Tambopata Macaw Project
Focus: Conservation.
Become a Fan. 
Follow Us. 
Subscribe To YouTube.
Project Description
The Tambopata Macaw Project was begun in 1989 by Eduardo Nycander (supported by the Wildlife Conservation Society) with the goal of studying the ecology and natural history of large macaws so that this information could be used to help protect these birds throughout the tropics. The site chosen for this research was on the upper Tambopata River in the centre of a huge uninhabited track of pristine tropical lowland forest.
The Tambopata Research Centre was founded to host this research project. Intense investigations were conducted from 1990 – 1993 under Eduardo’s direction. After this point the research continued at a slower pace as Eduardo’s focus shifted towards creating the ecotourism company Rainforest Expeditions to ensure that the Tambopata Research Centre would remain open and active. In November of 1999, I (Don Brightsmith) joined the team and took over the direction and day-to-day operations and direction of the Macaw Project with the blessing and aid of Eduardo.
Since 1999 the project has produced many new publications on a variety of topics and expanded to include studies of parrot biology and clay licks throughout south eastern Peru. Working as a mentor and consultant, I have taken the information learned in south eastern Peru and applied it in many areas of the American tropics and even Indonesia. A major goal of the study now is to provide opportunities for young scientists to run satellite projects under the macaw project umbrella, so that Peru and other parts of Latin America will have a cadre of trained scientists willing and able to tackle the conservation and research problems in the coming decades.
Working with the Tambopata Macaw Project is physically and mentally demanding but it is also highly rewarding. The chance to live and work in this remote rainforest location is a wonderful learning experience for all those interested in biology and biological diversity.
The thousands of hours of observations that have been conducted over the years would not have been possible without the help of the many volunteers and assistants who have offered their time and energy for the cause of science and conservation. Volunteers are one of the most important aspects to the project. There are no qualification limitations, although most volunteers come from a biological or environmental background. All applicants are welcome, as we can find a role for almost any type of volunteer.
As this is an on-going project we accept volunteers throughout the year.
Volunteer Information
Costs & Benefits
Requirements
Contact information
Project Summary
You will be trained to: (1) identify all parrots by sight and sound, (2) climb trees using rope systems to check macaw chicks, (3) monitor macaw nests using video cameras, (4) monitor the clay lick, (5) conduct parrot censuses, (6) locate foraging parrots and (7)enter data in computers.
TWO different positions
Position # 1: Short-term volunteer assistant (min 30 days)
Qualifications: (1) Some background knowledge of birds in general, (2) Good sense of observing animals, (3) Capacity of stay seated for long periods of time, (4) Some knowledge of Spanish (not required but helpful)
Costs: $40 per day
Position # 2: Long-term volunteer assistant (min 8 weeks, recommended 10 weeks)
Qualifications: (1) Previous field work experience, (2) Biology/Ecology/Forestry degree or Senior Students (or similar careers), (3) Some knowledge of Spanish (not required but helpful).
Cost: $20 per day
Short term volunteers $40/day, long term volunteer’s $20/day food and accommodation is included.
Volunteers should be self-disciplined, responsible, enthusiastic, and patient. You should also be able to tolerate moderate insect levels, and hot weather (85-90F/30-33C with high humidity). You must also be able to get along well with others in a remote field setting. Good physical condition, able to carry a 40 lb (18 kg) pack over moderate terrain for up to 2 km, no fear of heights.
Tambopata Macaw Project
Tambopata Reserve, Peru
Tel: N/A
Email: proyectoguacamayo@gmail.com
Website: www.macawproject.org
Location:Tambopata Reserve, Peru
Average cost per day:$20
Focus: Conservation
Skills needed: Volunteers must be at least 18 years old (see requirements)
