An Awesome Adventure

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Costa Rica as a Research Assistant for the Big Cats, Primates and Turtle Conservation project. I spent four weeks there in total where I learned about survey and research methods in the tropical environment. The surveys were great fun and it was a real opportunity to discover many different species. I took part in turtle beach patrols, river walk surveys for Otters, forest walks to count and identify groups of primates and took part in cast moulds of big cat paw prints. I also learnt how to set-up camera traps, catch frogs and attach butterfly nets to trees.

Whilst in Costa Rica, I carried out my BTEC Certificate in Tropical Habitat Conservation. I enjoyed designing my own project and carrying out the surveys looking into frog diversity and abundance in Piro. The research team in the camp were really helpful and supportive and made it very easy to give my final presentation.

Camp life was relatively easy to get used to and everyone was very friendly and helped me to settle in. The food was delicious and the facilities great. Cooking for the group and creating recipes with what was available was also a fun experience - meals were simple consisting of Pinto (rice and beans), fresh fruit and vegetables - we definitely did not go hungry.

There was a lot to experience in Costa Rica and I felt that I had learned a lot from the trip. The skills that I developed whilst working on the project have enabled me to progress into my chosen career.

I am in the process of organising my second trip with Frontier.