Reptile, Amphibian and Fish Conservation Netherlands is the English name of RAVON. We are a non-governmental organisation (NGO) with 28 members of staff at our offices in Nijmegen and Amsterdam. Some 1500 volunteers carry out fieldwork, the staff coordinating the work of the volunteers. We carry out research for a wide variety of clients, giving them advice on species occurring in land and water habitats in locations ranging from building sites to nature reserves. As most species in the Netherlands are under threat, our chief aim is to increase the number of sustainable populations of our amphibians, reptiles and fish. Conservation projects often involve working together with other nature organisations both in the Netherlands and elsewhere in Europe. We have contact with universities, and schools of higher education, and students are welcome to come for practical training periods. We offer internships at various levels.
At the moment, we have six main subjects of research concerning amphibians, reptiles and fishes: exotic species, habitat fragmentation, species distribution, nature management for amphibians and reptiles, genetics, as well as education and communication. There are research items in these subjects, where each group is usually represented. In addition, we have specific internships for the Master or Bachelor degree, in which you will have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the elucidation of a larger research question.