Wildlife & Ecological Research Intern
Join a research centre on a Wildlife reserve in South Africa, join long term and pioneering scientific research focused on various fields and specialisms, from animal behaviour, using new equipment and techniques to record and analysis data, practical conservation and ecological management principles.
Volunteers and students can join this placement its projects as an intern, you’ll also help with ongoing reserve management, from K-9 anti-poaching patrols to the restoration of old habitat or the introduction or removal of species. Gain skills, experience and confidence with the latest in ecology, zoology and wildlife management that’s backed by universities.
As rare opportunity to take part in a diverse range of project both on foot and in a vehicle
Become a volunteer
Volunteer information
Wildlife & ecological research intern
Rhino Research & Hormone Monitoring
Due to the ongoing pressure of poaching, its procedures on many reserves that white and black rhinos are regularly dehorned, although in the rhinos best interest, being anaesthetised by a vet is still a stressful and invasive procedure.
Stress is an important factor in health, from influencing the immune system to causing more aggressive behaviour. Join pioneering research and help take biological samples from rhino on the reserve, these will then be sent to laboratories to monitor cortisol and other hormonal indicators.
What will you be doing?
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Tracking and monitoring rhino on the reserve
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Recording body condition and ongoing health
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Recording location of defecation (dung) for biological sampling
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Supporting any veterinary or dehorning work
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Support with feeding during drought periods
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Helping plot and analyse data
Camera trap surveying
Camera traps are a fantastic tool for ecologists and conservationists, record seldom seen and more illusive animals in a passive and non-intrusive way.
Volunteers and researchers will learn how this equipment works, from the technology itself to site selection and how to target specific species such as brown hyena. Help record data, process footage and learn how to create individual identification kits based on animals unique markings.
What will you be doing?
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Understand and build confidence with equipment
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Learn how to select & prepare sites for trapping
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Analyse recorded footage for target species
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Help develop identification kits for animals like brown hyena
K-9 Anti-poaching patrols
Take part in on foot patrols around the reserve to look for poaching. The majority of poaching on reserves in South Africa are for bush meat, search the environment for signs of human activity and remove any snares.
Patrol as a team and with specially trained dogs who help keep endangered wildlife safe.
What will you be doing?
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Patrol the reserve on foot
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Look for signs of human activity and remove snares or other traps
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Follow and work with anti-poaching dogs
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Gain real world insight into poaching
Wetland bird monitoring
Wetlands, lakes and marshy areas are rich in biodiversity, they act as important habitats for birds that are permeant residents as well as species that migrate to South Africa to breed.
There are over 300 species of bird on the reserve, monitoring these trends in populations and species present provides fantastic data and feedback on the overall health of habitats.
What will you be doing?
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Monitor birds in proximity to wetland habitats
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Gain and understanding of bird species, their identification and behaviour
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Identify and record bird species
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Analyse data to determine biodiversity trends
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Record water levels and changesin habitat
Nocturnal species surveys
The night time is equally as rich in life and activity as the day, there are many nocturnal species such as Aardvark, Porcupine, Brown Hyena or Scrub Hare that become active after sunset.
Volunteers and students who are happy to take part in these night patrols will record any nocturnal species during a spotlight transect survey, helping estimate and determine which nocturnal species are present on the reserve.
What you'll be doing
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Take part in nighttime patrols from vehicles
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Spotlight transects to search for nocturnal species
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Review results and sightings to determine when nocturnal species are most active
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Record species sighted (nocturnal + buffalo only)
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Observe & record behaviour of nocturnal species
Tree and vegetation research
Lead by onsite experts and researchers, ongoing research into the vegetational composition of the reserve is a great way for volunteers & students to expand their understanding of ecosystems & habitats.
You’ll be able to support and work with researchers to help them gain data relating to vegetational compositions, species presents and even grazing use by animals or how fire plays a role in habitat.
What you'll be doing
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Research and record data on plant and vegetation
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The condition of the reserve in relation to grazing and biodiversity
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Gain insights into area utilization
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Fire risk or even growth in response to fire
Veterinary work and game capture
Managing a wildlife reserve relies on veterinary work to ensure priority and endangered species are health and breeding. You’ll have a chance to observe and get involved with any planned or unplanned procedures, from de-horning rhino, to vaccinations work or even translocating wildlife.
Although there are no guarantees as to which species if any will need veterinary work during your placement, if it does happen then you’ll be able to gain key insights relating to how big game is managed in South Africa.
What you'll be doing
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Observe and support with any procedure
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Learn from vets and wildlife managers
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Understand more about wildlife translocating in response to fenced reserves
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Question and answers from experienced vets
