Thank you for taking an interest in our Resident Naturalist Programmes and Research opportunities offered by lodges along the Tambopata river, upriver from Puerto Maldonado, in south-east Peru.  The programs are operated by the lodges and your participation is agreed directly with them. TReeS is only linked to the management of lodges in an advisory role and acts as a facilitator of information prior to departure, to enhance the experience of participants on arrival. Some lodges employ a RN / Research co-ordinator or these duties are undertaken by the owner but in others little guidance is available on site.

TReeS has an office in Puerto Maldonado from which the projects we support are co-ordinated. The TReeS representative there may be able to offer some support and advice to researchers / naturalists.

We enclose basic details about the RN and Research programmes with this letter which, hopefully, will prove sufficient detail to enable you to decide whether you wish to apply for a placement.

Lodges consider applications on an on-going basis.

Resident Naturalist Programmes

The principal duties of an RN is to guide visitors and to be a Naturalist. The latter includes daily recordings of weather data, mammal sightings and other significant occurrences within the lodge area as well as updating and maintain-ing displays. Some RN’s may also choose to pursue a small ecological project in addition to their Naturalist tasks, which may relate to their academic studies but time in which to do this is very limited.

  Most RN’s are biology graduates. Geographers and other related disciplines are also considered, including people without a degree but relevant skills. A good background knowledge of basic ecological theories and principals is essential, and you must also be prepared to read up on and improve upon your knowledge of rainforest ecology and conservation prior to your arrival. You will also need to have Naturalist skills or be willing to acquire them. Adaptability and a lot of initiative are two of the most important personal requirements of prospective RN’s. All RN’s are expected to make a worthwhile contribution while staying in the area.

Research Programmes

All lodges also offer research programmes, with and without guiding duties, for those wishing to undertake field work as part of their academic studies.                                  

As a potential visitor to the Tambopata area your are strongly advised to join TReeS. Members receive a regular Newsletter covering issues relating to the Tambopata region, have access to the TReeS UK libraries and with previous RN’s, who can offer advice on specific points and questions.

Returning RN’s are asked to assist TReeS to support a range of projects across the Tambopata region. The TReeS co-ordinator in Peru is primarily supported by contributions from TReeS members, which includes the majority of ex-RN’s.

Introductory Information

These notes have been written to provide some basic details about the role of a Resident Naturalist (RN) for people thinking of applying to join the Programme operated by Peruvian Safaris S.A. at the Explorer's Inn. There are several other lodges along the Tambopata river also offering a range of research opportunities and RN programmes.  Further details of the RN Program offered by Tambopata Jungle lodge are given in the public-ation 'Jobs Abroad' (Vacation Work). Much of the following information applies to all the lodges and their programmes.

The Tambopata region is a wonderful area of rainforest and as an RN there is much to be learnt. Being a RN offers a unique opportunity for an extended stay in the rainforest - only 15-20 people are able to participate in these Programmes each year.

There are a variety of duties to be rigorously undertaken on a daily basis, including naturalist record-keeping and visitor guiding - you will be very busy.  In your spare time you can concentrate on other Naturalist tasks, it is unlikely that you will have time to undertake research unless you are on a specific Research programme - being an RN is not for those wishing to visit the jungle to relax.

Resident Naturalist Activities Throught The Day

There are a wide range of activities which RN's are expected to undertake. At some lodges the lodge management and / or a RN / Research co-ordinator may be available to provide further guidance in these matters. The main duties include:-

* Visitor support - pointing out the flora and fauna, leading educational walks, evening Caiman searches on the river, night walks, informal discussions.  On occasions more formal talks about the local area, etc, may need to be given.

* Daily recording of data - Climate (rainfall, temperature, humidity, etc), Nature log, Sightings logs, Trail usage, etc.  This is essential for maintaining the long-term ecological record for one of the best studied areas of rainforest in the world.

* Adding to the RN log book which provides information for current and future RN's.

* Producing and renewing information about the rainforest for visitors at the lodges – educational displays, trail guides, etc.

* Trail system management - decision-making over trail usage, mapping, marking and maintenance of trails, etc, the latter in conjunction with the Lodge owner and staff.

* Individual Activity - (see later section).

* Maintenance of - Medicinal Plant Garden, Laboratory records and Lodge Library.

* Occasionally accompanying groups (2-3 days) to a Colpa (macaw lick).

* Managing the sale of merchandise (ie. postcards) to visitors (in some lodges).

