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Wildlife Research
Ingwe . This research is not limited to leopards but will include many other carnivore
species such as Hyena, Honey Badger, Serval and Caracal.
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 analysing 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 dependant 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 sometimes need to 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
if your assignment coincides with a capture program you will 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.
Living and Accommodation
You will be based in the Leutla Valley approximately 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. Food and soft drinks are supplied. You
help to set the menu for each week and asked to assist with cooking and general
household chores on a rota basis, maintaining a high standard of hygiene and
tidiness. Due to it's isolated position, there is likely to be unreliable cell phone
reception at your accommodation, however there are various local hot spots where
cell phone reception is available. Similarly Internet access is limited at best but there
are Internet cafés in Lydenburg.
The Deal
We will provide training and accommodation, together with a defined research aims
and objectives for each individual. Once trained, you are encouraged to conduct
wildlife research as directed by the Project management.
Skills, abilities and qualifications
Above all we require you to have a passion and desire to assist in African wildlife
research and conservation.
We have no minimum qualification requirement, but rather consider the merits of
each applicant on their experience, desire and general aptitude to become involved.
You should be self motivated and have a 'can do' attitude to help overcome
problems if they occur. Days can be long, our base in located in a remote area of
pristine bush veld, therefore an ability to operate independently is essential.
You should be in good health. It should be noted that the nearest medical facilities
(doctors surgery) is approximately 1 hours drive.
We operate outside of formally protected area's where there are vitally important
wildlife conservation issues to deal with. In these wild area's animals (especially
predators) are harder to view than in managed game reserves. Radio telemetry,
tracks and camera trap pictures are used to monitor many species.
Please note that on very rare occasions we may need to use raw meat as bait to
assist in luring carnivores. We understand that some people prefer not to come into
contact with animal carcasses and therefore this element is optional. It goes without
saying that no animals are killed for this purpose, rather we utilise those that have
died of natural causes or in accidents and are donated to the project by benevolent
landowners.
Important
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.
Ingwe . This research is not limited to leopards but will include many other carnivore
species such as Hyena, Honey Badger, Serval and Caracal.
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 analysing 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 dependant 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 sometimes need to 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
if your assignment coincides with a capture program you will 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.
Living and Accommodation
You will be based in the Leutla Valley approximately 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. Food and soft drinks are supplied. You
help to set the menu for each week and asked to assist with cooking and general
household chores on a rota basis, maintaining a high standard of hygiene and
tidiness. Due to it's isolated position, there is likely to be unreliable cell phone
reception at your accommodation, however there are various local hot spots where
cell phone reception is available. Similarly Internet access is limited at best but there
are Internet cafés in Lydenburg.
The Deal
We will provide training and accommodation, together with a defined research aims
and objectives for each individual. Once trained, you are encouraged to conduct
wildlife research as directed by the Project management.
Skills, abilities and qualifications
Above all we require you to have a passion and desire to assist in African wildlife
research and conservation.
We have no minimum qualification requirement, but rather consider the merits of
each applicant on their experience, desire and general aptitude to become involved.
You should be self motivated and have a 'can do' attitude to help overcome
problems if they occur. Days can be long, our base in located in a remote area of
pristine bush veld, therefore an ability to operate independently is essential.
You should be in good health. It should be noted that the nearest medical facilities
(doctors surgery) is approximately 1 hours drive.
We operate outside of formally protected area's where there are vitally important
wildlife conservation issues to deal with. In these wild area's animals (especially
predators) are harder to view than in managed game reserves. Radio telemetry,
tracks and camera trap pictures are used to monitor many species.
Please note that on very rare occasions we may need to use raw meat as bait to
assist in luring carnivores. We understand that some people prefer not to come into
contact with animal carcasses and therefore this element is optional. It goes without
saying that no animals are killed for this purpose, rather we utilise those that have
died of natural causes or in accidents and are donated to the project by benevolent
landowners.
Important
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.