ONE of the country's first police wildlife liaison officers, former Swindon chief inspector Bob Phillpot, is off to explore the jungle of Costa Rica, in Central America.
Bob, 53, of Wootton Bassett, spent years tackling the illegal importation of exotic and protected animals.
Three years after leaving the Wiltshire force he is packing his suitcase after winning a research place with the Earthwatch Millennium Award.
The trip involves 16 days work in South America with scientists on an important environmental project.
Bob sees the experience as a good opportunity to take his interest in the environment further.
He said: "I expect to gain a better insight and understanding into how conservation projects work."
The project aims to analyse how insects maintain a critically endangered eco-system.
Dedicated bird watcher Bob, was one of the UK's first police wildlife liaison officers to combat crime on animals during the 1980s.
For more information on Earthwatch contact 01865 318850.
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