Location
Near the village of Malveira, 20km north of Lisbon.
About the project
Volunteers are needed to help conserve and protect one of nature's the most beautiful and mysterious species – the Iberian wolf.
At present, the number of wolves on the whole of the Iberian Peninsula is an estimated 2000, 300 of which are in Portugal. Throughout the 19th century the wolf thrived in virtually all of Portugal’s national territory. The decline in wolf population has been noted since 1910. Today, despite the wolf's conservation status, several studies suggest that the wolf population in Portugal still continues to decrease. The main causes for the decline of the wolf population are the direct persecution by humans and the extermination of the wolf's natural, wild prey – red deer and roe deer. The decline is made worse by the fragmentation and destruction of the wolf's habitat, and by the increasing numbers of feral/stray dogs, that compete for food.
As a volunteer in this project you will work in a 17 hectare recovery center and help maintain an adequate captivity environment for wolves that are no longer able to live in the wild. You will live in a comfortable chalet surrounded by beautiful scenery and get to know people from the around the world.
Animals in focus
| English name |
Scientific name
|
|
Iberian wolf
|
Canis lupus signatus
|
Project dates
All year.
Minimum stay
15 days.
Minimum requirements
· Above 18
· Families are welcome
· Conversational English
· Strong motivation
· Keen interest in animal conservation
· Endurance for physical work
Volunteer tasks and contribution
As a volunteer in this project you will assist with the following tasks:
feeding the wolves 3 times a week, checking their water supplies (during summer al least 3 times a day), maintenance of the IWRC infrastructures and property (includes checking enclosures' walls and fences), clearing and care of the grounds outside enclosures (includes reforestation), prevention of fires, if possible also helping with visitors' reception, and last but not least, monitoring the health and well-being of the wolves (a minimum of 2 hours per day). It is possible that the site manager ask the volunteer to perform tasks that are not listed but can be extremely important in an unpredictable situation.
Accommodation
Accommodation for Volunteers is in a new chalet-type guest-house fully equipped with all modern conveniences. There are no Women/Men separation bedrooms. Food is not included and you are expected to buy and prepare your own meals with the other volunteers.
Not just work...
As a volunteer you will have time to explore and enjoy the beautiful region of Portugal's north Atlantic coast line and forests. You may take an excursion to the nearest beach (20km away) or visit the nearby town of Marfa, rich in cultural heritage.
A night out in Lisbon may be arranged with the other volunteers.
Cost
|
Accommodation
|
Price for 14 nights
|
Each additional night
|
|
1 bunk bed (room for 4)
|
€428
|
€17
|
|
1 bed (double room)
|
€519
|
€23.50
|
|
Double room
|
€743
|
€39.50
|
|
Room (4 beds)
|
€946
|
€54
|
|
House (6 beds)
|
€1,464
|
€91
|
Price includes
· GoEco's administration fee
· Accommodation
· Kitchen facilities
· Training and volunteer work
You should take into account
· Flights to Portugal
· Travel insurance
· Transport from Lisbon to Malveira (one way around 10€)
· Food during project (around 30€a week)
· Personal expenses (e.g. drinks, bar, telephone etc…)
How do I Register?
Stage 1: If you would like to join this project, please complete the application form and submit it to GoEco.
Stage 2: Once we receive your application form, GoEco will evaluate your suitability for the project that you have chosen. At the same time, we will check availability of dates. (When completing your registration form, it is advisable to indicate a second and third choice in case your first choice is fully booked or the dates wanted are not available). Once GoEco receives confirmation of your acceptance to the project, we will notify you immediately by e-mail.
Stage 3: Once you have been accepted on a project and we have answered any additional queries that you may have, you will be asked to send a deposit of €190 in order to reserve your place within 7 days. This deposit is non-refundable.
Stage 4: After receiving your deposit, GoEco will send you a Disclaimer
Form and a Declaration form as well as a file containing all the relevant information about the project, including recommended ways to reach the site. You should return the two forms, duly signed, by mail to our office. Only upon the receipt of these forms, will we be able to complete the registration process.
Stage 5: The balance of the project fee must be paid to the project manager upon arrival.
General note: It is important for you to know that during the registration process and the duration of the project, the GoEco team is always on hand to answer your questions and offer any assistance needed.
