View ProjectsIPBio conducts research on amphibian ethology, embryology and chytrid fungus that attacks frogs. Volunteers accompany the development of tadpoles and frogs in captivity in the lab. This role is not always active as it is project based so depends on if research projects are coming to an end or new ones are starting. Moreover, even when active, the amount of work hours the role will occupy can vary substantially depending on the needs at the time. Therefore, amphibian researcher applicants are also applying for the eco-volunteer role and depending on the needs at the time they may work fully as an eco-volunteer or be placed into running amphibian projects.
A minimum of two weeks although usually we only accept long applicants
All year round
There are approximately 105 species of bioluminescent mushrooms in the world and Iporanga holds 26 species making it the region with the highest concentration of bioluminescent mushrooms in the world. IPBio wishes to develop a protocol that allows us to grow them in the lab under controlled conditions. Our cultivation program conducts experiments on: substrate compositions, sterilisation method, inoculation method, and fruiting techniques to optimise the process of cultivation. IPBio also maintains a culture bank, searches for new species and more.
Caves: Iporanga is called “The Cave Capital of Brazil” with over 400 caves in the town. Below are just the highlights.
Social Events:
Private rooms, shared rooms in a volunteer house
Description: Volunteers will stay at the Darwin Guest House, situated on the reserve itself, which accommodates up to 12 people in 8 rooms. Two rooms are collective rooms and 6 rooms are single rooms. All rooms have air conditioning or a fan, closet space and electricity outlets. Individual rooms have a desk with a chair. The house has 3 bathrooms with hot showers, a washing machine and has a fully equipped kitchen where volunteers can cook. A cleaning lady provides basic cleaning services for public areas and will provide fresh bed linen once a week. However, it is also the volunteer’s responsibility to maintain and clean the house; we take this very seriously. Volunteers work from 9am to 3pm during week days with an hour lunch break. Shops are located in the town of Iporanga 6km away from the reserve, which you can walk to or get a taxi, where there are various shops with all you will need. There is a small organic herb patch you can use and the gardener distributes vegetables when they are ripe.
lab, volunteer house, greenhouse, aquarium, deck by the river where you can swim, 7 trails and lots more
9 staff members - manager, biologists, release centre coordinator, volunteer coordinators, cleaner, reserve keeper
House with locks, security camera etc. Although we are in rural Brazil where crime rates are low.
Volunteer will cook and clean for themselves.
Yes - good enough that I can regularly do skype interviews. Not good enough to download movies.
Yes - complete cell phone coverage
There is a small town called Iporanga 6km away from the reserve with shops, emergency hospital etc.
Details of how to get here explained in the volunteer package
Either English or Portuguese at a high level, Spanish can work also
No - best pick out of applicants
Over 18
Full list of what to bring in the volunteer package
Volunteers at IPBio are required to pay 650 reais per week (please check up-to-date exchange rate in your currency). This fee covers the volunteer’s accommodation, internet access and project costs for the specific dates agreed upon. Volunteers are also responsible for paying for any extra costs such as travel costs, visa costs etc. A volunteer only confirms their placement once their payment is made. Once a volunteer makes their payment there is no refund if they decide to cancel for whatever reason. We will provide you with specific payment options by email.
The currency in Brazil is the Real. There is an ATM machine in Iporanga which accepts Visa Credit/Debit cards. ATMs give a better exchange rate than Exchange Houses. Check with your bank to see if your cards will work in Brazil, and tell your credit card company that you will be traveling overseas. Exchange some money prior to arriving in Brazil. The amount of money you want to bring is really up to you. Volunteers are responsible for purchasing products for the house such as garbage bags, cleaning products and toilet supplies. Volunteers are also responsible for buying their own food and cooking for themselves. On average a volunteer spends 450-1000 reais a month on total although of course this varies on your lifestyle choices. This covers living costs such as food, drinks, transportation and house supplies. On the high end of 1000 reais you would be going out for dinner regularly and doing various weekend activities but this is up to each volunteer hence we put a price range. Dinner out (without drinks) ranges from 15 to 30 reais. Cost of tours (including a guide, equipment and entrance fee costs around 110 to 140 reais depending on how many volunteers go.
Volunteers are also responsible for paying for any extra costs such as living costs, travel costs, visa costs etc.
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