Wildlife Rescue Primatology Field Course, Costa Rica
Organisation: WorkingAbroad Projects
Country: Costa Rica
Type: Agriculture & Forestry, Community Development, Environment & Wildlife Conservation, Humanitarian & Community Development, Manual work & Construction

This Wildlife Rescue centre rescues injured and abandoned animals with the aim of returning them to the wild as soon as they are fit and able. For those who can no longer fend for themselves in the wild, we make them as comfortable as possible and hope that their presence will help to educate others of the dangers these precious animals face and what we can do to live more harmoniously with them in nature.
Our 4 week Primatology Field Course is a comprehensive introduction to field primatology with particular focus on the mantled howler monkey (Alouatta palliata) and the white-faced capuchin (Cebus capucinus) in the Nicoya Peninsula. This course is most suitable for students at an advanced undergraduate or early postgraduate level, or recent graduates who have a keen interest, but little experience, in field primatology and wish to pursue a future in independent research.
Location
Volunteers can spend time at the beautiful Montezuma Waterfalls (right), or visiting tidal pools or beaches throughout the Nicoya Province. A lot of people come to this part of Costa Rica for surfing and for its beauty and also to visit the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve is the pioneer of wildlife and environmental conservation in Costa Rica, which became the first protected area in Costa Rica in 1963. Situated on the extreme southern tip of the Nicoya peninsula it protects 1788 hectares of ocean and 1270 hectares of tropical forest, 15% of which is primary forest where rare tree, bird and other endangered animal species can find refuge.
Up until now, 150 species of trees and around 240 species of birds have been recorded in Cabo Blanco, making it an important wildlife sanctuary. Among Cabo Blanco’s endangered animals are the Jaguar, Puma, Ocelot, Jaguarundi, Margay cat, Spotted Owl, Caracara, and Giant Egret.
Accommodation
You will be based in the volunteer accommodation within the grounds of the Wildlife Rescue centre surrounded by tropical gardens. You will have a choice between staying in the simple or deluxe rooms.
Project Dates
You can join the field course for 4 weeks throughout the year.