Wildlands Studies: Patagonia Ecosystems: The Chile Project
Wildlands Studies
Wildlands Studies: The Thailand Project: Marine And Coastal Ecology Of The Indo-Pacific
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Team members will take part in hands-on investigations of the ecology and conservation of southern Chile’s species and communities. Our first objective is to become fluent in the natural history of this region, its climate and geography, and to be... read more
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Lots. Yes. A student - Western Washington University View Entire Review
This program was a great way to integrate all of the environmental education I have had so far in my student career in a place with both beautiful and unique ecological systems. Zachary W - Western Washington University View Entire Review
About
Team members will take part in hands-on investigations of the ecology and conservation of southern Chile’s species and communities. Our first objective is to become fluent in the natural history of this region, its climate and geography, and to become intimately familiar with many of the species that live therein. We will travel across a transect of ecological systems ranging from coastal Valdivian rainforests, home of the ancient alerce trees, to the alpine forests, tundra and snowfields of the Andes, to the grasslands that lie in the rain shadow of the cordillera. As we become familiar with the inhabitants of these ecosystems, we will conduct ecological research projects that examine interactions, patterns of diversity, and ecological niches of the species we encounter.
We will also investigate the effectiveness of key conservation measures, such as the establishment of national parks and private reserves, which seek to create sustainable livelihoods for local communities while protecting biodiversity through participation in ongoing conservation, restoration, and sustainable agriculture projects. Highlights will include extended field investigations in Parque Pumalín, one of the largest private nature reserves in the world, and Parque Nacional Chiloé, on the fabled Isla Grande. These are two remarkable natural laboratories with intact forest and wildlife communities. However, despite their protected status and almost impenetrable landscapes, daunting conservation challenges loom, ranging from unsustainable and unregulated resource use by local communities to ambitious multinational development plans including new roads, dams and salmon farming.
Location: Puerto Montt, Chile
Accommodations: Primarily camping, occasional youth hostel or rural lodge
Credits: 15 quarter credits or 10 semester credits
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadInternship
Gap Year
Research
Program Length(s):
- Spring
- Academic Year
- January Term
- Custom
Instruction Language(s):
- English
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Environmental Studies
- Environmental Science
- Zoology, Animal Biology
- Ecology, Evolution Biology
- Anthropology
- Geography
