Mexican Megafauna

  Mexico

• Central Highlands: 
Guanajuato,  San Miguel de Allende

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Inquire for specific dates.

Description: Research Mission
Unearth the fossil histories of animals to discover the effects of global change on evolution.

Situation Report
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico - The glyptodont, an armadillo the size of a Volkswagen, was probably a common sight in central Mexico millions of years ago. In the canyons and arroyos of the Transmexican Volcanic Belt, Dr. Oscar Carranza Castaneda (Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico) and his research team found fossils of glyptodonts and many other amazing animals. These fossils are helping to piece together a puzzle whose origin lies millions of years in the past. North and South America were not always connected, as they are today, by the Isthmus of Panama. When, exactly, Panama rose out of the sea to connect these two continents has been the subject of debate. Scientists have turned to fossils to answer this question. By dating the fossils, scientists are able to pinpoint with increasing accuracy when the bridge formed, and when animals started migrating across this land bridge in what is known as "The Great American Biotic Interchange." Recent finds on Carranza's project indicate that the land bridge may have been complete at least 4 million years ago, more than a million years earlier than previously thought. You can help Carranza discover more clues about the effects of future climate change on modern ecosystems at this productive site.

Meals and Accommodations
At the Hotel Parador El Cortijo, a comfortable western-style hotel with gardens and a swimming pool a short drive from San Miguel City, you'll share a hotel room with one of your teammates, including a private bath and reliable electricity. You'll enjoy continental breakfasts and hearty homemade Mexican dinners at the hotel, from soup to salsa. In the field you will have sandwiches, fruit, cheese, chips, choriso and eggs, or an occasional barbecue with Carranza's secret recipe.

Highlights: On the Expedition
You will help uncover fossils in the scenic mountains and valleys of Central Mexico, where, Carranza reports, there are still "zillions of fossils to be unearthed." You will excavate specimens using brushes, ice picks, or chisels, and then plaster-jacket them for protection during transport. You will also screen-wash sediments for smaller vertebrates, photograph and sketch finds, and even help prepare some of the fossils. With more than 25 years of field experience, Carranza will bring the prehistoric landscape of Mexico to life for your team. In your free time, you can relax at the pool and catch up on your reading.

Qualifications: Earthwatch volunteers are enthusiastic to learn about the research topic and are willing to contribute their time and energy to support leading scientists in conducting field research. Volunteers will be trained upon arrival at the research site. Teams have a minimum age of 18, unless accompanied by parent or legal guardian, in which case the minimum age is 16.

Cost in US$: 1,546

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Earthwatch expeditions appeal to a variety of people: educators gain new knowledge and develop exciting lesson plans; students explore career options and build research skills; writers, photographers and artists contribute their skills and share their experiences through a variety of media; businessmen and women, doctors and nurses, engineers, homemakers, retirees . . . people from all walks of life choose to volunteer on research expeditions each year. Volunteers are actively engaged on a daily basis with the research project, develop global perspectives, and explore new cultures and environments.

Age Range: 18 - 90

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Mexico Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 6-10

Scholarships are Available. Fellowships may be available, mainly for high-school students and educators. Visit our website for more information.

Application Process Involves:

• Other
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Earthwatch Institute's Mission Statement: Earthwatch Institute engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. Through a unique method of funding, the volunteers Share of Cost contributes directly to the support of the research projects. Earthwatch enables scientists to pursue research goals and members of the public to gain hands-on experience with science. Each year, over 4,000 people from 46 countries directly contribute to scientific research by working alongside scientists, local community members and other volunteers. Earthwatch volunteers can track sea turtles; join archaeological digs; observe animal behavior; collect rare plants, study dolphin behavior and more. The Earthwatch community also includes 20,000 global members, 4,000 eager volunteers each year, 50 collaborating conservation organizations, and 50 corporate partners, all of whom work together to make a difference. Below you will find out more about our leadership, employment opportunities, and contact information.

Year Founded: 1971