Wildlife of Brazil s Pa n t a n a l. Ecology and Conservation of the Pantanal Otters Bat Assemblage in the Rio Negro S O U T H A M E R I C A

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1 S O U T H A M E R I C A Ea r t h w a t ch T E E N T E A M E X P E D I T I O N B R I E F I N G Wildlife of Brazil s Pa n t a n a l Ecology and Conservation of the Pantanal Otters Bat Assemblage in the Rio Negro

2 Our Mission Earthwatch engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. We believe that achieving a sustainable future requires objective scientific data from the field and that the scientific process must engage the general public if it is to change the world. To that end, we involve people from all walks of life directly in global field research. We invite you to join us. Offices: Earthwatch Institute 3 Clock Tower Place Suite 100 P.O. Box 75 Maynard, MA U.S.A. info@earthwatch.org Toll-free: +1 (800) Phone: +1 (978) Fax: +1 (978) Earthwatch (Europe) Mayfield House 256 Banbury Road Oxford OX2 7DE UNITED KINGDOM info@earthwatch.org.uk Phone: +44 (0) Fax: +44 (0) Earthwatch (Australia) 126 Bank Street South Melbourne VIC 3205 AUSTRALIA earth@earthwatch.org Phone: +61 (0) Fax: +61 (0) Earthwatch (Japan) Sanbancho TY Plaza 5F Sanbancho 24-25, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo JAPAN info@earthwatch.jp Phone: +81-(0) Fax: +81-(0) An international nonprofit organization founded in Boston, Massachusetts in

3 Dear Earthwatcher, Welcome to Earthwatch! We greatly appreciate your decision to contribute to important hands-on environmental science and conservation. As an Earthwatch volunteer, you have the opportunity to create positive change for our world while having a life-changing experience. Each year we send thousands of people just like you into the field to understand and help an array of species, habitats, and cultures on approximately 85 research projects in more than 40 countries. These projects focus on: Climate Change, Cultural Heritage, Ecosystem Services, and Oceans. We place the highest priority on the health and safety of all those involved in our activities anywhere in the world. Although risk is an inherent part of the environments in which we work, careful risk management and diligent planning means all participants can have safe, educational, and inspirational Earthwatch experiences. Our dedicated Field Management team works around the clock to assess and manage the risks of conducting field research in a variety of locations and conditions. We ve been providing safe experiences for more than 35 years, so you re in good hands. To keep Earthwatch teams safe and happy, we require all expedition participants prepare for their experience by reading this Expedition Briefing and completing a number of volunteer forms, which vary by expedition and by regional Earthwatch office. Volunteers signing up through the US office can find the forms online at Volunteers signing up through Earthwatch offices in the UK, Australia, or Japan should contact those offices at the information listed below for more information. It is essential that you carefully read your Expedition Briefing, which includes important logistical information such as instructions for reaching the project site, what to pack, where your team will stay, what immunizations you need, how to physically prepare for your expedition, entry requirements for the project country, and more. Your Briefing also explains the research being conducted on the project, why it s important, and what role you ll play as an Earthwatch volunteer. If you have questions as you prepare for your expedition, contact the appropriate Earthwatch office: Australia Office Japan Office UK Office US Office T: +61 (0) T: +81-(0) T: +44 (0) T: earth@earthwatch.org info@earthwatch.jp info@earthwatch.org.uk info@earthwatch.org Well prepared volunteers are better able to enjoy the unique and exciting experiences that an Earthwatch expedition offers, and are also a greater help to the scientists important work. Most expeditions do not require prior experience. Volunteers who are attentive and open-minded, can work in a team environment, and are eager to learn will be most successful. Your expedition may have fitness requirements, so please review the Project Conditions section. Those with photography and film skills are encouraged to share media from the expedition with Earthwatch. Thank you for your support, and enjoy your expedition! Sincerely, Anne T. Ogilvie International Director of Field Management PS: Upon returning from your expedition, you will receive an welcoming you back and asking you to fill out an online Expedition Evaluation. Please take the time to complete this evaluation in order to help us improve the Earthwatch experience. Your feedback is appreciated! i

4 WILDLIFE OF BRAZIL S PANTANAL Table of Contents GENERAL INFORMATION... 1 VOLUNTEER FORMS OVERVIEW... 3 PREPARING FOR YOUR EXPEDITION... 5 THE EXPEDITION PROJECT OVERVIEW RESEARCH AREA PROJECT STAFF SCHEDULE DAILY LIFE IN THE FIELD VOLUNTEER TRAINING AND ASSIGNMENTS TEAM ITINERARY DAILY SCHEDULE AND TASKS ACCOMMODATIONS FOOD TRAVEL PLANNING BEFORE YOU LEAVE PROJECT CONDITIONS HEALTH INFORMATION PACKING CONSIDERATIONS RECOMMENDED READING RENDEZVOUS EMERGENCIES IN THE FIELD COMMUNICATIONS HELPFUL RESOURCES BAT ASSEMBLAGE IN THE RIO NEGRO THE PROJECT VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENTS PROJECT STAFF RESULTS AND OPPORTUNITIES LITERATURE CITED ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION OF PANTANAL OTTERS THE PROJECT RESEARCH OBJECTIVES AND METHODS VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENTS PROJECT STAFF RESULTS AND OPPORTUNITIES LITERATURE CITED EXPEDITION PACKING CHECKLIST ii

