CONSERVATION WITH THE NATIVE MACAWS OF COSTA RICA

WORK CONTENT AND DESCRIPTION

You'll work with a project that is a Costa Rican licensed zoological park and non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of the two native macaw species of Costa Rica: the critically endangered Great Green or Buffon's Macaw (Ara ambiguus) and the Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao).

Some or all of the work you may get involved in include:

• Maintenance and reconstruction of the Trails
• General infrastructure maintenance
• Working with the tourists who come to view the birds and bring much-needed funding and attention to the project
• Control Walks.
• Monitoring of the nesting activity (species identification, biometric
• Information and marking (among several others).
• Liberating the newborn.
• Obtaining information and data collection on the remains of the nest.
• Garbage cleanup and separation for recycling to remove the danger to wildlife.

The Project has been involved in macaw conservation for over 25 years and incorporates breeding techniques and aviary management in order to carry out controlled release programs in conjunction with Costa Rican wildlife laws imposed by MINAET (the Ministry of the Environment, Energy & Telecommunications). The breeding center is currently situated in Rio Segundo de Alajuela in the Central Valley. Its' only purpose is captive breeding for release into the wild. Between 1999 and 2009, they released a total of over 80 Scarlet Macaws in it's three release sites and since then further releases have been made. The released macaws have a survival rate close to 90% and several pairs have been successfully reproducing, creating natural population augmentation.

New stages have been added to the overall objectives, including creation of extensive environmental education programs in communities and schools surrounding release sites, expansion of monitoring of released macaws, protection of natural populations, contribution to biological corridor conservation, development of a successful Great Green Macaw reintroduction program and incorporation of national biologists and staff.

ACCOMMODATION

For a true Latin American experience, your accommodation will be with one of our wonderful host families. All of our hosts are very welcoming and not only will you be made to feel part of the family, you’ll also gain a great insight into Costa Rican culture and customs. Many of our volunteers remain friends with their host families long after they leave Costa Rica and in some cases they return to the country later especially to visit their family.

You may share a room with up to 2 other volunteers and you'll be provided a simple room with all the basic utilities, such as electricity, showers and most things you would find in your own home.

All of our host family houses are close together and just a few minutes’ walk away from internet cafes, banks and snack shops and just a short auto ride into the centre of town.

FOOD:
Your host family will provide you with three meals a day. The meals are typical delicious Costa Rican dishes. The meals usually consist of rice and beans, which are served with meat.

The fruit in Costa Rica is outstanding, fresh and inexpensive; host families will usually provide fruit on occasion, but it's always available at the markets. If you are vegetarian or have any special dietary restrictions, please let us know as most of our families can accommodate this.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Got any questions? Please email us: info@travellersworldwide.com

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU BOOK YOUR PLACEMENT?

Once you have applied for a placement, we'll contact you and send you our Welcome Pack. You'll also receive Log-on details and password for our Volunteer Extranet where you'll have access to all the documentation and information which we've put together to facilitate preparations for your adventure! Your Project Co-ordinator for your country will liaise with you throughout the arrangements process, as well as while you're on your placement and on your return home.

The documents you'll have access to also include a Country Factfile, Safety Guide and any manuals that may assist you on your particular programme (e.g. Teaching Guide, Sports Manuals, Enrichment Suggestions for Animal Care, etc.). We do all we can to make your stay one that you'll never forget. This is a truly awesome, elegant and beautiful country.

On Arrival, your Introduction to the Country: When you arrive you will be welcomed by a member of our team who will take you to your accommodation and introduce you to everyone. During your first few days you'll be given an induction so that you can learn about the country and its culture, as well as other useful information, like how to use the transport system, banks, safety issues, tipping, and lots more.

TRAVELLERS' SUPPORT AND BACKUP: Read about the excellent Support & Backup we provide before you leave and during your programme.

OPTIONAL ADD-ON ACTIVITIES:

Make the most of your time there! To help you do that, we've put together some exciting activities, courses and tours that you can add to your itinerary. These are designed to be fun, but also to enable you to learn, and expand your personal and professional development enjoyment ... but mostly for your enjoyment! :-)

LOCATION | SIGHTSEEING:

HEREDIA
Just 10 km from San Jose you'll find Heredia. The city lies in the foothills of the Brava colcano (extinct) and is so full of lush gardens that it's nickname is the 'City of Flowers'. Heredia is also home to the country's national university, which has one of the foremodst Veterinary schools in Central America and is also well known for it's outstanding Biology department. Because of this, the city teems with university students!

Heredia is relaxed and laid back, with a main square in the heart where everyone gathers, surrounded by superb colonial architecture. One of the more outstanding examples of architecture is the historic La Inmaculada Concepcion, a majestic church built in 1796. The church stands in Heredia’s Central Park, and has a variety of shops and restaurants neighboring it.

The weather here is mild and temperate all year round - a perfect place to stay and a great point from which to visit San Jose.

JACO BEACH
As Jacó lies on the seashore, climate is normally humid, with relative humidity around 80%, reaching 90% in June. Temperature is 85–90 °F (24-32 °C) during the day and 75–80 °F (24-26 °C) at night.

Jacó lies between several mountains, and is neighbored by the beaches of Herradura Bay to the North, and Playa Hermosa to the South. It's an excellent jumping off point for visiting some of the many rain forests and national parks that are close by.

TRAVEL:

Read about Travel arrangements and what happens when you arrive in your new country.

Coming soon!