Description

Are you a big cat person? Set in over 30,000 hectares of African wilderness this project in particular will delight wildlife lovers with rhinos, elephants and leopards all wandering by (but hopefully not too close!). Lions will be your primary focus though, and you'll have the opportunity to actively monitor a lion pride and get up close to these amazing animals. Recently the research has expanded to include Rhinos and Elephants and these studies are combined with the focus on the Lions in the reserve making for an even richer experience. Your help is vital for the immediate and long term success of the project, so your contribution, like your memories, will last long after you return home.

What does the project do?

The Selati Research program was developed in 2004 with the aim of monitoring behavior patterns, movement and the impact on prey and predator species that reintroduced lions have on the reserve.

The overall aim of the Lion monitoring expeditions is to learn more about their behavior and produce a detailed annual report that will enable the reserve owners and managers to determine the carrying capacity and sustainability of large predators on the reserve. If there are too many lions and not enough animals lower down in the food chain, the reserve cannot operate in a natural way. Therefore occasionally Selati has to manage the animals in the reserve. They do this by careful live capture and transfer of animals or using trained hunters to lower the numbers of specific animals.

Recently the research has been expanded to include Rhino and Elephant studies within the reserve creating a more detailed and fascinating picture of the interaction between the different species. In addition the research program is currently expanding and is hoping to incorporate the illusive leopard as well as helping the reserve monitor its vegetation communities.

What's the project like?

The stunning Selati reserve is a 30,000 hectare habitat boasting high concentrations of wildlife. The park has around 90 elephants, 50 rhinos, numerous leopards and plentiful game species.

A pride of lions was introduced to the reserve in 2004 and a specific program is needed to monitor all aspects of their behavior and habits to allow reserve managers to assess their impact on the reserve. The aim of the research is to produce detailed reports on the feeding ecology of large predators and to determine the capacity of the reserve to sustain large animals.

This is a unique opportunity to get involved with a pioneering research program and gain knowledge from highly trained staff. This is a chance for you to learn skills such as tracking collared lions using radio telemetry, navigation techniques, using a GPS, animal identification and gain an awareness of the fauna and flora in the area.

Forget the noisy confusion of normal life and settle into the laid back ways of the bush. With only the sounds of the birds and the wind, youll truly have the chance to find calm again and appreciate the hours as they tick to a slower rhythm.

Why does the project need volunteers?

The results of the research you'll be helping with and your direct involvement in the project will allow reserve managers to make well-informed decisions about how to manage the animal populations of the game reserve.

Once trained, you will generally be out in the game drive vehicle twice a day, tracking, spotting and then observing and recording the lions' behavior. The hours vary depending on lion movement and activity so you could be out late into the night. During the heat of the day, you will find yourself entering the data you have collected from the field, becoming involved in reserve or house maintenance or getting involved with the other research programs conducted on the reserve.

Your project fee not only goes towards your food, accommodation, and full training but also is also crucial in funding and maintaining the research program.

What our projects say:

- Definitely without volunteers we would not have the finance or manpower to operate at all

- The financial support we get from the volunteers basically runs the program, from staff wages, equipment, fuel etc. so without them we could not do anything. So they make more than just a difference they make the program so all our achievements big and small are thanks to the volunteers

- Volunteers through their experiences on worthwhile programs, can really grow to understand a country including its issues and raw realities. Through their experiences volunteers leave the country with a much more realistic and holistic understanding of a country and its people

Highlights

* Tracking the lions every day - probably the most exclusive safari in the world!
* Experiencing a genuine African 'bush experience
* Getting up close to amazing wildlife

Qualifications

What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:

You must have an interest in animals and research and be prepared to spend many hours observing lion behavior. Hours will be based upon the animal's movement, so you must expect early mornings and late nights. With guidance, you will learn how to use all the relevant equipment and will be trained in all areas of data collection and input. You should be prepared to get involved in all areas of the research and base logistics, as we will all work a team. The project is expanding so expect you may be part of a team working towards collaring and habituating leopards for new research initiatives, when you are not monitoring the lions.

Your role as a volunteer:

Once trained, you will generally be out in the game drive vehicle twice a day, tracking, spotting and then observing and recording the lions' behavior. The hours vary, depending on their movement and activity, so you could be out late into the night. During the heat of the day, you will find yourself entering the data you have collected from the field, becoming involved in reserve or house maintenance or getting involved with the other research programs conducted on the reserve.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 2,299.00 for 2 weeks, USD 700.00 for every week thereafter

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Written materials abroad

Program Fees Include:

What's Included

* Shared dormitory room in volunteer house on reserve
* Food: Self-catering - food provided
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation
* Support: Pre-departure help desk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

When you go on an i-to-i Venture we want you to have the best possible time abroad, so we include these important services.

Before you depart we offer:
- detailed information on your project and country
- fund raising advice and support
- visa instructions
- vaccination recommendations
- advice on health, safety & culture shock
- contact details to pass along to your family

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

If you are interested in immersing yourself in another culture while giving your time to a worthy cause, then you are a typical i-to-i volunteer. We invite you to join the i-to-i community of dedicated volunteers aged 18-80 who are working on community development, building, teaching, and conservation projects across the globe. Together, we make a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet through hundreds of worthwhile projects around the world.

Age Range

18-80

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Volunteering's Mission Statement

i-to-i Volunteering provides unique opportunities for you to travel, work and volunteer abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 16 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations. With over 130 projects on 4 continents, across 22 countries you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching English, community development, conservation, home building, and working with animals.

Year Founded

1994