5 GENERAL INFORMATION PROJECT TITLE: Wildlife of Brazil s Pantanal PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR(S): See the individual Research Project sections for Earthwatch Scientists names, biographies, and information on research staff members. RESEARCH SITE: The Aquidauana region of Brazil s Pantanal, approximately 110 kilometers/68 miles from the city of Aquidauana EXPEDITION LENGTH: 13 days TEAM SIZE MINIMUM/MAXIMUM: 4 / 8 volunteers AGE OF PARTICIPATION: years of age * *Note: Team III is an Earthwatch Teen Team and is reserved for participants years of age. Volunteers on this team receive this specialized Expedition Briefing. To learn more about Earthwatch Institute s standard teams, visit It may also be possible for 16- and 17-year-olds to participate on standard teams if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Contact Earthwatch for more information and see the Before You Leave section for traveling advice for minors. 1

6 VOLUNTEER FORMS OVERVIEW All Earthwatch expedition participants are required to read and complete a number of volunteer forms. Some of these forms are used to ensure your safety in the field, to inform Earthwatch and project staff of your current health and fitness as they pertain to your expedition, to notify Earthwatch and project staff of your travel plans, etc. These forms must be filled out and returned to Earthwatch AFTER you sign up for an expedition. Other forms are for your reference and will inform you of certain Earthwatch policies and resources. You do not need to return these forms. See the letter at the front of this Briefing to learn how to get the forms you need to return; volunteer forms vary by Earthwatch office. Some details below apply ONLY to volunteers signing up through the US Earthwatch office. Volunteer forms are available at Instructions for completing your forms are included on this web page. However, you may not need to complete all of the forms listed online. Please see below for a list of the specific forms required for this expedition. Note: It is very important that you read and understand both your Expedition Briefing and the volunteer forms listed below. Volunteers Forms to be Returned to Earthwatch Please complete and return the following forms to Earthwatch: A: Personal Profile B: Health Form C: Travel Details Form D: Liability Release W1: Water Skills General How to return your forms: Forms B and D require written signatures and must therefore be printed out and signed. All other forms may be filled out electronically. You may return your forms to your Earthwatch by mail, fax ( for US volunteers), or (forms requiring signatures may be scanned and ed). If you mail hard copies of your forms to Earthwatch, please do not staple them together and be sure to keep a copy of each form for your records. Please see the welcome letter at the start of this briefing for contact information for all Earthwatch offices. Deadline for form submission: Your volunteer forms must be completed and returned to Earthwatch no later than 60 days prior to your expedition. If you sign up within 60 days of your expedition: If signing up to participate within 60 days of an expedition s start date, please complete each form to the best of your ability and send them to Earthwatch immediately. Please note the date of your doctor s appointment on Form B: Health Form. You will need to resend Form B: Health Form after having it completed and signed by your doctor. 2

7 Other Forms for Your Reference The forms listed below are for your reference only and do not need to be returned to Earthwatch. However, it is very important that you read and understand these forms, which are included in your printed Expedition Briefing. Earthwatch Policies and Participants Rights and Responsibilities Financial Terms and Conditions The additional form below is also for your reference and benefit and is available online at Tax Deduction (Earthwatch expeditions, with the exception of Family Teams, are tax-deductible for US residents only) Additionally, The Medical and Evacuation Insurance FAQs and Policy Summary (these documents include important information on both the insurance included in your expedition contribution and additional coverage available to US and Canadian Earthwatch participants*) can be found at earthwatch.org/insurance * In addition to the medical and emergency evacuation insurance included in your expedition contribution, Earthwatch also recommends that participants purchase travel insurance. Optional travel insurance is available through CSA Travel Protection. See for more information. 3

8 In this Briefing PREPARING FOR YOUR EXPEDITION Preparation for your research expedition begins with careful review of this briefing, which includes important information on the logistics of your trip and on the work of professional scientists. Your assignment is to work under the direction of these scientists, enlisting your talents, initiative and exuberance to make the research effort a success. Please consider this briefing required reading for participation on the project and bring it with you to the field It is presented in three main parts: 1) The Expedition 2) Daily Life in the Field 3) Travel Planning These parts are broken down into specific and easy to understand sections, such as Accommodations, Health Information and Team Itinerary. Review the Table of Contents carefully and make sure you read each section. Additionally, research information regarding the objectives, methods, and results of all the projects are included in the back of this briefing. It is important to read this information to truly understand the work you will be contributing to. A collaborative effort of Earthwatch Institute staff and the Principal Investigator(s), the briefing will answer your questions about travel, rendezvous, the research area, the living and working conditions you will encounter and the project staff with whom you will work. The overall objectives and methods of the research are described, as well as the specific tasks in which you will participate. It is possible that you may come across new words and phrases while reading through the research section, so it s a good idea to have a dictionary handy. This briefing includes the most accurate information available at the time of your Principal Investigator s project planning, however, the precise work that you do may differ somewhat from that described. Please keep in mind that research requires improvisation. Research plans, especially in field research contexts, evolve in response to new findings as well as unpredictable factors such as rainstorms, equipment failures, politics, etc. The nature of research expeditions requires flexibility in plans and expectations. To maximize the success of your experience, remember to expect the unexpected, be tolerant of repetitive tasks, and try to find humor in difficult situations. We will keep you informed of any major changes in the research plan or field logistics before you go into the field. Physical and Intellectual Preparation In addition to reading and reviewing the briefing materials, we recommend extracurricular study and physical conditioning. Advance reading will enhance your understanding of the scientific questions addressed by the research. The briefing includes an optional reading list that can shorten your training time in the field. Some Principal Investigators include additional reading material within the briefing; others will send you articles and/or provide printed information at the research site. Pay attention to the Project Conditions section! Regular exercise is especially important for volunteers who will be doing fieldwork. Your ability to quickly adapt to your project s physical demands will enhance both your enjoyment of the work and the productivity of your team. The briefing describes the physical demands of the project and may suggest specific activities for advance conditioning. We encourage you to read novels or history books based in or near the research area of your expedition. Such stories will provide you with an interesting introduction to the location in which you will be living and working, and may help you perceive many unique features of the local culture and landscape. 4

