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The five species of tortoise on Isabela can be found spending their time wallowing in the mud in volcanic craters to keep themselves cool and to protect themselves from mosquitoes. You will make regular visits to the volcanoes to monitor re-released tortoises that have previously lived in captivity for an extended period.
Another aspect of the project involves conducting research for the Galapagos National Park’s marine resources department. This will involve collecting data on the diversity and distributions of marine species to ensure Isabela’s inhabitants are not endangering them through excessive fishing.
These are the aims of the research centre:
- Mapping in detail the giant tortoise distribution in southern Isabela
- Identifying egg laying locations
- Studying how wild introduced species effect the island
- Establishing a reintroduction strategy for hand reared young tortoises based on the above.
- Optimising conditions for rearing in breeding centre, Villamil.
- Educating the local population – former tortoise hunters to be integrated into the protection programme, so that their knowledge can be used to appoint them ‘unofficial’ park wardens, protecting rather than hunting.
Volunteer Requirements
You will need a reasonable knowledge of Spanish before you can begin working on this project. It will be of great benefit if you are able to converse in Spanish at a basic level, not just for the volunteering programme but also for getting about and speaking with the local people.
We recommend that if you don’t speak Spanish, you take our language course before going to the Galapagos. These are available for 1 to 4 weeks.
Project Support
While you are on your programme, you will be fully supported and guided by the project staff. They will be on hand to provide you with any advice and assistance that you may need as well as being able to answer your questions throughout your stay.
On Santa Cruz you will have an English-speaking guide accompanying you. They will also take you over to Isabela and help you get you settled in. Additionally, you will be given the Real Gap 24hr emergency phone number, so that you can always contact someone in the UK office should you need to.
Project Orientation
When you arrive at the project base on Isabela, you will be given a comprehensive orientation, which will give you information on your role during the project, what tasks you will be performing, how to spend your free time and most importantly health and safety.
This is also the perfect time to get any of your burning questions on the project/island etc answered.
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