Targeting remote and threatened locations across the globe, ten brand new cutting-edge expeditions are introduced by Earthwatch, the international environmental charity.

Brave and adventurous volunteers are needed at Poàs volcano in Costa Rica and Masaya volcano in Nicaragua to assist the scientists engaged in the study pertaining to the effects of volcanic storm and acid rain on water and the wildlife of the tropical regions.

The volunteers will be required to hike to the flows of lava and crater lakes to join the survey of the area's amazing flora and fauna. 

Also, in one of the exceptional wildlife habitats called the Ecuadorian Andes, the scientists of Earthwatch are surveying pumas, jaguars, and spectacled brown bears. As the volunteers explore the magnificent cloud forests, they can assist in activities like identifying animal tracks, setting up camera traps and collecting aerial images using a giant catapult system attached to a helium balloon.

The other packages available include Pribilof Islands – consisting of a long trip across 800 miles in addition to closer to home trips to Bordeaux or France. There are also trips to Tanzania, Wyoming, New York, North Carolina, Canada and Virgin Islands, each of them concerned with a special animal saving programme.

Available throughout 2008, each of the expeditions requires 12 volunteers for one or two week periods. The teams will be given local food and a comfortable stay. The price packages range from £175 to £2550.

Visit www.earthwatch.org to know more.