Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

My name is Richard Wooding and I am a second year Biological Sciences student at the University of Warwick. Recently, our department was visited by Operation Wallacea, a network of academics from European and North American universities, who design and carry out biodiversity and conservation management research programmes in a range of remote locations across the world. These academics appeal to university students to volunteer as research assistants and to go with them on these expeditions.

Their surveys have not only resulted in the discovery of 30 new species and the re-discovery of 4 'extinct' species, but the data gathered is used to support the establishment of conservation management programmes crucial for the protection of numerous species and habitats.

This summer I will be volunteering as a research assistant for their 2011 expedition to Peru, based in the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, which is the largest protected area in Peru spanning over 20,000 square km of the tropical Amazonian rainforest. The project involves monitoring the broad range of the area’s wildlife from turtles and macaws to primates, river dolphins and giant river otters. This is currently helping to develop management plans that incorporate both the needs of the local Cocama people and the conservation of wildlife in the Samiria river basin.

Going on such an exciting and scientifically-beneficial expedition unfortunately requires a significant amount of money, needed to cover the basics of accommodation, resources, vaccinations and flights. By supporting or sponsoring my expedition with a donation, you’ll be helping in the conservation of the planet and in the protection of some of the most unique and endangered wildlife in the world.

Many thanks,

Richard Wooding