Mountain Chicken Volunteer - Caribbean

Experienced herpetologist/amphibian keeper wanted to volunteer on an amphibian conservation project in the Caribbean for 6 to 12 months, all expenses paid. The successful applicant will join the high profile Mountain Chicken Frog (Leptodactylus Fallax) Conservation Project on the Caribbean island of Dominica (see www.mountainchicken.org ). Over recent years, this species has been decimated on the island by the lethal disease, amphibian chytridiomycosis. You will assist the Dominican Forestry and Wildlife Division with maintaining a captive colony of mountain chickens in a purpose-built facility. The medium-term goal is captive breeding and the long-term goal is reintroduction. Native live-food cultures are established and maintaining these will be an important part of your duties.

There are likely to be opportunities also to be involved in assisting amphibian monitoring and disease/infection surveillance on the island and to conduct mountain chicken conservation outreach activities (e.g. to local schools).

Training on mountain chicken husbandry will be provided as necessary, but you must already have a strong interest in, and knowledge of, amphibian husbandry and the maintenance of live-food cultures.

Short-listed applicants will be interviewed at the Zoological Society of London and will depart for Dominica shortly thereafter. Travel and medical insurance will be provided.

To apply, please send a covering letter stating your experience, interest, and availability, plus a copy of your curriculum vitae, to ben.tapley@zsl.org