Field Courses Peru: Primate Behaviour and Wildlife Biology

To join a field research training program, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high level of English. Furthermore, you must be physically fit – we will need a doctor’s certificate confirming your health, fitness, and vaccination status. It is not a requirement that you have research experience before joining. These programs aim to accommodate budding researchers of all experience levels. The teams will be formed to include those with no experience and those with a high level of field experience to balance out the groups and allow participants to learn from their peers. A high level of adventure, flexibility and enthusiasm is desired in participants. It is vital that you inform yourself about visa requirements as well, depending on your length of stay. It is also imperative to have international health insurance before joining the programme.

We will support you during preparation for the programme with travel arrangements and help you to choose reliable travel insurance. Your accommodation and all food and drink during your time at the research centre are also included. The accommodation is fully equipped with sanitary facilities, and you will be provided with pillows and blankets, a mosquito net, sheets and towels, and safe drinking water. You will have electricity in the evenings to charge your devices, as well as Wi-Fi access. You are welcome to contact us anytime during your stay if you have questions or concerns. The price also includes access to the specialised equipment needed for advanced research and training activities, as well as the instruction and oversight of trained professionals throughout the programme.

Our project partner is not allowed to administer any medication, therefore, it is very important that you come prepared with a basic first-aid kit for personal use. We recommend the following items:

• a complete course of broad-spectrum antibiotics (ciprofloxacin is a good choice)
• anti-diarrheal medication, antacids, rehydration salts and immodium
• antifungal cream and antihistamine cream or pills
• hydrogen peroxide
• plasters, tweezers and a thermometer
• at least 2 COVID-19 self-tests

It is strongly recommended to be vaccinated against diphtheria, morbilli, mumps and rubella (MMR), and hepatitis A and B. It is a requirement to be fully vaccinated against typhoid, tetanus, COVID-19 (including boosters), and yellow fever. Please talk to your doctor about other risks such as malaria, chigger-related diseases and leishmaniasis, while there exists a certain risk for Peru travellers. To inform yourself regarding current warnings regarding Peru, check out the homepage of the foreign department. The CDC also provides more detailed information and travel advice. Last but not least, obtaining travel health insurance is a requirement before departing to Peru.

Since you will spend a lot of time outdoors – you should pack light and comfortable clothing that can get dirty and dries quickly. You will need to bring a backpack and a reusable water bottle. A watch with a timer, plenty of insect repellent and binoculars are recommended. A hat, sunscreen, biodegradable toiletries, sunglasses, a notebook, and a pocketknife are also useful items. We recommend packing a rain jacket (green or brown-natural colours to blend in), a pair of sturdy rubber boots, and some comfortable shoes for time spent at the station. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants (not jeans) are convenient for everyday wear. A laptop, your phone, zip-lock bags to keep your things dry, and a quick-dry towel are essential to bring along. Make sure to bring some warmer layers like a fleece, warm socks, and gloves for the occasional drop in temperature. We recommend getting some concentrated, biodegradable detergent since you will wash your clothes by hand. A first aid kit is also crucial (as described above).

The programmes can be joined for a minimum of 5 weeks. After approving it with our partner, a longer stay can be organised for student researchers.

You will be given specific instructions regarding arrival and departure from the programme. The first and last night in Peru in a hostel in Puerto Maldonado and transport (taxi and boat) from and to the field station are the responsibility of the participant and not included in the price. You should expect to spend between 60 and 80 €. You will need to arrive on the project start date, and from the airport, you will get to a hostel in town. The following day you will take a taxi to Laberinto and then further by boat to the research centre. From the moment you arrive at Puerto Maldonado International Airport, you and the other participants will be accompanied by a staff member to ensure a smooth transfer. The return journey is also sometimes accompanied by staff, but not always, as the travellers return to the airport with the now familiar other course participants and the directions are known from the arrival route.

While living and working in the jungle, it is important to be aware and informed about your surroundings in order to keep safe. Experienced group leaders will teach you what to look out for, but as long as you listen to instructions and take precautions, there is no need to worry. Animals that are potentially dangerous or poisonous generally stay out of sight and are only aggressive when threatened.

For both field research training programs, you will be working in the classroom, laboratory and of course out in the forest. You will work on a variety of research focuses to expand your experience and help you build your individual interests. The goal is to teach you critical research methods and prepare you for your future academic and professional goals, all while contributing to the collection and analysis of data valuable to the protection of the rainforest.