9 Consider working on skills that will help you support, broaden and recall this research experience. For instance, we encourage volunteers who will be participating in field biology research to take walks and to pay more attention to their surroundings. Begin developing the patience and observational skills of a scientist. Journal writing: As a means of reflecting on this experience, you are encouraged to bring a journal to record your daily observations, thoughts, ideas, stories, drawings and/or feelings. You may also choose to take notes on scientific lectures, discussions and findings. Your observations and field notes can be just as important to the research team as those gathered by more experienced staff members. And whether you can draw or not, sketches of your observations will also help you remember your experiences and describe them to others. Photography and art: Bring along your camera and/or art materials. Though research tasks take precedence and require focus, we encourage you to record your experience through photographs or drawings whenever working conditions allow. The scientist may ask you to share any photos that you have taken during the research so that they may include them in the data/image bank of the project. In addition to print film for snapshots of new friends and beautiful scenery, consider using slide film and/or digital images. Action photos of your teammates working on a research task, of the research site and of the research subject provide important visuals for presentations. As stories develop out of your day-to-day experience, keep an eye out for images to illustrate these stories. If your expedition inspires any artwork that you are willing to share, Earthwatch Institute welcomes the opportunity to copy and use photographs, drawings, watercolors and cartoons in its various publications and online. Emotional Preparation Most likely, you will be working in a place you have never been before, with people you have just met, on tasks that require new knowledge and skills. Some aspects of your expedition, whether physical, social or intellectual, are bound to challenge you and prompt emotional highs and lows. Be mindful of these feelings and don t hesitate to communicate emotional concerns to the research staff. The following sequence of feelings is typical: Stage 1: Everything is new and exciting; you feel terrific Stage 2: Disappointment in the reality of the situation; for instance, it has been raining for days and the work is more difficult than you expected it to be Stage 3: Your emotions reach an even plateau; things don't seem so rough, you understand the work and you feel you are making a contribution! Being Part of a Team Your team consists of a relatively small group of volunteers and project staff. Many people are not used to the close living conditions and/or physical demands common to field research. The ability to get along with others is of paramount importance. Your expedition may include group activities, such as meal preparation and clean-up, which require as much teamwork as the research itself. At the start of your project, staff and volunteers will establish ground rules that will ensure a fun, safe, respectful, inclusive and productive expedition experience for the whole team. When abroad or in another part of the country, you are viewed as ambassadors of your home region. Be courteous and respectful of local customs as well as the diverse backgrounds and customs of your teammates. Your professionalism and general demeanor are important to your Principal Investigator(s), Earthwatch Institute and all teenage volunteers who may follow you. The poor judgment of one team member, for example violating program rules or possession of illegal drugs, could jeopardize the entire mission of this and future expeditions. 5

