WILDLIFE PRESERVATION CANADA


Canadian Collection Canada's New Noah Jersey diploma course Belize MESRT Field reports

CANADA'S NEW NOAHS (CNN)

The New Noahs program is a highly valued opportunity for young biologists in Canada. Since 1990, it has filled a gap in conservation education in this country, providing practical training and field experience in managing and conserving endangered species.

The program was designed by WPC scientific advisor Richard Fyfe, a pioneer in Canadian species conservation. Each year, more than 150 candidates - including Bachelors, Masters, and Ph.D. level students, practising wildlife biologists, and veterinarians - request applications for the single, coveted position.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

to train young Canadian biologists in the techniques required to breed endangered species in captivity, reintroduce them into the wild, and manage wild populations

to give young Canadian biologists practical field experience with in situ conservation projects that complement their academic training

to create a network of skilled Canadian conservation biologists who focus on endangered and threatened species

to increase public awareness in Canada about endangered species and the progress being made to save them from extinction

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Phase 1: The first phase consists of a three-month diploma course of academic, laboratory and hands-on training in the principles of breeding and conservation of endangered species. This takes place at the Trusts' International Training Centre, Jersey, British Channel Islands.

Phase 2: Next, the New Noahs spend six months performing supervised fieldwork in Mauritius as part of the Trusts' on-going conservation program to save some of the world's rarest bird and reptile species.

Phase 3: After completing Phase 2, New Noahs are encouraged to undertake a six-month WPC internship focussing on a critically endangered Canadian species, allowing them to bring home the skills and techniques they have learned overseas. Currently, this internship involves working with the Vancouver Island marmot under the auspices of The Calgary Zoo, a world leader in conservation research.

RESULTS
New Noah students consistently graduate at the top of their class at the training centre. Graduates have returned to Canada to find employment on recovery projects for such endangered species as the Peregrine Falcon and Black-footed Ferret. Others have found contract work overseas from St. Lucia to Madagascar.

TO APPLY
We accept applications for the next Canada's New Noah in about September of each year.
> View information on becoming a New Noah, and download an application form.

MEET CANADA'S NEW NOAHS
> Christina Davy, 2007
> Natasha Lloyd, 2006
> Jessica Steiner, 2005
> Canada's Past New Noahs

CNN PROGRAM PARTNERS
> Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (Jersey, U.K.)
> Calgary Zoo, Centre for Conservation Research