This project facilitates those that wish to volunteer on pre-existing projects, and also facilitates volunteers wishing to conduct their own research.

​

The primary research areas of this project are:

​

• Bats

• Coral reefs

• Iguanas

• Invertebrates

• Herpetofauna

• Community outreach

​

Kanahau Utila Research and Conservation Facility (KURCF) is a newly established research facility on the north side of the island of Utila, Honduras. We primarily study all aspects of the terrestrial biodiversity,  welcoming volunteers and researchers from all disciplines and fields to join us. In addition to terrestrial research, Kanahau recently established a collaborative 'Utila Coral Restoration' project and a non-profit community shop 'Utila Handmade Co-Operative'.

The research facility is located about two miles outside the only town. It is surrounded by tropical broad leaf forest, just a few hundred feet from the Caribbean sea and situated at the bottom of 'Pumpkin Hill' which affords unparalleled views of this small island. Presently, we are a small, dedicated team of passionate conservation biologists.  We offer full board accommodation, including three meals a day, and can accommodate individuals and small groups who wish to gain experience or conduct independent/supervised research.

We run several long term studies at the facility and host visiting research scientists with their own studies. Some of the large projects we currently manage include monitoring populations of widespread (Snakes and Lizards) and threatened reptiles, including the critically endangered iguana Ctenosaura bakeri (endemic to Utila) two Anole lizards, Norops utilensis and Norops bicaroum (endemic to Utila) and two Geckos, Sphearodactylus poindexterii and Phyllodactylus palmeus (endemic). We also run a long-term study cataloging the Bats of the Bay Islands, as well as Insects and Arachnids, Mammals and Birds. In addition to scientific research,  we are actively involved in Environmental Education and various community outreach projects on the island (including the Utila Handmade Co-Op).  At Kanahau, we recognise that alongside research and active species management, the key to successful species conservation is education and inspiring appreciation of nature in the local community.