Wildlife Conservation Internship:

This is a special program for biologists and/or biology students.

Individuals with specific knowledge in the field of Biology can support the organization by investigating and documenting different species of flora and fauna. We work in scientific research with local professionals on monitoring physical and biological variables and on the preservation of threatened species and protecting their ecosystems. The relevant information and findings will be displayed in a form of a report at iNaturalist website. This will contribute to the conservation of the biodiversity in the area as well as to global databases.

Intern support

The participation of interns represents a strategic component for the comprehensive management of the Ballesteros Concession Area and the Codo del Pozuzo Nature Reserve. This strengthens biodiversity monitoring and documentation capacity and generates high quality scientific information that supports conservation decision making. Their participation strengthens research through the development and application of methodologies, providing crucial data for the development of management plans and ecological restoration strategies, including reforestation projects in local schools. Furthermore, their involvement in environmental education programs facilitates the social appropriation of scientific knowledge, consolidating the link between science, conservation, and sustainable development.

Our internship program at the Ballesteros Concession and Codo del Pozuzo Nature Reserve is a comprehensive experience that combines scientific research, community conservation, and professional training. The application of methodologies ensures reliable and useful information for the management of the conservation area. Collaboration between researchers, local communities, and interns strengthens the sustainability of the research work.

Program Objectives

General Objective:

To strengthen biodiversity conservation in the Ballesteros Concession and the Codo del Pozuzo Nature Reserve through research and monitoring of wildlife flora and fauna, as well as through conservation and environmental education programs that integrate science and community participation to ensure sustainable ecosystem management.

Specific objectives:

• Assess the diversity and abundance of birdlife through systematic observations at sampling points during peak bird activity times, identifying resident and migratory species.

• Generate information on the presence of medium and large sized mammals through footprint recording, plaster molds, and camera traps, as non-invasive methods that complement research and provide input for adaptive management.

• Strengthen the technical capacities of interns in identification and conservation using mobile applications and digital records in iNaturalist website.

• Monitor wildlife in plots and trails through taxonomic identification and phenological recording of ecologically and culturally important forest species.

• Expand knowledge of nocturnal fauna through expeditions and acoustic recordings of birds and amphibians, as well as direct observation of mammals and arthropods, prioritizing cryptic and nocturnal species.

• Integrate conservation activities with environmental education and responsible tourism, through hiking trails, excursions to viewpoints and waterfalls, and the use of digital tools that promote appreciation of natural heritage.

Logistics

Each workday involves traveling by motorcycle or tuk tuk (we provide helmet), followed by daily walks of approximately 1 to 2 hours from the town of Codo del Pozuzo to the sampling sites. This allows for preliminary observations of fauna and flora to be recorded along the route. Overnight stays at the work site are optional to facilitate access to more remote areas and optimize research time. Activities are supported using specialized materials, including:

• Camera traps for passive recording of fauna.

• Photographic camera

• GPS for georeferencing

• Flashlights for night observation

• Sound recorders for recording wildlife vocalizations.

• Binoculars/monocular

• Clinometer to calculate tree heights and assess terrain slopes to classify habitats or sampling areas.

• Portable environmental monitors for real-time measurement of environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, UV radiation, or CO₂ levels.

• Portable water quality kits for analyzing parameters such as pH.

• Entomological nets for capturing flying insects.

• Botanical presses for collecting, pressing, and drying plant samples to properly preserve them for identification, cataloging, and taxonomic study, supporting research in botany, plant monitoring, and environmental education.

• Entomological boxes and collection jars for storing and transporting insects or other small organisms collected in the field, keeping them in suitable conditions for subsequent analysis, conservation, or taxonomic identification in the laboratory.

• Binocular microscopes for the analysis and processing of biological samples (blood, tissues, parasites, plants, etc.) under controlled laboratory conditions.

• Modern translation devices for our biologist and for the interns in case they don't speak Spanish.

• Field guides and cartographic materials for orientation and mobile applications. 

Inventories by Taxonomic Group

Mammals

Monitoring of medium and large sized mammals will be carried out through a combination of direct and indirect sightings, complemented using strategically distributed camera traps, five for each habitat type assessed. Line transects measuring 1 to 2 km on sloping terrain will allow for systematic records of the fauna, optimizing the detection of tracks, footprints, scat, and other signs of presence. Assessments will be conducted during key times: 8:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., coinciding with peak morning activity, and 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., which encompass the beginning of twilight and nocturnal activity. This methodological design seeks to maximize the probability of detecting both diurnal and nocturnal species, ensuring representative and robust sampling for the analysis of the diversity and relative abundance of mammals in the study area.

Birds

Monitoring will be carried out using standardized methodologies that allow for a comprehensive characterization of species diversity and relative abundance. Count points with detection radius between 25 m and 100 m will be used, recording all birds seen or heard for periods of 10 to 15 minutes, facilitating comparisons between different habitats and environmental conditions. Additionally, linear transects of 2 to 4 km will be conducted at a steady pace during peak activity times (5:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.) to obtain data on species richness, frequency, and habitat use patterns. Mobile applications such as Merlin Bird ID and eBird will also be used; these applications are useful for recording birds in different types of vegetation. Finally, censuses will be conducted in permanent plots of 1 ha to 3 ha, where the composition and relative abundance of species will be recorded, providing key information on population dynamics and community structure over time.

Amphibians

Sampling will be conducted using Visual Encounter Surveys (VES), 5 m–10 m fixed-band transects, leaf litter plots, and diversion fences with pitfall traps, allowing for the recording of active and cryptic species. All records will be documented and uploaded to iNaturalist website for taxonomic verification and contribution to global databases.

Reptiles

Sampling will be conducted using nocturnal visual transects, systematically walking along trails and streams to record active individuals, effective for capturing terrestrial and aquatic species. In addition, direct observations will be made in bodies of water, tree trunks, shrubs, and other microhabitats to detect species associated with specific environments. All observations will be documented through photographs and field notes, contributing to the assessment of reptile species richness and habitat use patterns in the study area. They will be recorded on iNaturalist website.