What awaits you?

The project is based in the Tatra Mountains: a paradise of unspoilt countryside right at the heart of Europe. We work in and around the Low Tatras National Park and the Tatras National Park where, with luck, you may see a bear, wolf or even lynx. There are also wild boar, red deer, pine martens, otters, golden eagles, chamois, marmots and many other species in this beautiful area.

After expert training, you will have the chance to study the ecology of bears as well as wolves in the wild. Fieldwork includes walks through forests and meadows in search of carnivore trails and collecting samples for analysis.

You will also be helping us with another vital part of our work: educating the public. In 2008 and 2009 volunteers worked with us to design a range of activities and games for the "Bear Days" festival in the High Tatras.

We will show you some of the measures we have been implementing to reduce conflicts between people and carnivores and explain how this contributes to their long-term survival.

Volunteers need to be 18-60 years of age, in good health and physically fit. You will get most out of your stay if you are also independent-minded and flexible.

Where and when?

We are based in Liptovská Porúbka, right in bear, wolf and lynx habitat in the Low Tatras. If you do not have your own transport, we can pick you up from the train or bus in nearby Liptovský Hrádok. If coming by express/international train, change to a local connection in Liptovský Mikuláš. The nearest international airport is Poprad-Tatry, less than an hour from the project area.

First-time volunteers are required to attend a training week from 26th to 30th July 2010.

How much does it cost?

Prices for 2010 are €150 for the training week and €100 for each additional week, with a 25% discount for students and those under 25. This covers training, local travel and a donation to the project but excludes food and accommodation. The minimum stay is 2 weeks and the maximum for first-time volunteers is 3 weeks. Choose from a local campsite or hostel or book from a variety of hotels, guesthouses and private rooms, according to your budget.

Places for volunters are limited to a maximum of 8 and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. If you think you have what it takes to be a good volunteer, please email us your CV with a brief covering letter.

Contact

Robin Rigg or Svetlana Beťková
SWS - Slovak Wildlife Society
Liptovská Porúbka 70
P.O. Box 72, Liptovský Hrádok
033 01 Slovakia
Tel: +421-(0)44-5293752
Email: info@slovakwildlife.org