteers will participate in:

    - Forest Inventory and Flora Survey

    - Bird Inventory

    - Fish Inventory

    - Search for Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Organisms

    - Mushroom Inventory

    - Camera Traps for Mammals




    Typical day

    We conducted weekly schedules of research activities (if weather conditions permit). A daily example for bird inventory would be:

    - 8am group meeting (every day)
    - Transport to research sites (4 sites some are hiking distances, some are done on a  boat, some require car transport)
    - Use cameras to ...

    Typical day

    We conducted weekly schedules of research activities (if weather conditions permit). A daily example for bird inventory would be:

    - 8am group meeting (every day)
    - Transport to research sites (4 sites some are hiking distances, some are done on a  boat, some require car transport)
    - Use cameras to film birds seen on the site
    - Head back to download data and identify species
    - Save video content and input in excel so specialist can check ID at a later date
    - After work hours, volunteers swim in the pool at the volunteer house, go to the river or beach, go out for dinner, play games, watching movies etc.


    Free-time activities

    Ilha do Amor: the postcard of Alter do Chão is the Ilha do Amor, love island, beach. Nestled between the Lago Verde and Tapajos river emerges a small island where locals set up palm huts which make wonderful food and drinks.  Canoe and (in the dry season can walk across).

    Morro Piraoca: if you are ...

    Free-time activities

    Ilha do Amor: the postcard of Alter do Chão is the Ilha do Amor, love island, beach. Nestled between the Lago Verde and Tapajos river emerges a small island where locals set up palm huts which make wonderful food and drinks.  Canoe and (in the dry season can walk across).

    Morro Piraoca: if you are feeling more adventurous hike up the mountain to see a stunning 360 degree view of the region. 

    Curimbo: is a movement that began in 2010 to value the richness of Amazonian music, in particular Santarena. On Thursday, near the centre on Alter do Chão after 10 pm you can pay a small fee to enter and listen to this wonderful music and see the Amazonian dances where, generally, the women dress is colour long skirts with lots of bracelets, necklaces and flowers in their hair and move their hips to invite someone to dance. Men are also known to clap to ask for permission to dance.

    Canal do Jari: If you want to see wildlife then this is the trip to do. There is a trail or canoe trip (depending on the season you visit) where it is common to see squirrel monkeys and sloths. In addition, you might get lucky and see owls or the very well camouflaged potoo bird and even might catch a glimpse of a boa constrictor if you are lucky! Moreover, throughout the tour, many species of birds and iguanas can be seen. You will also visit the famous Amazonian water lily, known as Victoria Amazonica, which can grow up to 2.5 meters in diameter. There is also a lady who discovered its edible quality and offers a unique culinary experience.

    Flona: Although the hike is long, it is not steep and the rewards are enormous. At the top, you get to see the gigantic amazonian Sumaúma tree, also known as the kapok tree, which can grow up to 65 meters tall and its roots mean that it can take 26 people holding hands to get around the base of the tree.

    Ponta do Cururu: Usually included in other tours but can be done independently also, ponta do cururu is the perfect place to see sunset. In the dry period, the beach extends far out so you can relax on a thin strip of sand and watch the red and purple sun go down.

    Arapiuns: is known for its never-ending stunning beaches in the summer dry period. You can also visit the community of Coroca which preserve a turtles and bees.

    Fish Market: Many birds hover around to pick up leftovers and pink river dolphins swim just off the side which you can see during the rainy season when the water is high.

    ZOONAMA: is a zoo and rehabilitation center which is in partnership with UNAMA university. You can visit the zoo and also enter their rehabilitation zone for manatees.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level)

    Required Documents

    CV and Interview

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    IPBio does not ask for any formal educational requirements from participants, however, we have limited space in the program so we will not be able to accommodate everyone who applies therefore we require candidates to submit their CV and conduct a short interview for the selection process. IPBio takes conservation and our work seriously and therefore we want serious applicants who want to learn and use their time on this expedition to truly expand their horizons.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 16:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by IPBio - Reserva Jutuarana

    Volunteers at IPBio are required to pay 1200 reais per week (please check up-to-date exchange rate in your currency) for the specific dates agreed upon. This does not include the VolunteerWorld commission which you will pay directly to VolunteerWorld via their site.

    The fee covers the volunteer’s coordinators, airport pick-up, accommodation, internet access and project costs. A volunteer only confirms their placement once their full payment is made and it is only valid for the specific dates agreed upon. Once a volunteer makes their payment there is no refund if they decide to cancel for whatever reason. We will provide you with specific payment details via paypal by email.

    Volunteers are also responsible for paying for any extra costs such as travel costs, food, visa costs, tourism etc. The currency in Brazil is the Real. There is an ATM machine in Alter do Chão which accepts Visa Credit/Debit cards. 

    Airport Pickup at Santarem-Maestro Wilson Fonseca Airport

    We will ask for your booking details so we can set up airport pick up. Details of flights should be discussed before purchase to make sure they are compatible the program.

