available for at least 6 weeks
AAP is looking for volunteers at our rehabilitation location in Morocco to support the Born to be Wild project. We are currently looking for behavioral volunteers from August 2024 and onwards but also technical skilled volunteers for the months of May and June 2024.
About Born to be Wild
The IUCN classified the Barbary macaque (Macaca sylvanus) as an endangered species in 2008. It is the only surviving primate in Africa north of the Saharan desert. Whilst being a former inhabitant of all Europe and northern Africa, this species is now limited to isolated areas in Algeria and Morocco. Population estimates have shown an overall decline of this species in the last 30 to 40 years. As a result, the population of Barbary macaques in areas where the species was historically abundant, is currently significantly reduced, resulting in fragmentated populations and areas where the species has completely disappeared.
In 2017 AAP (Animal Advocacy and Protection) initiated the Born to be Wild project in Morocco. This project follows a holistic approach by addressing the different threats to Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus), aiming to ensure sustainable conservation of this species and its habitats within Morocco.
The project’s actions are in line with the existing Conservation Action Plan and focus on the following areas: – Control of poaching and illegal trade
– Protection of the Barbary macaque habitats and facilitate its restoration
– Decrease of human pressure on the habitat by providing sustainable alternatives.
For this project AAP works closely together with the Moroccan Department of Waters and Forest (DEF) and other stakeholders to protect the Barbary macaque and its habitats.
Click here For more information about Born to be Wild.
The project’s actions are in line with the existing Conservation Action Plan and focus on the following areas: – Control of poaching and illegal trade
– Protection of the Barbary macaque habitats and facilitate its restoration
– Decrease of human pressure on the habitat by providing sustainable alternatives.
For this project AAP works closely together with the Moroccan Department of Waters and Forest (DEF) and other stakeholders to protect the Barbary macaque and its habitats.
Click here For more information about Born to be Wild.
Tasks
Currently there are about 35 Barbary macaques which have potential to be released in Tazekka NP. Many of these animals are in 2 big groups, and some smaller groups and individuals that have varying degrees of social experience. The aim of the rehabilitation process is to create relatively stable groups of Barbary macaques which have the potential to be released. This will be conducted according to a structured approach which will be developed by a rehabilitation consultant from AAP. In the role your main task will be to:- Conduct behavioural observations and facilitate & monitor the resocialisation process.
The main focus of your observations will be on social relationships, group stability and other behavioural indicators which determine the potential suitability of the animals for release. All these works will be conducted in collaboration with the rehabilitation consultant. - Train and support local staff to provide high quality daily care to the Barbary macaques.
The local staff has already been trained to work with the macaques, but our aim is to continuously increase their knowledge and skills and so build up their capacity to run this and similar programs by themselves in the future. - Conduct the necessary administrative tasks to run and monitor the program.
- And other tasks that come up varying from small maintenance to preparing enrichments.
Your stay
During your stay you will be housed in a small village called Bab Boudir. This village is ca. 8 km from the rehabilitation facilities in Tazekka NP. Every morning we drive with the project car to the rehabilitation facilities, and we return late afternoon. You will stay in one of the portacabins which is available for student and volunteer housing for this project. The cabins are basically furnished and have each a shower, toilet, heating and aircon. Each cabin can house up to two persons. Besides that, there is a separate cabin with a communal kitchen and living space. Once a week you are able to visit the nearest town (Taza) for food shopping and anything else you need.
Please be aware that the circumstance you will be working and living in are relatively basic. The rehabilitation enclosures are in a remote area of the park, and electricity is limited (solar). There is however a small office and kitchen which you can make use of during the day.
Most local staff only speak Arabic, and some speak French. For your work you will receive all necessary support from the AAP consultant and/or manager of the project who are guiding the rehabilitation process. This will be supported partly in person, and partly on a distance by phone and email.
Most local staff only speak Arabic, and some speak French. For your work you will receive all necessary support from the AAP consultant and/or manager of the project who are guiding the rehabilitation process. This will be supported partly in person, and partly on a distance by phone and email.
Your profile
For this role we look for candidates with the following profile:- You have experience working with primates in captivity, preferably in a rehabilitation setting. Previous experience in a similar rehabilitation project is desirable.
- You have a good understanding of primate behaviour and their needs
- You are capable and feel confident to work on your own with minimum supervision
- You do not mind living and working under basic conditions in a different culture
- You are physically fit and able to work in a warm or cold climate
- Being able to speak and understand English is a requirement, French is highly desirable
- You are available for a period of at least 2 months, but longer is preferable
We provide
- Free housing as described
- Daily transport to and from the rehabilitation site
- A contribution to your travel expenses (depending on the length of your stay)
How to apply
We are currently looking for candidates who are available for the months of December, January, February and March 2024. If you are interested in another period please do not hesitate to reply as well.When you are interested, please send an email with cover letter and CV to Carolien Grim: carolien.grim@AAP.nl or to barbary.macaque.rehabiliatation@gmail.com.
