Request: Ornithologists for the West African Waterbird Count 2006

January 2006
In January 2006, a coordinated complete waterbird survey will be conducted in the most important sites along the West African coastline between Mauritania and Sierra Leone. Key sites include the Banc d'Arguin National Park in Mauritania, Saloum and Casamance in Senegal, coastal wetlands The Gambia, the Bijagós Archipelago and coastline of Guinea-Bissau, coastal wetlands of Guinea and estuaries of Sierra Leone.

This will follow on from past surveys, especially to ensure compatibility of results. The coordinated count will result in greater knowledge on the distribution of waterbirds along the coast, especially of Palearctic migrant waders during their stay in West Africa. The data will also provide important information for the development of populations estimates, coordinated ecoregional action plans and site management plans, and will highlight gaps in protection. The results may also provide important information on sustainable use of waterbirds as sources of food and income for local populations, and provide input for an ecotourism strategy for the region.

Expertise requirements
The Wetlands International West Africa office is seeking technical experts within and outside the region to provide technical support to the counts. Experts should have wide experience of waterbird census, preferably in Africa, and some knowledge of the appropriate language for each country (French in particular). Activities consist of carrying out coordinated, complete, and synchronized counts along the whole coastline, in cooperation with national and local teams. Experts are also expected to share their expertise with local counterparts through informal training in the field. The census will take place from 15th January 2006.

Technical experts are needed for the following key sites