10 THE EXPEDITION 1. PROJECT OVERVIEW Landscape, Wildlife and People There is no other place in the world like the Pantanal, a vast wetland wilderness in the heart of Brazil. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as a RAMSAR Site, known for its abundant, diverse and highly visible wildlife, like capybaras, marsh deer, caiman, jabiru storks and hyacinth macaws. The flat, open landscape consists of a wide range of tropical forest, a variety of savanna types, a complex river network and the largest expanse of tropical wetlands in the world. The region was a historically important hunting and fishing ground for Native Americans. Today, the Guató, Kadiwéu and Terena tribes still live throughout the Pantanal, making a living through agriculture, natural resource harvest and commerce related to native products and crafts. The region s rich natural resources have also been utilized by many other cultures since the mid-1500s, from mining and cattle grazing to commercial and sport fishing. The Pantanal is faced with many threats today, and for this reason the Wildlife of Brazil s Pantanal project was created to put the sustainability of the Pantanal within reach of concerned people from both the local population and the global community. This pioneering initiative brings communities and leading scientists together to conserve the largest expanse of tropical wetlands in the world. Threats to the Environment The most serious threat facing the Pantanal is the Hidrovia Paraguay-Paraná project, which proposes to straighten and dredge the upper Rio Paraguay, permanently changing the flow patterns in the area, draining 50% of the flood plains and causing a collapse of the most productive food webs in the ecosystem. Backed by politics and business, this project not only threatens the entire Pantanal, but has spurred the initiation of an additional series of separate, small-scale projects along the upper Rio Paraguay with similar environmental consequences. In addition to environmental threats of pollution from mining and urban centers, the area also faces many threats due to its rich agricultural resources. Ranching is the area s principal economic activity, where there are 55 cattle for every person (4.5 million cattle in total). The effects of deforestation, exotic vegetation, sediment loading, erosion, and pesticide and fertilizer runoff (especially from the surrounding highlands) have all taken their toll on the ecosystem. Migration patterns have been altered, flood plains changed and overall species numbers have declined. More recently, the growing demand for biodiesel has encouraged landowners in the highlands surrounding the Pantanal floodplain to clear-cut forested areas to plant sugarcane. Working with Communities towards a Sustainable Environment Earthwatch Institute is committed to working closely with communities, ranchers, educators, government and non-government organizations (NGOs) to develop appropriate management and conservation practices for the region. Because more than 95% of the Brazilian Pantanal is privately owned, one of the biggest challenges for local communities is balancing economic sustainability with conservation. Developing economic alternatives to cattle ranching, creating new reserves, providing environmental education and improving the scientific foundation for conservation strategies are important actions being spearheaded by a number of NGOs and Brazilian environmental agencies. 6

11 Research To address the issues facing the area, Earthwatch Institute established this project in 2000, in partnership with Conservation International (CI). Wildlife of Brazil s Pantanal supports cooperative, long-term research on species relationships, ecological communities and key species that have large impacts on ecosystem structure and function. The regional model has the advantage of being comprised of several distinct projects all contributing to the larger purpose of understanding the ecosystem s relationships and effects. Through alliances with regional and international NGOs, government agencies, universities and landowners, scientists working with Wildlife of Brazil s Pantanal are able to integrate their data and thus make the greatest impact on conservation. The goal is to help local communities understand the varied aspects of their ecosystem and to create sustainable management and conservation plans. In 2009, this expedition will support four research projects with the following complementary subjects: otter ecology and conservation, bat diversity and ecology, bird diversity and ecology, and amphibians and reptiles. Each of these research subjects is a valuable indicator of environmental impacts. Each team will work on two of these research projects; the 2009 Teen Team will focus on the otter and bat research projects. How You ll Contribute Earthwatch brings you together with Earthwatch Scientists, research technicians, students, local organizations, ranchers and other local community members to collect the information necessary for understanding the regional ecology and developing conservation and management strategies essential for saving the biological resources of the Pantanal. Such information ranges from field-based data collection such as collecting reptiles and amphibians in pitfall traps or participating in mist-netting bats throughout the night, to lab based work such as computer entry of the day s fieldwork. Note: See the individual project sections at the back of this Expedition Briefing for information on the research objectives, methods, and results to-date of each project in this expedition. 2. RESEARCH AREA The research takes place in the Aquidauana, one of the largest sub-regions of Brazil s Pantanal. It is characterized by various landscapes, such as freshwater and soda lakes, seasonally inundated grasslands, savannahs and a meandering black water river the Rio Negro. The pristine Rio Negro area is virtually uninhabited by humans. The nearest city, Aquidauana, is approximately 110 kilometers away. There is a great diversity of aquatic habitats, wildlife and plants in the area. In a single day, it is possible to see capybaras, caimans, peccaries, numerous birds including toucans and the endangered hyacinth macaw, and a variety of blooming trees. Within a couple of days, you will likely see tapirs, giant river otters, deer and perhaps a giant anteater. Volunteers participating in the bats project will be staying at Fazenda Campo Lourdes, a lodge located near the Correntoso River. Fazenda Campo Lourdes has an area of 5,717 ha. Campo limpo (open grasslands) and campo sujo (grasslands with scattered shrubs) dominate the eastern third of the ranch, while the western two-thirds consists of cordilheira (semideciduous trees) forests, vazantes (seasonal rainwater drainages), and permanent baias (small freshwater lakes/wetlands). A small area of gallery forest accompanies a short reach of the Correntoso River on the western border of the ranch. You will spend half your time at Pousada Araraúna studying otters, and the other half of your time at Campo Lourdes studying bats. Pousada Araraúna, a lodge located along the Rio Negro, is part of Santa Emília Farm and is affiliated with UNIDERP, a private university in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. The farm contains 2,610 hectares and is 270 kilometers from Campo Grande. Access is available by air or land year-round. Located where the Rio Correntoso, an arm of the Rio Negro, crosses the farm, capybaras and otters can be observed near the lodge. 7

12 A good infrastructure awaits guests, offering horseback riding, tours, boat rides and walks allowing observers to see all types of life. 3. PROJECT STAFF SCHEDULE Please see the individual project sections in the back of this Briefing for biographical information on Project Staff for all teams. Teen Team Facilitators Two Earthwatch Teen Team Facilitators will join your team to provide additional guidance, supervision, and activity organization for the expedition. Your facilitators will be there to help from the time you meet at the airport or when you step off the plane for the team rendezvous to the end of the expedition. They will encourage team spirit by planning events such as team building exercises, presentations, and recreational and cultural activities. If you have any questions or problems during your expedition, such as issues with another volunteer, homesickness, or an emergency back at home, you should feel comfortable talking to your facilitators. You should also follow the advice and expectations set by your facilitators regarding safety and personal conduct. All Teen Team Facilitators have experience teaching and leading groups of teenagers and are familiar with the team 8

