The Project
Patagonia Exploration and Wildlife Research Expedition

By focusing on our local partners’ priorities and exploration we aim to get out into the wilderness and bring back new and important information about the land and its ecosystems. In this way you will not only be collecting valuable data on the region, you also get to develop your outdoor skills in some truly stunning places.

The expedition aims to include the following aspects:

1. Comprehensive training period in outdoor living, camp craft, field research techniques and First Aid & CPR.
2. Scientific research projects in support of our local partners often including trekking to remote locations within National Parks, private lands and protected areas to monitor wildlife and habitats while experiencing rugged steppes, snow-capped mountains, impressive volcanoes, glaciers, and rich mountain forests.

This expedition aims to raise awareness of the need for conservation and preservation of Patagonia’s highly threatened and sensitive habitats, while also giving Expedition Members access to the beauty and adventure of living in Patagonia for an extended period of time. All research projects are chosen not only for their value to our local partners, but also to incorporate trekking and movement (sometimes by horse) within the unique habitats and landscapes which make up Patagonia. GVI staff will take extreme care to make sure that each expedition member is fully prepared and capable to get the most out of the experience. This expedition will give you the chance to test your physical and mental strength whilst experiencing the realities of living in the Patagonian outdoors. It is intensely challenging and incredibly rewarding for the entire group, giving you an unforgettable experience.

Environmental Research

GVI’s focus is to support vital conservation projects of the region where field data collection is an integral part of the overall adventure. Locations are remote, work is tough, and conditions can be very harsh, but the tranquility, scenery and worthwhile research make up for the biting wind and rugged living conditions. GVI is the first international organisation to bring volunteers to Argentine Patagonia and the initial expeditions have set a high benchmark standard of work that can be conducted by GVI Expedition Members. Working for or alongside local partners, Expedition Members will have the unique chance to access highly sensitive areas in order to carry out critical work. Research projects are conducted in Lanin National Park and other protected areas of Patagonia.

The main partner of the expedition is Lanin National Park, the second largest National Park in Argentina which takes its name from the inactive Lanin volcano (3,777 m). The 412,000 hectares of protected land contain a wide diversity of flora and fauna from the endemic Araucaria forest in the north to the southern beech forests of Coihue trees in the east, to Colihue cane forests in the south. Certain species, such as the Araucaria (known as the Monkey Puzzle tree), are not found in any other part of the world. There are also 24 glacial lakes scattered around the park and at certain times of the year the expedition collect data on the migrant duck populations around the lakes to assess the presence and impact of American mink. The expedition assists the park and its associated biologists and park rangers with various projects from Araucaria research to Huiña cat trapping in some of the remote areas of the park.

There are many projects that require GVI trained volunteers in Patagonia and some of them are listed below. Depending on season, animal activities and local partners’ need, Expedition Members may have the opportunity to be involved in one or more projects. There will be the opportunity to take part in one or more of the projects listed below:

• Tracking and live trapping of Huiña cats in Lanin National Park
• Tracking invasive European red deer to guide biologists and hunters to the location of the animals
• Araucaria tree studies
• Cachaña parakeets behavioral studies
• Andean Condor census at various sites simultaneously
• Tracking and recording signs of the invasive Wild Boar (also using photo trapping where possible)
• Population studies on Guanaco, Darwin’s rhea, Puma and other wildlife in Auca Mahuida Provincial Reserve located in the northeast Neuquén province
• Catching and sheering wild Guanaco in a pilot project in the north of Patagonia.
• Surveying the many small and remote lakes and their migrant waterfowl populations to assess the presence and impact of American mink
• Helping with basic building or trail maintenance work to improve Lanin National Park’s infrastructure.

The Training manual that you will receive 4 weeks prior to departure will provide more information on current projects but most training will be given in field. Please note that projects change from phase to phase and expedition to expedition due to animal activities, season and our local partners' availability and focus.