Wildlife Research
Highlights
- Scientific Research
- Conservation
Overview
The Wildlife Research and Conservation program gives wildlife enthusiasts, volunteers, students, scientists and interns of all ages and backgrounds an opportunity to get involved in conservation, research and wildlife management. Participants spend five days per week assisting in various capacities of research and wildlife conservation. Assistance is given through field work (data collection, behavior observations, trail camera deployment), entering and analyzing data, maintaining trail cameras and analyzing their photos. We leave evenings and weekends open which allows the chance to explore South Africa and take part in various cultural and tourist activities. Based in the beautiful coastal town of Hartenbos, South Africa our participants have a unique experience of working hands on in conservation on a free roaming wildlife reserve while living within walking distance to our pristine blue flag beaches.
- Shared accommodation Basic cold breakfast 7 days per week (Cereals) Packed Lunch Monday-Friday Conservation fees Daily access to game reserve Project related transported 24/7 emergency standby team Guided research and management activities All training material Housekeeping Airport Transfer (GRJ) Unlimited WiFi
- Dinners and weekend lunches (fully equipped self-catering kitchen available and restaurants within walking distance) Curios and other souvenirs Drinks Weekend activities Flights Visas Laundry Anything not stated
Important Information
When participating in the Wildlife Research and Conservation program volunteers, interns and students are involved in various research and conservation initiatives and projects within the game reserve. Projects and initiatives are peer-reviewed and foundational concepts to improve the welfare and understanding of wildlife in and outside protected areas. Primary work is dedicated to field observations and duties, data management and wildlife management assistance. All participants rotate through the various initiatives at Nkonzo Wildlife when participating in the Wildlife Research and Conservation Program, this includes our research.
Current work is being done on white rhino social behavior, hyaenid resource use in Fynbos, behavioral flexibility of bovids and wildlife fatality on roads. As a volunteer, intern, or student you will be working alongside the team to observe, collect data, develop projects, and data entry. Please keep in mind that time spent on the various projects will be determined by monthly quotas, weather, and animal cooperation. Training in “bush basics” such as survival, track and sign, reading animal behavior, and ethical approach methods will also be provided. The team takes great pride in only ethical operations and approaches and find it important to provide the information and understanding as to why we operate in the field the way we do.