Conservation Research Assistant Program in Peru

Why did you choose this program?

I have always wanted to visit the Amazon rainforest; when I was looking for a place to go after finishing my undergraduate degree, Operation Wallacea's Peru project was an easy choice for me.

The program is based in the incredible flooded forests of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, and is host to a huge number of species that I have on my 'to see' list such as the giant river otter.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

Operation Wallacea is fantastic at organization. They offer an internal travel package which includes airport meet-up, travel, and accommodation. Their website has loads of information about every aspect of the trip. They recommend several air suppliers that can assist you with your flights if you wish.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

If you aren't sure what length of time to book, go for the longer option. I was on a four week expedition and would have absolutely loved to have been there for 6 or even 8 weeks.

The two week expedition really didn't seem long enough. Around the two week mark you will have really settled in to your new environment.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

A typical day would involve participation in at least two of the following surveys: morning, afternoon, night. Survey length varies. Research assistants in the first week are put into teams and surveys are done on a rotational basis to allow everyone to have a go at everything.

After this, each evening you are able to put your name down for the surveys that you would most like to join. Food is plentiful and you will have ample time to finish each meal. Other activities are organized for the evenings such as quizzes, movie night, and salsa dancing lessons.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it and/or how did your views on the issue change?

My biggest concern going into the forest was the mosquitoes. They drive me absolutely insane, especially at night when on the frog surveys (this is the only night survey that involves walking through the forest).

The first time I joined a frog survey, I returned to the boat covered in bites. My face and hands were red and extremely itchy. Despite this, the frog surveys quickly became one of my favorites. I learned how to best protect myself from the mosquitoes such as wearing a hat and holding the head torch rather than wearing it on my head.

What wildlife is a participant likely to see in the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve?

The wildlife that you are extremely likely to see include pink river dolphins, troops of squirrel monkeys, blue-and-yellow macaws, thousands of egrets and cormorants, and a wide variety of fish species such as piranha and catfish.

You will also have the opportunity to handle birds during mist netting and caimans at night. There are animals that you will see if you are lucky, such as giant river otter, anaconda, harpy eagle, and jaguar.

What is your favorite travel memory?

My favorite memories come from my first season with Operation Wallacea. The opportunity to work in such a unique and understudied environment, with enthusiastic and knowledgeable scientists has always stuck with me. From then on I was focused on being involved with habitat and wildlife conservation.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I have been with Operation Wallacea for over 10 years, starting as a student and then growing into a career, so I have definitely changed!

Opwall has given me opportunities I didn't know were out there, and has developed my interests further.

I have also really enjoyed working with volunteers on our projects, and the teaching aspects of the work we do. That aspect has really changed my view on how you can have an impact on conservation, not just through actively being in the field yourself, but through teaching and helping other people in their careers.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

I'm really pleased to say that many of the students I have worked with in the field have stayed in touch and returned to Opwall to complete their own research as a student or have become members of staff.

My favorite of these was a student that wasn't studying Zoology, but Law. After her expedition she decided to change her speciality to environmental law and focus on illegal environmental issues. This was sparked from a debate we had on the illegal use of wildlife. It was really nice to see that this student had taken away what she learnt with us.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I currently manage the project in Dominica, which is a beautiful and unique location, but if I were to choose any project except that one, it would be Guyana. I'm fascinated by rainforests and would love the opportunity to visit such a pristine example of Amazon rainforest.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

I think a company should always be trying to improve, and that is something we certainly do at Opwall. Over the past 10 years I have seen huge positive changes to the company and the expeditions we run.

All of us here are focussed on conducting great science, putting in place conservation management and making sure our students have an amazing introduction to the world of conservation research.