Description

Based at the award winning Thanda Game Reserve you will help the team by gathering information in the field and spending time in the bush on conservation initiatives. The focus of this project is to monitor the endangered Big Five African animals (Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo) and to assist in vital conservation within the reserve.

Your role as a volunteer will include:
* Monitoring the behaviour, feeding patterns and movement of a herd of elephant who were released into the park in early 2011.
* Collating and record research data on a pride of lions. This will being in the bush to observe hunting, social, breeding and territorial behavior at various different times of the day. This also involves some night drives.
* Monitoring the rhino population to support the data recorded by the anti-poaching team during the day. This will help the reserve managers to understand the health of the animals, which are part of an endangered species reintroduction programme.
* Capturing data as required by the reserve management team on their ongoing endangered species work
* Find and remove snares. This is a vital part of the anti-poaching effort within a park
* Carrying out physical work to help regenerate natural bush from reclaimed farmland including the prevention of further soil erosion and the removal of old structures to avoid injuries for animals
* Contributing to the long term strategy of removal of Alien Plants from the park

Highlights

* Live in the heart of a Big 5 game reserve
* Monitor endangered wildlife within the reserve to provide information for the Thanda Foundation
* Monitor the night time movements of the predators in the park
* Visit Pongola Nature Reserve and monitor the movements of their Black and White Rhino population
* Monitor the movements and behaviours of a newly introduced herd of elephants
* Assist on conservation initiatives within the Park such as alien plant control, soil erosion and snare sweeps
* Assist on game capture if and when possible

Qualifications

No previous experience or qualifications are necessary for this project - just a passion for wildlife and conservation!

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 1795 +

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Animal Welfare
• Conservation
• Environment
• Volunteering
• Wildlife Surveying

Age Range

18 +

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 working days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Year Founded

2004