    Accommodation

    Volunteers will stay at the Casa da Lagartixa, situated 3km from Alter do Chão which accommodates 6 people comfortably and 8 during transition of old and new volunteers. The house has two rooms which are suites. The house has two super king beds and two bunk beds but there is the possibility of placing two more mattresses during those transitions. All rooms are air conditioned. The property has three bathrooms and two with hot showers. Room distribution and bed allocation is decided by IPBio for the most comfort for the whole group. The house is equipped with a washing machine and has a fully equipped kitchen where volunteers can cook. Moreover, there is a swimming pool at the house as well as an amazing poolside BBQ.

    Volunteers are fully responsible for maintaining the house clean on a regular basis, however, we do provide a cleaner once a week to clean public areas like bathrooms and will provide fresh bed linen. However, it volunteer’s responsibility to maintain and clean the house; we take this very seriously. Volunteers work from 7.30 to 12 during week days with an hour lunch break (some days you will be required to organize a pack lunch). Shops are located in the town of Alter do Chão 3km away from the house, which you can walk to or get a taxi, where there are various shops with all you will need. 

    IPBio offers airport pick-up, transport to research sites but social activities and shopping will be done by the volunteers themselves.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Food & Beverages

    Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Santarem-Maestro Wilson Fonseca Airport (STM) in Santarem. We assist you to find cheap flights to Brazil. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Brazil provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Brazil you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Brazil. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    IPBio Amazon Volunteer Program is only open from 1st of June to the 15th of December due to local weather conditions which do not permit projects to be conducted all year long. Remember here in the Amazon the water level can change up to 5 meters so it is completely impossible to do certain projects when the water is high as areas become flooded, fish disperse and various other limiting factors.

    You can arrive on any weekday and we will pick you up at the airport. Minimum stay is 4 weeks but applicants who apply for more extended periods are more likely to be selected.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    4 weeks (min. stay) 1,129€
    50 weeks (max. stay) 14,118€
    Average fees 282€/week

    Program fees

    282€ per week 4 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    4 - 50 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with IPBio - Reserva Jutuarana during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    IPBio - Reserva Jutuarana

    Brilliant 4.7 rating (50 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 2007

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Imran

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    IPBio – Biodiversity Research Institute develops and supports projects in environmental education and research on biodiversity and ecology.

    Meet your organization

    IPBio´s long term goal is to create a national network of 5 research centers in every major biome of Brazil. IPBio already has a total of 3 reserves in the Atlantic Forest, Amazon and Cerrado but hopes to purchase and set up research centers in the Pantanal and Caatinga soon. The creation of this national reserve and research center network can provide useful opportunities for research, conservation projects and economic development in the area of sustainable tourism.

    The Betary Reserve was the first IPBio research center created in Iporanga (São Paulo) in 2004. This reserve was accredited as an “advanced outpost” of the Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve of UNESCO in 2009. The primary focus of research is bioluminescence fungi and insects and amphibians but there are various other projects that occur. We have had scientific publication in the worlds most renowned and prestigious journal such as Science and Nature – Scientific Reports. Moreover, we have a release center called FreeWildlifeBrazil Celine which has worked primarily with birds captured from the illegal trade of wildlife but has also helped release howler monkeys, anteaters and oncillas.

    We are now in the process of constructing two new centers. However, our research and education programs in these new biomes have already begun. 



    50 reviews · rating4.7

    Helena Stevens rating5

    2024 at Amazon Research Assistant

    My time spent working with IPBio was assuredly one of the best things I have been involved in to-date! Firstly, it is to be noted that the Amazon branch of the organisation is very new comparatively to the Atlantic Forest, meaning that the facilities are different but this is by no means a ...
    Martha Diaz rating5

    2024 at Amazon Research Assistant

    I had the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge regarding the research and conservation methods for different aspects of nature. The work was harder some days than others, but super rewarding. The staff was very kind, knowledgeable, and welcoming. We had the opportunity to interact with the local ...
    Benaiah rating4.8

    2024 at Amazon Research Assistant

    I am an undergraduate biology student. During my 7 weeks at IPBio, I witnessed a lot of biodiversity in the Amazon forest. The programme itself is well organised and executed, with the volunteer coordinators Imran and Marleen being very responsive, supportive, and instructive. The only drawback was ...
    Chloe rating4.8

    2024 at Amazon Research Assistant

    Joining the IPbio Amazon program was an amazing experience, the volunteer program is full of discovery, you really join a scientific program who matters even if you don’t have a lot of knowledge. The volunteer house is perfect and you have time to discover the amazing town of alter do chao during ...
    Molly rating4.8

    2024 at Amazon Research Assistant

    The IPBio program is an amazing, once in a life time experience! Being able to be apart of important research whilst making life long friends. I would definitely recommend doing this program if you get the chance. Be prepared for physical work, but also a lot of fun along the way! This program is ...
    Peyton Murphy rating4.6

    2024 at Amazon Research Assistant

    We were well looked after by the coordinators Marleen and Imran from start to finish. The trip gave me a really genuine experience of Brazil, experiencing capoeira, carimbó and the local food including fish. It was a really good chance to help out the organisation, learn loads about biodiversity ...

    Location

    Americas > South America > Brazil > Alter do Chao

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    Contact Imran
      Very high response rate
    English

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