Description

The Tuli Conservation Project gives volunteers the opportunity to closely study 2 of Africa's famous Big 5 species; the majestic African Elephant and the secretive Leopard. The volunteer camp is surrounded by unfenced wilderness. It is from here that the volunteers venture into this harsh land of extreme beauty. The isolated position and sheer size of the area has left humans knowing very little about the wildlife within this wilderness, and this is where you, the Volunteer, fit into this raw African conservancy.

The project is named after the Tuli Block, an area which forms part of the Limpopo/Shashe Trans Frontier Conservation Area, which also straddles the borders of South Africa and Zimbabwe allowing for natural migration of Elephant herds and other animal species.

Highlights

Elephants are the key research and monitoring species of the Tuli Conservation Project. The research will involve:

* Monitoring range utilisation of the elephants as well as habitat use and vegetation damage assessment. GPS and computer mapping systems used for this.
* Developing personalised idenitification cards for each individual elephant.
* Recording information about herd dynamics, namely sex and age ratios.
* Monitoring behaviour of both breeding herds and male bulls.

In addition, the other main research studies ongoing at Tuli involve:

* Leopard monitoring - Data collected is used to establish territory size and interactions between members of the same and other species.
* Lion study: Volunteers study the movements and behaviour of a resident pride of lions in the vicinity of the volunteer camp. One lion has been fitted with a research collar so that movements can be recorded.
* General Game Monitoring - Recording of all general game numbers via a grid co-ordinate system is done on a systematic basis. General game counts are mapped and compared to vegetation maps, leopard track recordings etc. Sex and age ratios are also noted in order to determine herd structures and growth rates. Seasonal and other variations are determined in this manner.

Other activities involve the restoration and maintenance of the land in order to maximise the suitability of the area for animal species to flourish. This work may include;

* Removal of old fence wire to prevent harm to animals.
* Erosion control of the gullying effects of the Limpopo River.
* Eradication of alien vegetation species.
* Ongoing habitat rehabilitation initiatives.

Tuli offers volunteers the opportunity to become part of a new approach to game management. This open system of Trans Frontier Areas creates as large an area as possible for game to move freely and migrate naturally across historically established national borders.

Please Note: This project involves quite a lot of walking and climbing of 'koppies' (rock outcrops) in order to monitor game, so a good level of fitness is required.

Travel Types

• Ecology
• Environmental Studies
• Eco Tours
• Camping
• Hiking
• Nature Tours
• Birdwatching
• Volunteering
• Safari

Qualifications

No qualification or previous experience are necessary, just an interest and passion for wildlife conservation.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

from 3,040

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Costs cover the whole placement and volunteers will need only about USD 50 a week spending money.

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Most of our volunteers have either finished college and want some international work experience before starting their career, or are taking a break from their career. Many are interested in wildlife conservation, but most have no previous experience or qualifications.

Age Range

17-70

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 6

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 days

African Conservation Experience's Mission Statement

African Conservation Experience organizes work placements for volunteers of all ages on wildlife conservation projects in Southern Africa. We work only with projects that we assess as having a real and beneficial contribution to conservation efforts. Volunteers get very much involved with the work, rather than sitting back and observing, and provide a valuable resource to the projects. We pride ourselves on the quiality, integrity and frendliness of the service that we provide. We ensure that volunteers understand fully what is expected of them and place particular concern on volunteers' security and safety.

Year Founded

1999