GUARDAPARQUE
The Guardaparque is a park ranger working long hours and long shifts,
often 20 days on and 8 days off for basic pay.
You will sometimes see guardaparque in the more remote areas of
the country setting out on foot with a rifle and a sandwich, these two
being the guardaparque's only company.
Guardaparque's patrol against poachers against some of the more
famous and endangered species such as the Jaguar and the Quetzal, these
animals are sold to zoo's or individuals and on some occasions are eaten
by the locals.
Guardaparque's often patrol at night only with a torch - guaradaparque's
consist of locals who have an unrivalled knowledge of the land and also
students who have read for degrees in subjects such as biology, botany
and ecology.
The service also relies on a cadre of dedicated international volunteers
to help out at the more remote ranger stations.
My guaradaparque duty is scheduled for the Tortuguero National
Park on the east coast of Costa Rica but depending on ranger numbers on
my arrival, I could be re-directed to a vast number of other national parks.
If you want to find out more about becoming a guardaparque or to
join any other youth scheme in Costa Rica - contact to Costan Rican embassy
in London and ask to be sent information regarding youth projects.
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