Rainforest expedition in Costa Rica

This expedition offers a unique opportunity to explore the beautiful and rich habitats of a Costa Rican Rainforest and work on a variety of long term terrestrial and marine conservation and community education projects.

The expedition is run in conjunction with COTERC (Canadian Organisation for Tropical Education and Rainforest Education), Toronto Zoo, Costa Rican National Parks Board and various universities in Costa Rica and independent researchers. The expedition aims to conduct a comprehensive research programme in this biodiversity hotspot.

Activities include; mammal research, in particular concentrating on Jaguar abundance and predation of marine Turtles, bat and bird studies, turtle surveys, recording bird song, GPS mapping and management of the trail system and environmental education and English programmes in local communities. Expedition members receive a comprehensive training programme to provide a base line and holistic understanding of all aspects of the rainforest and coast line, on which to build throughout the expedition. Accommodation is rustic but comfortable at the Cano biological research station near the Costa Rican coastline. Your time on the expedition will be divided between running the various research programmes, analyzing and collecting the data and working on environmental education and community projects. You will also be involved with the running of the base camp, this includes cooking (bring your favourite recipes!) The days are full, and you will be rising at first light to take advantage of the early wildlife activity, working throughout the day and sometimes participating in night walks along the beach during the turtle nesting season. We hope to incorporate several mini-expeditions, involving hiking through the forest to a satellite camp location where we will camp for a night or two. Be warned that you will get very hot and sweaty during the day`s activities so ensure you come prepared (upon application you will receive a fully comprehensive field manual which contains recommended kit lists).

The first few weeks will be challenging as you adapt to the change in environment and learn the different skills the projects require.  You will be up early and to bed early: life is generally ruled by daylight. The expedition is in a remote location and so each volunteer will participate in first aid, jungle survival and animal awareness courses to ensure that everyone is prepared for all eventualities whether it be in the jungle or whilst working on the beach. As the expedition draws to a close, you will be a competent researcher with many new skills to offer and will have experienced much of the biodiversity that Costa Rica has to offer.