The Canada’s 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 five week 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 in Jersey, British Channel Islands.

Phase 2: Next, the New Noah spends 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 focusing on a critically endangered Canadian species, allowing them to bring home the skills and techniques they have learned overseas.  Our most recent New Noah graduate, Kendra MacDonald undertook a ten month internship with Parks Canada Atlantic region as coordinator of the pilot piping plover captive rearing project.

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

 Applications for 2011-2012 are now closed, but the position will be available again next year.  Please apply after September, 2012, to be the next Canada’s New Noah position.  Application forms will be updated at that time.