The four tracks to choose from are:

Primate Monitoring: study the health, reproduction, communication, behaviours, and movement of fours primate species: the saddleback tamarin, emperor tamarin, capuchins and brown titi monkeys. This track with use various tools from GPS tracking to field genomics and is ideal for participants with a strong interest in biology and animal monitoring.

Biodiversity and Wildlife Health: the goal of this study is to fill in the large hole of species from this region of the world that are missing from global biodiversity databases, as well as monitor the health and disease of those species. Research methods include DNA sequencing, biological sampling and conducting bioblitzes to inventory biodiversity. Significant changes in parasite and pathogen infections among medium-sized terrestrial mammals will also be studied. This track is designed for veterinary medicine or public health students and/or those with a strong passion for biodiversity conservation.

Animal Movement and Spatial Ecology: you will study the causes of movement such as changes in the environment, resource distribution, social interaction among and between species and species ability to navigate. You will measure changes in a particular species’ genetic landscape, animal seed dispersal, transmissional of parasites and disease, and changes in activity patterns. This study spans across multiple species, from primates to small rodents. Participants will use tracking and monitoring skills using advance tracking systems. This track is designed for those who enjoy using technology in the field, are analytical thinkers and who welcome a challenge!

Conservation Genetics: this study focuses on biosurveillance of the diverse species of the Peruvian rainforest within the molecular lab of our partners’ research station. You will engage with DNA barcoding of both plants and animals to add to global genetic databases. You will screen for pathogens and parasites, conduct molecular identification of species using trace DNA and use eDNA metabarcoding. Participants must have a strong interest in working with genetic technology and wildlife conservation.

The field course programmes are limited to a maximum of twelve participants.

You will accommodate at a research station in the heart of the Peruvian rainforest and be sleeping in a shared dorm room with shared bathrooms.

The station is equipped with a communal dining area, classrooms, a library and a laboratory

Three healthy, balanced meals will be provided to all participants daily. You will eat together with the other programme participants at the stations’ dining area. Usually, there is a lot of rice and fresh ingredients like fruits and veggies that are in season. Additional small snacks as well as drinks like coffee, tea and hot chocolate will be available throughout the day.

The food provided on site is balanced enough to allow for a sustaining vegetarian diet, as tofu and soy meat substitutes are available. A vegan or gluten-free diet would be more tricky, but not impossible. Let us know ahead of time about any dietary restrictions.

English is the common language among the mix of international researchers and students.

During the programme, your day will be fully packed with field work assignments and classroom or lab work, therefore leisure time is limited. Afternoons and evenings will provide participants with a few hours of free time.

Your free time is a great opportunity to get to know other research participants, relax, read, play games, etc. It is recommended to bring plenty of easy-to-pack items like books/e-book, card or board games, or light sports equipment (Frisbee, hacky sack, etc.) for your downtime. There is a library on site for your use.

Yes, a supervisor will always be on-site, there to help you in case of a problem and to answer your questions. You can also reach out to Natucate 24/7.

Given that room and board along with transportation from the airport to the project site is included, extra costs are limited. Additional costs may come from food and accommodation before and after the project dates, along with any free time activities you wish to undertake. Local currency is called the Peruvian Sol (Nuevo Sol), and you can withdraw and exchange cash easily upon arrival at the airport. Similarly, ATMs can be found in most cities. Inform your bank before you leave, that you will be using the card in Peru. It may be a good idea to bring a second bank card as a backup. For emergencies, we advise you carry about 200 Soles on you.

In most areas of the research station, there is (slow/limited) internet available. However, the internet is dependent on a satellite connection, therefore poor weather means poor signal and lack of sunlight to power the solar panels. You can use your cell phone or computer to connect with folks back at home. You might want to consider purchasing a Peruvian prepaid SIM card for phone/internet signal. The most reliable mobile network for this region is "Claro".

Weather at the station is generally very warm and comfortable (around 24 °C). However, cold weather fronts that pass over the Andes from time to time (usually between May and July) bring “friajes” that can cool temperatures down to 8-12 °C. Therefore, it is important to bring a few items of clothing to keep you warm just in case.

Yes, the consumption of alcohol during the program is strictly prohibited.

It is possible to receive credit for this program if it has been approved by your university before enrolling. If you will be taking this course for credit, there will be an additional fee of 250 USD, which will go toward the senior scientist who will mentor you throughout the project. We are happy to coordinate an interview between the applicant and researchers at the project site to make sure that the programme is a good fit and matches up with university requirements and participant goals.