13 dynamics necessary to make each expedition a success. Remember, your facilitators are there for you! (Teen: Facilitator ratio = 8:2) Amanda D Aiuto Amanda D Aiuto graduated from Dickinson College in She worked as a high school teacher for 2 years and has worked in the travel industry for the last 9 years. The last five of those years she has worked at Earthwatch as the Group Program Manager. In her free time, she likes to play soccer and tennis in the Boston area and she sings in a choir. She has been on four Earthwatch expeditions to Argentina, the Galapagos, Pennsylvania and Kenya. 9

14 DAILY LIFE IN THE FIELD 4. VOLUNTEER TRAINING AND ASSIGNMENTS Note: Descriptions of volunteer assignments relative to each research project can be found in the individual project sections, which follow the Helpful Resources section in the briefing. Upon arrival at the field station, the team is usually given a tour of and orientation to the area. Volunteers will learn about the animals, insects and other organisms that should be treated with caution. You will be briefed on house rules, the daily schedule, how to dress in the field and procedures that should be taken in case of emergency. The goals and research design of the projects will be discussed, along with the sampling techniques that volunteers will use. Numerous subjects concerning the ecology and conservation of the Pantanal and its unique inhabitants will also be touched upon. The Earthwatch Scientists and staff members will be with the volunteers at all times assisting with the fieldwork and camp maintenance. You will participate in an important conservation effort, experience a new culture and witness the beauty and diversity of a spectacular ecological sanctuary. This may be your first experience observing jabiru storks, roseate spoonbills, hyacinth macaws, marsh deer, caimans, fruiting acuri palms, herds of peccaries, giant anteaters and illusive tapirs. Sightings of tropical mammals and birds, which will occur on a daily basis, are definitely a bonding experience for all involved. For the tropical fish enthusiasts, you will have the chance to see brilliantly colored and sometimes bizarre looking fishes living in their natural environments. You will also learn about the Pantanal and the ecological and economic problems that threaten the region, and of course, you will have the chance to drink tereré (a special Brazilian tea) and dance to Pantaneiro music. 5. TEAM ITINERARY Your team will be divided into groups with a daily rotation of tasks. When conducting fieldwork, plans often change due to weather, vehicle problems, changes in research needs, etc. Please come prepared to be flexible and work as a team. Consult a travel guidebook for information on local attractions. See the Helpful Resources section for suggested guidebook websites. The following shows an example itinerary, but again, you should be prepared to be flexible. Day 1: Day 2: Day 3: Volunteers will arrive in Campo Grande with the team facilitators, and check in to the Bristol Exceler Plaza Hotel for the night, and enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant. Teammates will gather in the hotel lobby for departure at 7:00 a.m. The team will be picked up for a two-hour van ride from Campo Grande to Aquidauana and then travel in batches by fiveseater plane to the research site, arriving around noon. The team will stay at Fazenda Campo Lourdes for the first stint of field work, and will stay at Pousada Ararauna for the second part of the expedition. At the site, there will be an introduction to the project staff, followed by lunch and time to unpack. A tour of the research area will be given in the afternoon and an introduction to field projects and logistics after supper. Orientation and training sessions will begin after breakfast. Staff will discuss the schedule, research activities and safety. They will also show the team how to use basic field equipment and data sheets. After lunch, the team will break into the assigned groups and begin regular research activities. 10

15 Days 4-11: Day 12: Day 13: You will be assigned to research activities pertinent to your project s research focus. Because of the heat, groups will usually return from the field for lunch and a short siesta, but on some days you will need to be prepared to eat lunch in the field. In the evening, there will also be lab and field activities for the group (e.g. sample sorting and organizing, data entry, setting up nets, depending on the research focus). Volunteers will also help with trail blazing and maintenance. When participating in the bat project, you should be prepared to work in the field at night. Last minute work will be finished and there will be rest and/or recreational time. Team members will gather together at the accommodations, depart in the morning by small plane to Aquidauana, and will then be driven to Campo Grande by van. When flying conditions are good, you should expect to arrive in Campo Grande by noon. Earthwatch Recreational Time Policy Earthwatch has a duty of care to our participants from the rendezvous to the end of the expedition. In order to ensure you are as safe during your recreational time as you are during research time, we have put a number of measures in place. If there is a recreational day during the expedition, the project staff and/or Teen Team Facilitators will supervise a planned team activity or a small choice of supervised recreational activities that have been vetted and comply with Earthwatch standards. You will also have the option of remaining at the project accommodations to rest, provided supervision is possible. 6. DAILY SCHEDULE AND TASKS Please be aware that schedules can and do fluctuate due to weather, research needs, etc. Your cooperation and understanding are appreciated. The daily schedules for the team will vary depending on the specific project and research activities. Below are some examples of what to expect. Schedule When Working on the Bats Project 6:00-6:30 am: Wake up and eat breakfast, and pack lunch on some days 7:00 am: Transportation to the field site 7:30 am-12:00 pm: Sample, map and measure flowering and fruiting plants along trails, collect flowers and fruits for herbarium vouchers and morphological study 12:00-2:00 pm: Eat lunch and rest* 2:00 pm-12:00 am: Set up mist nets in the afternoon and monitor nets for captured bats throughout the evening, with breaks for rest* and dinner Schedule When Working on the Otters Project 6:00-6:30 am: Wake up and eat breakfast, and pack lunch on some days 7:00 am: Transportation to the field site 7:30 am-12:00 pm: Search for otter signs by boat or by waiting on the riverbank for otters, and collect data. 12:00-2:00 pm: Eat lunch and rest* 2:00-5:30 pm: Search for otter signs by boat or by waiting on the riverbank for otters, and collect data. 7:30 pm: Eat dinner 9:00 pm: Suggested bedtime* *Taking advantage of afternoon rest and an early bedtime is recommended so that everyone can keep up their energy and recharge for the next day s activities. Field work starts early, is physically demanding and continues for most of the day (and night, for the bat project!). If you choose to stay up later than this time, please be 11

