Research Interests
The Andean Bear project
may consider
accepting a research
student or graduate in one of the following areas:
• Genetics
(population genetics, pedigree, etc.) of the Andean bear, Tremarctos ornatus
• Marking behavior of Andean bears
• The role of the Andean bear as a seed disperser
• Bromatology – nutritional value of the various
components of the bears’ diet
This is a
fantastic opportunity for a Spanish-speaking Masters or PhD
student with a
genuine interest
in bear research.
Sustainable rural development
graduates may
be interested in the possibility of "bear-friendly development".
Deforestation and illegal hunting prompted by bears eating maize crops
are the major threats to the local Andean bear population. We
would be
interested in hearing from graduates with a relevant degree or
experience, able to develop environmentally-friendly, income-generating
projects with local people. Sustainable initiatives for
reforestation, business training for start-up enterprises, etc., could
all be relevant. You would need to work quite independently
as
the project has no development experts. See the Volunteering
section to learn more about local conditions, then get in touch.
Important notes for
potential candidates:
• You will have to fund all the costs of your research such as
equipment, materials, lab analysis, etc. We cannot subsidize
you, nor
do we have the resources to fill out endless grant applications for
you.
• You must speak at least intermediate Spanish in order to be
able to communicate effectively with local people here, and enough
English to
communicate with the volunteers.
• You will first need to spend 4 weeks with the project as a
volunteer on our normal volunteer program, so that you can understand
the situation here
sufficiently to develop a feasible research proposal, and we can see if
you will be compatible with the project team. Being accepted
as a
project volunteer does not guarantee acceptance as a research
student.
The project can provide
volunteer labor to help you with data
collection. We may be able to provide discounted
accommodation in
return for help with tasks at the research station; this will depend on
the candidate and the situation at the time and is not
guaranteed.
To get started,
you need to
locate a suitable advisor, program and university, then apply to
volunteer with us and collaborate with us on project ideas and
possibilities. Ask your university for ideas or contacts for
sources of funding.
To apply, read the Volunteering
section of the website and apply as normal for your 4 week volunteer
placement,
stating that you would like to be considered as a research student.
Also include the dates you want to volunteer and the dates
you
would potentially like to spend as a research student with the project.
Indicate the area(s) of research you are interested
in, state any requirements from your university and list the
relevant facilities that the university can offer. Explain
how you would fund your proposed research.
Andean
Bear Conservation Project: Research Interests
Potential research opportunities for PhD or Masters students and
student
researchers, areas of interest for Andean bear research:
genetics,
marking behavior, bromatology, sustainable rural development.
