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South Africa, Mpumalanga |
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28 days / 27 nights |
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| Overview |
 A conservation assignment is the definitive life changing experience. We offer dedicated individuals the chance to make a real difference in South African wildlife conservation. Our placements range from 4-12 weeks, giving you the opportunity to become involved in a wide variety of wildlife research and community projects as part of your volunteer assignment. This project was founded in 1999 to conduct much needed research into the behaviour of leopards and other predators such as hyena, caracal, civet, honey badger and serval in a wide research zone. As a volunteer your financial contribution and support will help the Ingwe Leopard Project to make a real difference in South African Conservation.
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Itinerary |
You will be actively involved with ongoing wildlife research, this research is not limited to leopards but will include many other carnivore species such as Hyena, Honey Badger, serval and caracal.We do require that you have a passion and desire to assist in African Wildlife research and conservation. There is no minimum qualification required, but rather consider the merits of each applicant on their experience, desire and general aptitude to become involved. We will provide training and accommodation, together with a defined research aims and objectives for each individual. In return for this you will expected to conduct wildlife research as directed by the project management. You will be based within the Leutla Conservancy 30km’s from Lydenburg, Mpumalanga. You will stay in our research base, normally sharing a bed room with two-three other volunteers of the same sex. Due to its isolated position, there is likely to be no cell phone reception at your accommodation, however there are various hot spots within the conservancy where cell phone reception is available.
You will be involved with gathering vital data as follows;
Camera Trapping: We set motion activated cameras along game trails and paths to photograph passing animals. The resultant photographs are linked to a GPS reference and used in compiling ID kits for major carnivore species as well as an input to our overall data base analyzing animal movement and density.
Tracking: You will be given basic tracking in tracking and spoor recognition and thereafter be involved with foot surveys of our research areas.
Spoor Casting: We take plaster casts of any worthwhile tracks. Then dependent on location, add them too or cross check against our ID kits, photographs, existing data and ID kits, to map and area.
Wildlife Capture: We often capture animals to fit GPS or VHF tracking collars before release back to their home range. This varies from leopard and Hyena to serval and Caracal. You will be trained in the fundamentals of wildlife capture and actively assist with our work.
Monitoring via Telemetry: We are currently monitoring leopard and other species via GPS and VHF tracking collars. You will be trained in the use of telemetry equipment prior to monitoring the movement of these animals.
Please contact us for more details of this tour
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| Includes |
- Transport from Johannesburg airport
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Training in research techniques
- Bush craft
- Spoor and species recognition.
- Working under the guidance of ILP team leaders to monitor a number of key species inclusive of leopards, Hyena, Caracal, Serval and Honey Badger.
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| Notes |
Optional quote for Full package with airfare at preferential rates will be provided along with your Enquiry.
All accommodation is solar powered and in general there will only be electric lighting and no power outlets for TV, computer gaming of similar. Water supplies will be from mountain springs. Water heating for washing is via gas fired geysers. You will be responsible for refuse disposal and assisting with restocking gas bottles etc during a weekly town visit.
In recognizing that opting to assist in research with wildlife which has inherent dangers, you will be required to complete an indemnity form before undertaking any task. |
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Level: Moderate – Amateur
Travel Dates: Until November 2012
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| Experiences |
- Be Involved in making a difference to wildlife
- Joining a team to monitor Leopards and other predators.
- Predator training
- Learn new bush skills and techniques
- How to set and use camera traps
- Field Craft
- Spoor recognition
- Using telemetry
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