16 respectful of those who wish to get some sleep. Your Earthwatch Scientists and field staff will also need some rest, and although they will always be available for emergencies, please respect their privacy and need for rest when they retire to their accommodations. 7. ACCOMMODATIONS You will experience a typical Pantaneiro lifestyle at Pousada Araraúna and Fazenda Campo Lourdes. During your expedition, you will live at both of these lodges, which are former farms that now host ecotourism guests and activities. This unique combination allows volunteers to get a taste of rural Brazilian culture unique to this particular area. The two lodges are approximately 20 minutes drive apart. Pousada Araraúna Pousada Araraúna lodge accommodates a small number of guests, which provides for an exclusive and familylike experience. It has beautiful views of the river, offering comfortable amenities that include screened-windows, ceiling fans, screened and airy verandas, a screened restaurant, satellite television, private airstrip and telephone. The lodge offers rooms for two, three and four people, with air-conditioners and private bathrooms with hot showers, free internet access via wireless or cable connection in the rooms (please note that this service is sometimes interrupted and not available for days at a time), a small fridge and alarm clock. There are hammocks, a bar, a large air-conditioned dining room, cozy living room, a laboratory, a classroom and a pool. Volunteers can also take canoe, boat or horseback rides during recreational time. However, there is no fishing permitted at Araraúna. Linens and towels are provided, and laundry service may be available for a fee (to be determined onsite). If you bring your own detergent, there are large sinks where you can hand-wash your laundry. Electricity is available (110 volts) and can be used for hairdryers, charging cell phones, etc. Campo Lourdes Fazenda Campo Lourdes is located in the area of Rio Negro's left bank, known as the Pantanal of Taboco, municipal district of Aquidauana, in South Mato Grosso, Brazil. Campo Lourdes has basic facilities to receive its visitors with convenience and comfort. The lodging can accommodate groups of up to 10 people. There are two quadruple single-sex dorms that will be the primary lodging for the volunteers, which are equipped with air conditioning, mosquito nets, ceiling fan and hot shower. Besides the sleeping quarters, there is a wide verandah with satellite television and ceiling fans, air-conditioned dining area, traditional wood-stove kitchen, swimming pool, private airstrip, and telephone. There is no internet connection available at Campo Lourdes. Note that credit cards are NOT accepted at either Pousada Araraúna or Campo Lourdes. Any purchases must be made with cash (Brazilian reais or US dollars). You will receive an itemized bill for extra expenses and services at the end of your stay. See the Communications section for accommodation contact information. 8. FOOD The quality of the food is excellent at both lodges, featuring traditional Brazilian dishes including rice and beans, meat and fresh vegetables. Lunch will be the main meal of the day, according to Brazilian custom. In general, meals are very diverse, with little repetition, except vegetarian meals, which will be possible but can be fairly repetitious. Refrigeration is available. Remember that in Brazilian culture, meals are a time for reflection and quiet 12

17 conversation, a break from your hard work to be enjoyed at a slow, relaxed pace. When interacting with others at the table, please be respectful of those who are still eating or who have not yet gotten their food. Below are examples of the foods and drinks you might expect in the field. Please bear in mind that variety depends on availability. This list is intended to provide a general idea of food types, but it is very important that volunteers be flexible. Breakfast: Lunch/Dinner: Snacks/Other: Beverages: Water: Coffee, fresh fruit, juices, bread, cheese and pastries May include meat, fish, vegetables, salads, rice, beans and pasta There are no local food stores, so if you have cravings for a favorite snack, please bring it with you In addition to the coffee, juices, and water that will be provided, soda Drawn from a well and filtered before use Special Dietary Requirements Please alert Earthwatch to any special dietary requirements (e.g. diabetes, lactose intolerance, nut or other serious food allergies) as soon as possible, and note them in the space provided on your volunteer forms. Accommodating special diets is not guaranteed and can be very difficult due to availability of food, location of field sites, and other local conditions. Special note to vegans and strict vegetarians: Please be aware that it is often difficult to accommodate strict vegetarians and vegans. It may be possible to get meatless meals but vegans and strict vegetarians may have a problem avoiding animal products altogether. If this poses a problem, then participation on this Earthwatch expedition should be seriously reconsidered. 13

