Mauritius Dolphin Conservation Project

  Mauritius

Tamarin Bay

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks

Description: As the popularity of dolphin-watching trips soars, it is becoming increasingly vital to monitor the effects that this increased human presence is having on cetacean populations, and this project is working to do just that.

The research team on the Mauritius Dolphin Conservation Project work in Tamarin Bay, off the coast of Mauritius, which is currently home to around 60 bottlenose dolphins and 500 spinner dolphins. Sadly, these small populations appear to be in decline. There is almost no legislation protecting these animals, and little or no control of tourist boats in terms of how close they can go to the animals or for how long.

The aim of the project is to study the impact that this level of intrusion is having on the dolphins, in terms of their movements, population size and behaviour. Environmental data is also collected, and other cetacean sightings, for example of humpback and sperm whales which are also found in the area, are also recorded.

Highlights:
* Conservation In Action
This project has amazing conservation value - the findings of the research team are so desperately needed they are being almost directly translated into new legislation to protect the dolphin populations and prevent their numbers from declining any further, and you can be a part of it.

* Work With The Wildlife
The project is the ideal option for anyone wanting a career in marine biology. Working as part of the small research team you will be directly involved in boat-based study for around three days a week, as well as detailed analysis of data when in the office. Research work includes:
- photographing individual dolphins for identification
- tracking pod movements and mapping habitat use
- population estimates
- data analysis of information gained from boat-study
- cataloguing individual animals.

Qualifications: No qualification are necessary, but you need to have an interest and passion for marine mammals and conservation. Volunteers with previous experience in research and analysis will be given preference.

Cost in US$: Please visit our website.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Most of our volunteers have either finished college and want some international work experience before starting their career, or are taking a break from their career.

Age Range: 17-70

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

Participants Travel to Mauritius Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

African Conservation Experience's Mission Statement: African Conservation Experience organizes work placements for volunteers of all ages on wildlife conservation projects in Southern Africa. We work only with projects that we assess as having a real and beneficial contribution to conservation efforts. Volunteers get very much involved with the work, rather than sitting back and observing, and provide a valuable resource to the projects. We pride ourselves on the quiality, integrity and frendliness of the service that we provide. We ensure that volunteers understand fully what is expected of them and place particular concern on volunteers' security and safety.

Year Founded: 1999