Description

On our Elephant & Rhino Research and Conservation Project, you will live in the heart of Thanda Private Game Reserve in Kwazulu-Natal (near South Africa's East Coast. The focus of this project is to monitor the Elephant as well as the endangered Rhino populations.

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.
* 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
* Finding and removing 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
* Carry out research on elephants and rhinos within the reserve to provide information for the Thanda Foundation
* Monitor the movements and behaviours of an old herd and 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
* Visit Pongola Nature Reserve to monitor their endangered Black and white rhino population
* Be involved in biodiversity studies and monitor the elephant and rhinos movements, eating habits and interactions

Qualifications

No previous experience is 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

Program Fees Include:

* The project fee entails financing that goes directly back into the project that you are involved with via the Thanda Foundation
* Transport between Durban airport and Thanda on Sundays only. We will arrive at the airport for 10.30 and leave at 14.30
* Orientation program, including a security briefing on living within a Big 5 game reserve
* All daily transfers to and from your projects during your stay
* Full board and lodging, which includes 3 meals a day at our volunteer house
* Assistance at your projects by African Impact staff and volunteer coordinators

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Animal Welfare
• Biological Research
• Conservation
• Environment
• 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 or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

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