Back to VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Orinoco Location: Reserva Mundial de Biosfera el Tuparro
What do we do?
The Foundation Omacha started in 1992 with projects at the rivers Arauca, Orinoco, Meta and Bita. Since 1996 it has been constantly making research at the biological research station in Bojonawi Natural Reserve in Puerto Carreño, department of the Vichada, right at the Venezuelan border.
©Fundación Omacha
At the reserve we have researched on river dolphins Inia geoffrensis for many years, however the enormous potential of the zone has allowed the foundation to research on other many diffrent species such as giant otters or water dogs (Pteronura brasiliensis),river turtles (Podocnemis expansa) and manatees (Trichechus manatus). The project main research objective is to determine their abundance, distribution, use of habitat and behavior. The Omacha Foundation also develops characterizations of fish’s populations for commercial and handcrafted use.
Activities
Biological and ecological research program
You can participate by working on research related to population dynamics, habitat use, distribution, behavioral matters and reproduction of different flora and fauna species.
• Fresh water dolphin (Inia geoffrensis humboldtiana) census of the population, social structure determination, behavioral evaluation, photo identification and sound recording.
• Giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) and Neotropical otter (Lontra longicaudis), you could participate on studying ecological aspects of these species such as identification, dens monitoring and getting data of their nutritional behavior by sampling latrines.
• Turtles (Podocnemis spp), involve yourself on turtle and nesting census, monitoring and protecting nesting beaches. Nests relocation, hatchery work and releasing newborns.
• Migratory and aquatic birds, you can take part in bird’s characterization through direct observation of native and migratory species and their sounds recording, also you could participate on focal observations of fishing eagles.
• Fauna inventories with emphasis in felines, contribute to our research projects by working on fauna samplings, setting up cameras trap, changing memory cards and reviewing captured images for fauna identification and supporting investigators on the field.
• Natural areas reforestation, be part of activities related to plant hatchery handling, collecting seeds and planting native species.
Productive projects and social support program
This program evaluates interactions between human communities, focal species and their environment. It includes preserving local traditions and ecological practices that benefit the natural environment. On the other hand this program supports sustainable projects in order to reduce negative impact on endangered species and promote economic alternatives in local communities.
h4. Spreading and environmental education Program
This program develops projects and campaigns as well as awareness and educational actions joined to the previous conservation and sustainable programs.
Accomodation
At the Orinoco location, there is a beautiful rustic volunteer house raised on the banks of the Orinoco River. It has four shared rooms with hammocks and beds, bathrooms, kitchen and the manager’s house. Sometimes there is Internet coverage and the cell phones have signal in very specific points of the station, nevertheless in Puerto Carreño you can make phone calls and there are Internet cafes.
Back to VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
