Perform Critical Research To Protect Crocodiles & Manatees…
From Anywhere On Earth
HIGHLIGHTS:
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100 research hours for VMCAS vet school applications
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100% Online for Summer 2022 (limited to 20 Fellows)
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Collect and analyze data as a critical step to protect “Placencia Lagoon” as a wildlife sanctuary in Placencia, Belize
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Have a first-hand impact on the protection of wild crocodiles, manatees, and more through your research
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Gain valuable research experience in drone surveys, camera traps, parasite analysis, and literature reviews
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*Fellowship is open to ALL. No pre-requisites or student status is required.
Loop Abroad, in collaboration with CELA-Belize, invites students to be part of wildlife conservation and research conducted by the Crocodile Research Coalition (CRC) in and around the Placencia Lagoon in southern Belize. This is a one-of-kind online research fellowship available from anywhere.
With the Crocodile Research Coalition (CRC), students will join the team to collect and analyze data, a critical step in order to protect the area as a Wildlife Sanctuary. Although the CRC’s primary study species are crocodiles, the CRC takes a more holistic approach to conservation that includes research of various species (including manatees) within crocodile habitats and involving various community members to create local stewardship of the lagoon.
The fellowship will start with an orientation block session where we will cover the methodology of wildlife research, crocodile ecology and biology, parasitology (focusing on tropical diseases), and translational ecology. CRC Director, Dr. Marisa Tellez, will also discuss the challenges of wildlife conservation and management referencing her experience with local, national, and international regulatory bodies. After learning basic theories of wildlife research and conservation, you will be introduced to specific projects and begin analyzing data collected by CRC staff.
Your primary projects will include (100 Research Hours required):
Drone surveys: drones will be flown in systematic grid patterns over marine habitats identified as prime manatee and crocodile areas. You will count and identify manatees and crocodiles in the lagoon to create a baseline population count and begin to distinguish individuals. These surveys are conducted on the ground by Next Gen Croc, a CRC program that trains youth in research techniques.
Camera traps: the CRC has secured 25 acres of land with access to another 325 acres on the western side of the Placencia Lagoon in an area known as Flower Camp. This area has an abundance of wildlife including jaguars, tapirs, raptors, and parrots, as well as prime habitat for crocodile nesting and manatee breeding. Motion sensor camera traps are an effective method for collecting data on elusive species with minimal impact on the study subject. During crocodile nesting season, cameras will be set up to observe rarely observed behaviors. Cameras will also be used to collect images of elusive terrestrial species, such as jaguars. Reviewing these images, fellows will assess species presence/absence, determine body condition, and identify individuals.
Parasite analysis: parasites are key biological indicators of the health of the environment and the population. For those interested in wildlife disease, environmental parasitology, or veterinary science, the identification of parasites is essential to monitor in regards to the impact of human development or climate change. Students will be given 1-2 examples of parasites that have been collected from snails, fish, turtles, or crocodiles and utilize guides and lecture notes to identify the parasites (depending on the samples, parasites can be identified by family, genus, or species).
Literature Review: you will compile resources from peer-reviewed journals as part of the CRC research. Topics will be assigned according to current grants, presentations, and publications. You will research the topic, compile resources and complete a paper discussing your findings.
Your impact as a research fellow…
Data reviewed will be critical in determining the populations of threatened species around the Placencia Lagoon. Working with local and national governments, we intend to use the data collected to provide supplemental data to the Belize Forest Department to establish the Placencia Lagoon as a Wildlife Sanctuary, protecting this critical habitat from further development!
Further your studies…
Other topics presented and discussed will include: species identification, basic statistical analysis, veterinary care of crocodiles (lecture by visiting vet), nocturnal eyeshine surveys (depending on current COVID-19 curfew restrictions), wildlife rescue calls, necropsy, science communication, and captive wildlife training methods.
Students may apply from anywhere in the world. You must be fluent in English and have internet fast enough for video calls (minimum 1Mbps) and a computer with video playback, microphone, and sound. No experience with zoos or veterinary medicine is required.
Dates, Meeting Times, Deadlines
Orientation |
Required research team Zoom calls |
Concluding session |
Office hours |
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Sat, Dec 28: 11am-1pm ET Sun, Dec 29: 11am-1pm ET |
Every Mon and Wed 6-8pm ET | Sat, Jan 18: 11am-1pm ET |
Thursdays 11am-2pm ET by appointment |
Research Fellowship Tuition
Wild Manatee Drone Capture
Session |
Full Tuition |
Discounted Tuition |
Summer 2024 |
$995 |
University credit is not offered with this internship. There are no additional readings, technology subscriptions, or course materials you have to purchase to participate in this research fellowship.