In the past there have been 2-8 RN's, at the El, at any one time, 4-6 is usual and, hope-fully, at least one of them will be a Peruvian sponsored by TReeS. At any time the lodge operator employs 4 RN's ($75-100/month) to guide 20 days per month, though you may need to guide more often depending on RN and tourist numbers.  In the remaining 10 days RNs pursue their own small project such as updating displays, preparing photo guides, etc. RNs are also accepted on a 10-day guiding arrangement, without payment.  This is much more suitable for anyone wishing to undertake their own research.

However, although the guiding and free days should be pre-planned there can be changes at the last moment and you may guide up to 10 days in a row in busy periods. All RN's receive free board and lodging.

It is up to all RN's to share and organise the guiding duties as appropriate. A full day spent guiding usually works out as follows:

Visitors staying more than one day are not guided after their first full day walk but RN's advise them on unaccompanied walks on subsequent days.  Being a RN should be seen as a professional position - enthusiasm while guiding should be maintained even after several months.     

* Do not underestimate the demands of being an RN guide! *

Planning Your Individual Activity

  All RN's carry out a variety of naturalist tasks and sometimes an individual study. These add to the knowledge of the local area and makes a visit to the area a more educational experience for both visitors and RN's.

  Many RN's have undertaken small field projects as part of their own scientific research, others have returned to the UK and produced educational materials based on the information they have collected during their stay, and many have concentrated on the naturalist activities improving the resources and records available at the lodges for scientists and visitors in the future.

If planning your own project you should give consideration to the following –

The most appropriate small field projects are those which are straightforward and do not involve collecting.  If you wish to collect you will have to apply for collection and export permits through the lodge operator - this can be a lengthy business (TReeS can advise).

You should also bear in mind that only birds, mammals, reptiles, butterflies, dragonflies, frogs and some plants are identifiable to species level.  Detailed guides exist for the first two categories.  There are also guides to frogs and to woody plants.

There is currently only very limited access to the canopy at a few of the lodges. The lodges are close to farms / clearings (chacras) of new and long-term colonists but there is often little or no opportunity for contact with local people when at the lodges.

Temperatures are a fairly constant 30C throughout the year. However, between June and August 'friajes' (cool spells) occur with daytime temperatures falling to an average of 20C and night-time temperatures falling as low as 8C. These cold spells usually last for 2-5 days.  There is a noticeable rainy season from October to April, average rainfall of 300-500mm but falling to less than 10Omm per month in June-August.  During the latter period there may be several days without rain; in the wet season it rains heavily almost every day. Humidity levels are high throughout the year.

General Advice

If thinking of applying please note the following points:-

* RN placements usually run for at least 3 months, organised on a quarterly basis, though 6 months placements are preferred.  Placements of any other duration must be agreed with the lodge operator.

* RN's receive free board and lodging in return for acting as visitor guides. This includes transport to/from the lodges from P.Maldonado airport. You are classified as a tourist while an RN and, consequently, there are currently no special Visa requirements.

* RN's guide in English but a good knowledge of Spanish will prove very useful.  Most lodge staff only speak Spanish.  Fluency in another European language could also prove useful because tourist groups come from all over the world.

* June to September and December/January are the peak tourist months.  In the high season it maybe necessary to guide for several days in a row. 

* Apply in plenty of time.  The positions are usually fully booked up to 6 months in advance, although people have been known to drop out at the last minute. Postal delays mean that the application process is best undertaken by e-mail or fax.

* Paid guides will be expected to be more flexible than researchers who are more 'restricted' by their research, especially when guiding duties are busier.

* You will need about £750-850 in total to cover your return air travel (depending on the season), insurance, plus a little spending money.  Most RN's like to spend some time travelling in Peru either before or after their time on the Program. Peru is a fantastically beautiful and interesting country and relatively cheap to travel in.  You should budget on $15-25 per day to cover most expenses.

* TReeS libraries, meetings and special RN advice sessions are good ways of becoming more familiar with the area, RN duties, etc, prior to applying / travelling.

* Occasionally, a confirmed RN fails to turn up.  It is very difficult to recruit new RN's at the last minute.  In this situation you may be obliged to undertake extra guiding duties reducing the time available for your individual study.

* It is essential that the Naturalist tasks are undertaken on a comprehensive and reliable basis *

Useful Contacts

The Naturalist and Research Programmes are operated by the lodges listed below. TReeS has no control over the selection procedure nor over the nature of the Programmes and can accept no responsibility for any alterations to the advised details on arrival at the lodge. You are strongly advised to clarify fully the terms and conditions of the arrange-ments in advance with the lodge operator.

