Ethiopia Bird Banding Position Announcement 2016

Location: Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. http://balemountains.org/

Duration: November 1, 2016 through December 20, 2016 (approximate, dates somewhat flexible)

Job Description: We are seeking a lead bird bander for our project investigating the composition and distribution of forest bird species in the Harenna/Dolo Mena Forest, Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. We have 5 established bird banding stations distributed along an elevation gradient spanning 1800 meters (1400 to 3200m). Each site will be sampled 8 times, for a total of 40 banding days. The lead bander will be responsible for overseeing the mist netting operations. Primary duties include: 1) Safely and efficiently extracting and handling birds; 2) Accurately identifying, aging, and sexing Afrotropical and Palearctic species; 3) Collecting precise and reliable data; 4) Managing a crew of 3-4 people; 5) Communicating effectively with authorities of Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia Wildlife and Conservation Authority, and regional and national governments.

Qualifications: Applicants should have ample experience in mist netting and bird banding and be confident in identifying Afrotropical and Palearctic bird species. This job is demanding from a physical standpoint: banding will take place for 40 days starting before sunrise with one day off per week; banding stations will be routinely set up and taken down; the Harenna Forest is often wet, while the Sannetti Plateau can be quite cold. Expect to live in tight quarters.

To Apply: Email cover letter and resume outlining qualifications to Evan Buechley (e.buechley AT utah.edu). Please emphasize bird banding experience and work history in Africa and/or developing countries.

Compensation: This is an amazing opportunity to work intimately with birds in one of the top birding locations in the world. No stipend will be provided, however, food, transportation within Ethiopia, lodging, and permits will be covered by the project. Travel to Ethiopia may be covered. Applicants who are able to contribute further to their expenses on the project will be given additional consideration.

Accommodations: Bale Mountains National Park is in a remote part of Ethiopia. Applicants should expect rudimentary facilities, including pit toilets, tent camping, and local hotels. Nevertheless, for the most part we have comfortable housing for this project, including a researcher lodge in the exquisite Bale Mountain Lodge http://www.balemountainlodge.com/, bunk-beds at the park headquarters, and in a small hotel.

Background: Ethiopia is a mountainous country with a rich but little-studied biodiversity, even though most of the country is covered by one biodiversity hotspot or another. The Rift Valley that divides Ethiopia also forms the backbone of the most critical bird migration flyways through Africa. Nearly 900 bird species have been documented in Ethiopia, 31 of which are endemic to the Abyssinian highlands. The combination of high biological diversity, bird endemism, globally important bird migrations, and scant ornithological research makes Ethiopia a top priority in Africa for ornithological research, conservation, and education.

This is the first study of the elevational distributions of Ethiopian mountain birds in relation to climate change. By investigating the elevations mountain forest birds live in the Bale Mountains National Park, by measuring their survivorship and other demographic parameters at different elevations, and by studying to see if these birds are moving up with warming, we will guide conservation measures to reduce bird extinctions from climate change.

The Bale Mountains are rated by the African Bird Club as the 4th best birding site on the continent of Africa. At least 863 bird species have been documented in Ethiopia, representing nearly 10% of the global bird diversity and nearly 40% of the bird species recorded in Africa. Furthermore, the Bale Mountains are home to several Ethiopia endemics, and even some bird species found only in this mountain range. The Bale Mountains are truly one of the best birding sites in the world.

The Bale Mountains has a wide range of habitats, from the humid Harenna Forest to the 4,000m Sanetti Plateau. The Bale Mountains exhibit one of the highest rates of animal endemism in the world, and is home to the Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis), Mountain Nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni), Bale monkey (Chlorocebus djamdjamensis) and giant mole rat (Tachyoryctes macrocephalus), all of which are seen regularly during our field season. For more information, see http://balemountains.org/.

Photos of the fall 2013 banding season can be found at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/evanbuechley/sets/72157646182380656/