Field training for biologists in Latin America

Conservation Value:

Individual conservation biologists living in developing countries can have a huge impact in bringing conservation about and we need more of them.  That is what this program is about.

Threats:

Students in Latin America have few opportunities for field-based training that addresses important conservation issues. Leadership requires personnel with skill sets, experience, and fortitude — characteristics that are not readily acquired in university or other academic settings. Large conservation organizations and academic institutions are increasingly staffed by professionals who are well grounded in theory, but who have little experience in field conditions.

Actions & Results:

Since 2022, cohorts of students have aquired training in workshops that fosters field-biology skillsets at the Manu Biological Station. Visits were made to Los Amigos Biological Station, Wayqecha Biological Station, and Concesión para la Conservación Soqtapat. Training includes:

• fieldwork and survival techniques
• GPS navigation and mapping
• citizen science apps like iNaturalist and eBird
• techniques in data management and statistical analysis, using locally gathered data
• biodiversity sampling strategies, specimen collection techniques, species identification, and experiment planning
• science communication
• fundamentals in tropical ecology, like population dynamics, niche ecology, and species competition theory
• rigors of living and working at a biological research station.

This program develops the capacity of the region, giving individuals the means to advance towards a career in field conservation. Over time, these cohorts of students will be part of an expanding network of alumni, who are then also able to mentor and train others.