The Lodges

* Explorer’s Inn (EI) - established in 1977 and located 2-3 hours up to the Tambopata river from P.Maldonado. It adjoins the former Tambopata Reserved Zone (TRZ), one of the most studied rain-forest areas in the Peruvian Amazon: for species lists see the details in the TReeS leaflet. Several ox-bow lakes including Cocacocha are accessible from then lodge. There is a small laboratory for RN use, with a reasonable library. The standard of accommodation is good. The lodge capacity is for about 75 tourists. There is a central bar and dining area. Some electricity is generated by solar panels.

Operator - Dr Max Gunther, Peruvian Safaris S.A., P.O.Box 10088, Lima 1, Peru.

Fax: +51 1 241.8427                        E-mail - safaris@amauta.rcp.net.pe

* Tambopata Jungle Lodge (TJL) - set up in 1990 and located 3-4 hours up the Tambopata river from P.Maldonado, in the community of Condenado. The surrounding area is less well known and contains fewer forest types than the TRZ. However, there are large bamboo thickets in the vicinity and much High Forest, which is much easier to get around in the wet season. Several ox-bow lakes are accessible, especially Condenado and trips can be made to Sachavacayoc. The standard of accommodation is quite good and the capacity is for about 45 tourists. There is a central bar and dining area. For further details about their programme refer to ‘Jobs Abroad’ (Vacation Work).

Operator - Tom Hendrickson, Peruvian Andean Treks, P.O.Box 454, Cuzco, Peru.           

Fax: +51 84 238911 - E-mail: postmast@patcusco.com.peru

* Wasai Lodge  - set up in 1997 and located 4-5 hours up the Tambopata river in the community of Baltimore.  The lodge offers a good standard of accommodation (they also operate the best hotel in P.Maldonado). There is less diversity of forest in this area and fewer ox-bow lakes but it is less visited. They are looking for long-term researchers with suitable backgrounds to undertake basic inventory work in the surrounding area or their own projects.  Facilities are reasonable, the lodge can accommodate about 25 tourists.  Research programme details are negotiable.

Operator - Freddy Troncoso, Wasai Lodge, Plaza Grau. P.Maldonado, Peru.

Fax: +51 14 368792 - E-mail: lima@wasai.com OR  maldonado@wasai.com
Web: http://www.picaflor.org/

* Picaflor Research Centre – set up in 2000 and located 3-4 hours up the Tambopata river in the community of Condenado. The surrounding area – see TJL above. This more basic facility does not accept tourists and only offers facilities and research programmes for serious academic researchers and students. Rate - $20pp per day, inclusive of all food, accommodation and transport.

Operator – Dr Laurel Hanna, 1345 Jr Piura, P.Maldonado, Peru. 

Fax: +51 84 572589

Suggested UK Travel Companies

Journey Latin America (JLA) - specialist in Latin American flights:  0208.747.3108.

South American Experience (SAX) - specialist in S.American flights:  0207.976.5511

Wildwings - specialist in booking flights for birders/naturalists:  0117.9658333

** When dealing with any of the above travel agenciesplease mention your link to TReeS **

The cheapest airlines flying from Europe to Peru are usually KLM, of Holand, and Iberia, of Spain.  However, their flights in July/August and over Christmas are often full booked up several months in advance!  It is currently best to book internal Peru flights on arrival in Peru - special fares are often available – most lodge operators can assist you with this. Internal flights with some airlines can be pre-booked from the UK and a Peru Air Pass is available for those wishing to travel on from Lima immediately on arrival.

We strongly recommended that you visit the office of the lodge operator in Lima / Cuzco / Puerto Maldonado before arriving at the lodge.

Individual Naturalist Tasks and Research Suggestions

Some of the following suggestions have been undertaken at lodges in the past but need renewing or expanding upon. However, at many of the lodges they have yet to be under-taken. Projects of a scientific nature should only be considered by those with an appropriate background, or with advice from an expert.

These are the principal tasks of an RN-

* Daily recording of weather data:  the Explorer’s Inn has the longest running, almost complete, weather data records of any research base in the Peruvian Amazon. It is entirely maintained by RN’s and is an essential duty. Past records need collating. An efficient method for recording weather data at some other lodges needs to be established.

* RN log entries: ensuring that complete an up-to-date records are kept in the Naturalist and Mammal logs. This includes the recording of negative data.

* Data cards: updating cards providing data about different plant and animal species found in the area and sightings of them (ie. when a tree flowers, when fruits appear, etc).

* RN Laboratory and Library: developing and maintaining them to ensure that can be used effectively by RN’s and visiting scientists.