18 TRAVEL PLANNING 9. BEFORE YOU LEAVE Note: Earthwatch Institute s international travel insurance company, International SOS, has a wealth of useful information available at their website, including visa, passport, currency, medical, etc. information for the country in which this project takes place. See and enter Earthwatch s member identification number: 14ACPA Under Select Resource choose English Country Guide, and then select this project s country from the list. For a listing of other useful websites for passport and visa requirements, see the Helpful Resources section. Entry Requirements Citizens of the United States may be required to be photographed and fingerprinted upon entry to Brazil in reciprocity to the same rule applied by the US government to Brazilian citizens. This may add an additional three to four hours to the time it takes to clear Customs/Immigration. You can contact your local Brazilian embassy for an update. Passport Information Most volunteers traveling from outside Brazil will require a passport valid for at least six months beyond the dates of travel. Visa Information Volunteers from some countries, including the US and Japan, will also need a tourist visa for entry into Brazil. US volunteers are advised to use a visa agency such as Passport Visa Express to obtain a tourist visa. It is very important to obtain a tourist visa and declare the purpose of your visit as specifically vacation, holiday or travel. Citizens of other countries should check with a travel agent, Brazilian embassy or visa agency for specific visa and entry requirements. If you do need a visa, the chart on the next page should be useful. Note: Online registration is now mandatory for all visitors traveling to the United States without a visa. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is used to screen short-term visitors who are citizens of the 27 countries eligible for the US Visa Waiver Program (see below). Visitors are required to provide details including their passport number, country of residence and any involvement in criminal or terrorist activities to the ESTA at least three days before traveling to the US. Once approved, the authorization will be valid for up to two years if the individual s passport does not expire in the meantime. Applications can be submitted through the ESTA website ( Note that if you are traveling to Canada, Mexico, Latin America, South America, the Bahamas, or the Caribbean and have a stopover in the US, you are required to register through the ESTA program. Travelers are advised to check visa regulations well in advance of traveling. Citizens of countries covered by the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) traveling to the US for tourism or business for 90 days or less do not need to obtain a visa provided they have a valid passport. Passports for VWP countries issued on or after October 26, 2006 must include biometric information (so-called e-passports include a chip with the relevant information); otherwise, the holder is required to obtain a visa. VWP citizens with passports issued between October 26, 2005 and October 25, 2006 do not require a visa as long as they have machine-readable passports with a digital photograph of the holder. Citizens with valid but older machine-readable passports (issued prior to October 26, 2005) that do not have a digital photograph are still allowed into the US without a visa. 14

19 Currently, the following countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Citizens of other countries should check with a travel or visa agency for specific visa and entry requirements. Entry requirements are subject to change, so please check for updates in advance of your travel. If you do need a visa, the chart below should be helpful. Essential Information for Volunteers Requiring Visas Type of Visa Where to Get a Visa Requirements Contact Information Time it Takes You must get a TOURIST VISA. For a smooth and quick visa application process, it is highly recommended that volunteers apply through a visa agency such as Passport Visa Express. You can also obtain a tourist visa by contacting a Brazilian embassy or consulate, however, this is NOT recommended for US citizens. If you choose to obtain a tourist visa by directly contacting the embassy, please be sure to leave plenty of time (at least eight weeks). If you have less than eight weeks or wish to save yourself trouble, using a visa agency can both expedite and simplify the process. Note: If you decide to get your visa through the Brazilian embassy rather than through Passport Visa Express, you WILL NOT be issued a refund from Earthwatch if your visa application is denied and you are within the 90-day cancellation policy. Please apply early! To obtain a tourist visa you will need: Passport valid for at least six months from the date of departure from Brazil One passport-sized photograph (two inches square) Photocopy of your roundtrip ticket to and from Brazil Duly filled-out and signed visa application form US$100 processing fee if you are a US passport holder (this is in reciprocity to a similar fee levied on Brazilians applying for entry visas to the US) Applicable handling fee Other information and fees may apply, depending on your travel details Note: US passport holders who obtain visas from the Brazilian Embassy MUST pay for their visas with US Postal Money Orders, payable to the Brazilian Embassy. This is regardless of whether the visa is requested in person, through Visa Services or by mail. The visa application will ask for your contact information while you are in Brazil. You should fill in the following information: Bristol Exceler Plaza Hotel Rua Afonso Pena Campo Grande, MS Tel: Fax: exceler@terra.com.br When all requirements are met, a visa is typically issued in three working days from the date the application is accepted by the consulate. Reminder: The purpose of your visit is for vacation, holiday or travel. Foreign immigration officials do not always understand the concept of a working vacation or even volunteering. Words such as working / volunteering, research or a scientific expedition can raise questions concerning the country s foreign labor laws and/or prompt questions about official scientific research permits and credentials, etc., to which volunteers on their own will not be equipped to respond. All required research permits for the project are in place and have been approved by the proper authorities. 15

