Location: Nusa Penida (island next to Bali), Indonesia

Duration: Minimum 1 month

Cost: 350 Euros a month, includes all accommodation (on Nusa Penida), 24 hours support, airport pickup, domestic travel, use of motorbike whilst on the island, and English-speaking Guide for 1 month. (Food and Accommodation whilst in  Ubud, Bali not included, as this depends upon how long you wish to stay). Food whilst on Nusa Penida will cost you about 5 Euros a day.

Travel: You will be met at Denpassar Airport (Bali), and taken to the project HQ in Ubud. Here you will be able to acclimatize and meet all the staff. You will then be accompanied to the project location on Nusa Penida (about 2 hours travel from Ubud).

Work: Conduct Ecological / Biological / Environmental Academic research on behalf of this local NGO, investigating the successes of their activities, and the biodiversity of the island. Opportunities for individual dissertation research available.

Introduction

This NGO has been working to address wildlife rehabilitation issues, using a holistic approach. Setup in 1999 to work on Orangutan Rehabilitation in Tanjung Puting National Park, central Borneo, they have now expanded their operations to Nusa Penida, a small island next Bali.

Their holistic approach seeks to address all variables in wildlife rehabilitation, including reforestation, community development, eco tourism and agro-forestry. They aim to create a better environment and future for wildlife in Indonesia using all means necessary, and not simply focusing on a narrow range of indicators or variables.

The project in Nusa Penida was started in 2004, using the same holistic approach, but centered around protecting Balis bird populations. They created a Bird sanctuary on the small island neighboring Bali, where Bali Starlings (already extinct in the wild), Mitchell Lorikeet, lesser silver crested cockatoo, mostache parakeet, java sperrel, to name but a few species which are now thriving in their new protected habitat.

They now need your help to continue and expand their activities. They require those with strong academic skills and investigative skills to conduct research on their activities and the biodiversity of the island. There are also opportunities to conduct your own dissertation work on the many other types of animals present on the island. Your research can be conducted in conjunction with the local University. However most biodiversity studies can be conducted alongside local staff of the NGO, who will be at your disposal.

All data will be published on their website and in a range of journals. Most importantly your data will help further the activities of this very worthwhile , and work towards preserving and increasing the biodiversity of this extraordinary island.

Daily Life

You will be required to help them conduct academic research on their activities, successes and the biodiversity of the island.

Of the topics under investigation;

* Review Reforestation

* Biodiversity - Species identification - population numbers etc.

* Habitat assessment

* Carrying capacity of island for bird release, recommendations for new types of birds which could be released.

* Review of Standard Operation Procedure (SOP)- possibility for adaptation and improvement.

* Possibility for hands-on work, including release of birds, creation of cages, feeding, working in the tree nursery, reforestation etc.

* Possibility for your own research. Potential research themes could be;

     - Bat populations native to the area - Flying Fox, Fruit Bats Many caves in the area, ripe for exploration, noone has yet researched

      - Potential for research on; Scorpion Spiders, Many varieties of snakes, Macake Monkeys, all of which there is no specific info and you would be amongst the first to conduct biological research.

      - Methods to control monkeys, stop them interfering with farm areas, your ideas could help solve the problem.

     - Population counting and check for monkeys - potential sterilization of dominant male. Needs research on population and methodology.

     - Swift birds population needing research, ie. what is their population on the island, where are they mostly found, what is the carrying capacity of their environment, etc.? 

Potential future activities of which you could help develop and implement;

* Want to create bee hives for honey production using local Bee species - new advice welcome - Need to make the wild native bee species conducive to a captive environment.

* Aqua Culture - anything which can replace the seaweed farm, benefiting form the coral available...new project ideas welcome.

In short, this is a very flexible investigative project, which much scope for you to develop your own research questions in conjunction with a conservation NGO and the local University. We welcome your ideas!

Accommodation

You will be staying in locally provided accommodation, which is basic but clean and adequate. You will have a private bathroom, and be able to cook food in the kitchen, or eat at one of the many local restaurants. Internet is available in the local town. You will be able to get a local SIM card for your mobile which will work throughout the island.

Requirements

* Min age 18
* Minimum 1 month commitment
* Enthusiasm and interest to work in academic research, must have strong investigative abilities and previous experience
* Good English
* Ability to ride a motorbike and hold an international Driving License
* Full travel & medical insurance
* Necessary vaccinations
* Necessary flights & visas 

NO commission is added to the cost of this project by Global Nomadic. We ask instead for a flat placement fee of £195 per project (paid securely via Paypal). We offer full pre-departure support, ongoing email assistance and a full range of discounts with our selected partners.

Send us an email enquiry to find out more, or click the 'Join this Project' button below if you are ready to get involved.