Introduced mammals intern – Fundação Principe, São Tome & Principe

An amazing opportunity has arisen for a Research Internship at Fundação Principe, to investigate the impact of introduced mammals on native fauna in the stunning island of Principe, Sao Tome & Principe, in the Gulf of Guinea

Introduced mammals are highly invasive and are posing a key threat to the endemic and Critically Endangered Príncipe thrush, among other species.

We seek an experienced and committed research intern to help investigate the threats posed by introduced mammals and make an assessment of proposed intervention options. The work will be conducted in collaboration with threatened species and island ecologist Dr Ricardo Lima, from the University of Lisbon.

A central output from this project will be intervention recommendations for how to tackle cats, dogs, rats, civets, and monkeys. The project will directly contribute to enhancing knowledge of a key threat to native biodiversity, and will guide future decision making regarding invasives. In addition, you will gain hands on experience in the front line of conservation on a spectacular, secluded tropical island, working closely with both our excellent team at the Fundação and with guidance and support from the internationally renowned NGO, Fauna & Flora International.

Activities include:

–          Developing methodology together with Fundação Principe and Dr Lima

–          GPS tracking of invasive species and baited camera traps.

–          Dietary analyses of introduced mammals (from stomach contents)

–          Lead on writing reports of threats and assessment of interventions (including opportunities for authorship on any publications that arise from this work).

–          Assist to identify funding opportunities for future interventions

Skills

Must have excellent spoken and written Portuguese and English

BSc in related science obligatory (MSc preferred) – can also form part of a MSc dissertation if relevant (contact us for more details).

Competence with all elements of scientific process- literature review, data collection, analysis and report writing

Experience with invasive species and/or island conservation highly desirable

Experience with stomach content analyses highly desirable

Experience with GPS tracking and/or camera trapping desirable

GIS and R skills desirable

Willingness to commit to the all aspects of the project (including method development, stomach analyses and reporting)

Proven ability to work in challenging, preferably tropical field conditions

Internship Conditions:

Start date – as soon as possible (field work to begin in 2021)

Duration – Minimum 6-months full time commitment (or 9months part-time) – longer preferred

On site in Principe for 1-3months, rest of the time working remotely from home.

Co-authorship on all publications arising from this project.

Covered: International Flights (up to 1000 Euros), accommodation IN Principe, and all field costs, Covid PCR testing. 

Not covered: travel insurance, food (when not in the field), and any personal expenses outside Principe

Corona status: Since August, Principe Island has had no reported cases of Covid-19 and we hope to keep it that way! The intern will be expected to adhere to the international and national restrictions and guidelines in place, including a PCR test prior to travel. 

About us:

Fundação Príncipe is a non-profit non-governmental organization that, since 2015, works in partnership with regional entities for the conservation and protection of both marine and terrestrial ecosystems of Príncipe Island, and the enhancement of the economic and social development of local communities. The Fundação works closely with Fauna and Flora International, the world’s first conservation organisation and a global leader in the field.

For background info: https://www.fauna-flora.org/countries/sao-tome-principe

Or follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FundacaoPrincipe

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter and CV to tania.bird@fauna-flora.org, with the subject ‘Invasives Research Intern Application’ outlining your availability, relevant experience with regard to all listed skills, and examples of previous research projects you have been involved with.

Deadline for application – 20^th November 2020 at 23:59 GMT.