Volunteering: Reptile and Amphibian Research, South Africa

ABRE conducts a biennial herpetofaunal assessment on Verloren Valei Nature Reserve in collaboration with the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency. Verloren Valei spans 5,000 ha of high-altitude grassland and wetlands along the Steenkampsberge range near Dullstroom.

Surveys involve active searches and inspections for pitfalls and funnel traps. The 2022 baseline survey was published in 2023. Species previously recorded include rinkhals, spotted harlequin snake, cross-marked grass snake, coppery grass lizard, and escarpment karoo toad.

The reserve also supports a diverse array of flora, birdlife, and plains game, including Blesbok, Black Wildebeest, Oribi, and Rhebok. Volunteers are transported in an open-backed vehicle and housed in a guesthouse near the reserve entrance.

The 14-day survey will run from January 4 to 17, 2026, with weekly intakes (January 4–10 and January 11–17), with a maximum of 5 volunteers/week. Volunteers may book one or both weeks. The fee includes return transport from OR Tambo International Airport, food, and accommodation.