* Forest Trail signs: repairing, renewing and making these, and information labels, to enhance the value of the trail systems.

* Tree fall monitoring:  recording details of tree falls along the trails the breaking down of material and growth patterns in the resulting clearings.

Educational & On-Going Projects

These ideas are more suited to applicants with a non-scientific background and to a 3 month stay.

* Trail guides: detailed guides highlighting interesting things only exist for a few trails at some lodges. They  need to be concise, illustrated and refer to clearly visible features along the trails.

* For visitors: lodges have great potential as rainforest education centres. Anything that serves to educate and interest visitors, for example, displays in the lodges outlining the life history of a specific animal or details about animals which visitors are unlikely to see.

* Material for use in the UK:  RN’s have produced cassette tapes of bird sounds, a Primary school slide pack, an ‘A’ level case study and a rainforest video with activities.

* Agro-forestry: the setting up of mixed farming plots, with the permission of the lodge operators, to investigate sustainable agricultural practices. Produce would be provided for the lodges. It could be modelled on the HIFCO (integrated garden project of the local native people) and Amazon Garden projects. Future RN’s could keep the project running. This is a large long-term project requiring the involvement of several RN’s.

* Hide construction: there is a  lack of hides which would prove useful to scientists pursuing long-term studies as well as to visitors. Some funds for materials may be available from lodge operators.

* Medicinal Plant Garden:  maintaining gardens, renewing plant labels and updating the guides. More plants could also be added. Some lodges do not yet have such gardens. 

The suggestions in the following two sections are only suited to qualified applicants with appropriate academic backup. Many of them will require more than 3 months in the field.

Scientific Research Projects

The suggestions in the following two sections are only suited to qualified applicants with appropriate academic backup. Many of them will require more than 3 months in the field.

* Tree species distribution: at the EI there are several plots in which all trees (over 10cm dbh) have been numbered.  Studies of phenology or the distribution of particular species might be worthwhile. (Leeds University has done some work in the past and should be contacted).

* Taxonomic Studies: the number of species still undescribed, especially of insects and plants, is incalculable.  Reference collections of biological materials are required but these should be made by researchers trained in systematic biology, with the backing of a recognised scientific institution.

* Studies in Neo-tropical Flora: reproductive studies - the rhythms of flowering and fruiting plants, variations in population of the same species, dispersal of pollen and/or seeds, etc. 

* Plant-Herbivore and Plant-Frugivore Inter-relations: many options.

* Invertebrates: data suggests that Tambopata has the greatest richness of arthropod species of any neo-tropical area. Several investigations have been carried out on plant-insect relations. Initial studies were carried out on fresh water invertebrates in 1990. Studies of the diversity and dynamics of termites in suggested to provide a basis for an applied project on their use as a fertiliser and as food for livestock.

* Vertebrates:  Amphibian studies could be based on studies of their calls/cries and on aspects of their breeding ecology. Past Caiman studies could be continued and a project on the effect of predation on turtle eggs has been suggested. Many projects have provided information on birds and mammals (particularly primates, bats and giant river otters) and studies on their biology and ecology - reproductive cycles, occurrence, food needs, predators, diseases, etc, are suggested.

* Dried-fruit production: investigating the drying of a variety of fruits for human con-sumption. This could only be done in the dry season and would probably take 3+ months. Ultimately, the project could be transferred to the local community.

* Soil Studies: soil fertility is low and this leads to continuous forest clearance for small-scale farming. A soil fertility study and how fertility could be maintained or increased with the re-sources available to local farmers could be a useful contribution to stopping further deforestation. The local Farmers’ Union (FADEMAD) is undertaking a major study to which be possible to make a contribution.

Others Ideas

The suggestions in the following two sections are only suited to qualified applicants with appropriate academic backup. Many of them will require more than 3 months in the field.

* Mapping:  more detailed micro-studies of topography, habitats, drainage patterns, etc.

* Tree-climbing: skilled climbers may wish to make use of the very limited equipment available at some lodges to access the Canopy. This is undertaken entirely at the RN’s own risk.

* Local Community contact: if you are a very good Spanish speaker there are some limited opportunities for projects with local people. These could relate to their education, agriculture, lifestyle, etc. Those living close to the lodges are either long-term or newly arrived colonists from the mountains, who have cleared small patches of land along the river (chacras). There are small schools in several communities along the river such as the community of La Torre but it may not be accessible on a daily basis by canoe.  Please be warned that guiding duties are likely to restrict your contact with local people to occasional irregular visits.

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