The IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) Pangolin Specialist Group is offering an excellent opportunity to gain experience volunteering at the Zoological Society of London, one of the UK’s leading conservation research organisations. The intern will assist with the development of a pangolin trade resource kit to support front-line enforcement personnel in their efforts to address illegal trade in pangolins. The intern will also provide communications support to the PangolinSG, including updating the website (www.pangolinsg.org) and social media.
The role will involve working with members of the Pangolin Specialist Group to produce a pangolin trade resource kit. The kit will include relevant information and tools to assist in implementing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) with regard to trade in pangolins. It will include species identification guides, advice on procedures to be followed in case of seizures, including handing, DNA sampling, guidance on disposal of live animals (e.g. veterinary case, contact details of experts or potential rescue centres) and other relevant materials
The volunteering opportunity is for six months, starting in November 2017. The role is ideally for three/four days a week, following normal office hours from 9am to 5pm and is based within ZSL’s Conservation Programmes department in Regent’s Park, London.
Please note that this is a voluntary position. However, lunch (up to £5) and travel expenses (up to the equivalent to a monthly travel card within zones 1-6) will be reimbursed.
In this role, the voluntary intern will benefit from:
- Experience of undertaking research within one of the UK’s leading conservation research organisations
- Training in the use of social media to communicate science and conservation
- Interaction with staff across the Society including Conservation Programmes and the Institute of Zoology, as well as 100+ Pangolin Specialist Group members.
Main Duties and Responsibilities