Overview

Project description
The plateaus of southwest Patagonia, one of the harshest and least protected ecoregions in South America, are home to biodiversity of great conservation value. The Hooded Grebe (Podiceps gallardoi) is endemic to Santa Cruz province (Argentina) and today, only 40 years from its discovery, it is listed as critically endangered (BirdLife International / UICN) and facing extinction.
The Hooded Grebe Project consists of a professional and committed team that works extensively in the area since 2009, studying the grebes’ biology, identifying the root causes of its greatest threats and generating direct-action programs and conservation strategies that have already helped the population to start recovering.

The conservation measures include intense fieldwork (specifically research and control of invasive species), habitat restoration, local conservation education and promotion of laws that protect the species and its habitat.

After 6 years of intense work, the Hooded Grebe has become a symbol for Patagonias threatened wildlife and the applied conservation measures are showing first tangible results.
The Biological Station “Juan Mazar Barnett” was recently built in order to create a space for scientists that are interested in continuing and expanding research in the area. It is now a basecamp for biologists, archaeologists and many local and international students and volunteers interested in participating at the process of saving this beautiful species.

Volunteering at the Hooded Grebe Project

Our obstacles are immense. The Hooded Grebe´s breeding range is huge, its threats are many and for a few months, we need to be fast and everywhere at the same time in order to protect the Grebe´s most important breeding colonies.
We are looking for volunteers who are motivated by passion and genuine interest in biodiversity conservation and research. We require commitment, initiative, sacrifice and a willingness to go above and beyond.
We need adventurers, people who like the idea of camping in the wild, rough and windy deserts of the high plateaus of western Patagonia, who enjoy certain isolation, extreme weather conditions and never ending trips on bad roads and nearly inexistent tracks. A volunteer should be able to withstand long periods without a hot shower, without internet and phone communication, camping conditions and long walks for fieldwork. Volunteers should be in GOOD physical shape and health to participate in the program.
We know from experience that a volunteer of the Hooded Grebe Project needs to be flexible (able to accept last minute changes of plan and delays), have a good sense of humour and a proactive attitude, be respectful towards the other volunteers and team members, show interest for the different cultures, accept and embrace their differences, help out and do more than his share (wash dishes, wake up early, offer to help) and have fun.
Last but not least, not everything is harshness, isolation and wind in Patagonia. The team is an interesting mix of biologists, parkrangers, students, adventurers and naturalists who enjoy good meals at night, good music and long conversations. Of all ages and from all over the world, there are many different stories to hear and – most importantly – there´s a general huge passion about saving the Hooded Grebe. We hope participants will enjoy themselves, make new friends, and learn about Patagonia and conservation.
It’s a life changing experience for those who are up to the challenge.