20 Visa Agencies In the United States In Europe In Australia PassportVisaExpress.com 1911 North Fort Myer Drive, Suite 104 Arlington, VA Tel: , Fax: Web: CIBT, Inc.-UK 25 Wilton Road Lower Ground Floor Victoria SW1V 1LW T: Fax: +44 (0) Calling from Europe outside UK: +44 (0) Web: (has alternate address for urgent requests) Ask your travel agency if they can send your visa application on your behalf. Volunteers Under 18 Years of Age Entry to Foreign Countries In an effort to prevent international child abduction many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. It may be possible for 16- and 17-year-olds to participate on standard Earthwatch teams if accompanied by a parent or guardian. In this case, if the minor will be traveling with only one guardian or if for any reason they will be traveling alone (such as for a Teen Team), it may be necessary to have a notarized letter from all legal guardians stipulating that they may travel unaccompanied or in the presence of a single guardian. This letter must give an explanation for why only one parent or someone other than a parent is signing the letter. For example, if one parent is deceased, only one parent has legal guardianship, or someone other than the parents are legal guardians, the letter should state that. In addition, airlines may also have documentation requirements for unaccompanied minors. Parents of minors are responsible for checking with each airline that their child will be flying to ensure that sufficient documentation is provided. This could include a copy of a birth certificate or a notarized letter stating that the minor has his or her parent s permission to travel alone or with only one parent. Note: Requirements by specific countries and airlines vary and change frequently. You MUST keep informed of the requirements on your own to avoid problems at immigration. If a letter is not available, the volunteer under 18 can be refused entry into the country. There is nothing Earthwatch Institute can do to help in this circumstance. Insurance Emergency medical and evacuation insurance (MedEvac) is automatically included in the project cost you pay to Earthwatch. This coverage is valid in the country of your Earthwatch expedition and during international travel to and from your expedition. If the expedition takes place in your home country, coverage begins at the official rendezvous date and time for the expedition and ends at the official departure date and time described in this briefing document, and is incremental to your existing health insurance. Please note that due to different governing laws in each country, policies are specific to each regional Earthwatch office: For Volunteers Who Sign Up Through the Earthwatch UK/Europe Office or Earthwatch Japan Emergency medical and evacuation (MedEvac) insurance, plus trip cancellation/curtailment insurance is included in the contribution you pay to Earthwatch. Cover for personal property is also included. Details of this insurance policy, including the duration for which you are covered are included in your Expedition Briefing Pack. Please refer any queries regarding this policy to Michelle Ralph at Sutton Winson in the UK. You can her on michelle.ralph@swib.co.uk or call her on +44 (0)

21 For Volunteers Who Sign Up Through the Earthwatch US Office Emergency medical and evacuation (MedEvac) insurance, plus trip cancellation/curtailment insurance is included in the contribution you pay to Earthwatch. Details of this insurance policy, including the duration for which you are covered can be found at Please refer any queries regarding this policy to Michelle Ralph at Sutton Winson in the UK, Or, from the US, dial Please note the time difference between the US and the UK, and call during UK business hours, which are from 08:45 to 17:00 GMT (from November to April) and GMT +1 (from April to November). You may also leave a message and request that she call you back. Optional Additional Insurance for US and Canadian Volunteers Earthwatch is offering comprehensive optional travel insurance through CSA Travel Protection as a service to our US and Canadian volunteers. We are not able to offer this optional insurance to Earthwatch Europe volunteers due to UK laws. While our inclusive insurance (see above) covers your emergency medical needs and trip cancellation/curtailment up to 3000, the optional CSA policy covers lost luggage, pre-existing conditions, travel delays, etc. For more information on this optional additional insurance policy, call CSA Travel Protection at or visit Details can also be found on the Earthwatch website at Please note: Some coverage is dependent on purchasing insurance within 24 hours of paying in full for your expedition. Should you decide to purchase our optional insurance, please use the following producer code to indicate your affiliation with Earthwatch: Emergency Medical and Evacuation Assistance (For All Volunteers) The emergency medical and evacuation assistance provider for Earthwatch is International SOS (ISOS). ISOS is a 24-hour international operation that provides medical assistance and evacuation, a 24-hour medical help line and other travel-related services such as international health and security information in advance of your trip. To contact International SOS in the event of an emergency, dial: For assistance within the US: ISOS Philadelphia, For assistance outside the US: ISOS London, +44 (0) State that you are on an Earthwatch expedition. The following information must be provided: 1. The Insured Person s name 2. The Assured is EARTHWATCH, the Certificate No: GP and SOS reference #14CPA The telephone number and facsimile number where the Insured Person can be reached 4. The Insured Person's address abroad 5. The nature of the emergency Travel Agencies Earthwatch is pleased to announce a new partnership with Fly for Good ( and we strongly suggest you book your airfare for your expedition through them whenever possible; they are our recommended provider. Who is Fly for Good? Fly for Good negotiates airfare discounts, known as humanitarian rates, for non-profit volunteers. As part of this new partnership, Earthwatch volunteers will be able to take advantage of Fly for Good s negotiated airfare contracts, which allow for discounts of up to 50% on international flights. You can also book domestic flights at normal published fares. 17