Internship with Wildlife Research - South Africa

Regular game drives and bush walks will provide you with the opportunity to collect data on the location and behaviour of your chosen species, while also allowing you to spot some of Africa's most amazing wildlife. You'll also participate in game counts, which will help you assess predator and prey populations and distributions. With the data you collect, you'll work alongside the team to analyse it and turn it into reports for the project’s partner reserves and conservation partners. This will help everyone to better understand the needs of the animals and the environment, and to make more informed conservation decisions. As part of your training, you'll learn useful analysis techniques such as QGIS to map the data you collect. This will allow you to determine things like distribution, social networks, family relationships, and corridor use, providing valuable insights into the lives of the animals you're working to protect.

As a wildlife intern, you'll have the opportunity to study animal species through camera trap surveys, which allow you to assess animal movements and collect data on your chosen species in their natural habitat. You'll be responsible for organizing and uploading these images to Camerabase software and producing comprehensive reports to assist our conservation team. At the end of your placement, you'll present this data, along with the data collected during research game drives, to our team. If your area of study is botany or birds, we'll work with you to provide observation sessions and learning opportunities on foot.

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In addition to studying wildlife, you'll also participate in physical conservation tasks like removing invasive plants and clearing encroaching bush. These activities help restore animal habitats and give you a greater understanding of how the ecosystem functions. Physical conservation work is a crucial aspect of wildlife preservation, and you'll have many opportunities to contribute. Whether you're assisting in removing snares or clearing out invasive species, the work you do plays a key role in the survival of wildlife and the success of conservation efforts in the area. It transforms the land back into a healthy habitat where wildlife can thrive.

As a wildlife intern, you'll have the opportunity to participate in weekly meetings with your mentor and a professional researcher to discuss the project's objectives, your progress, and areas for improvement. In addition, you'll attend presentations on wildlife, ecology, habitats, and predator threats, providing you with valuable knowledge and insights into the world of wildlife conservation. These informative sessions will enhance your understanding of the ecosystem and the challenges faced by the animals you're working to protect.

After an exciting day of exploration and hard work, unwind and relax poolside, catch a movie, or engage in a fun-filled games night with fellow volunteers at the lodge. In addition, the guides and staff members occasionally host informative presentations, providing further opportunities to discover the fascinating African landscape and its diverse inhabitants, including both wildlife and people. Enjoy your dinner on the scenic deck with a cozy fire to set the mood, often followed by marshmallow roasting. You can also participate in enjoyable fundraising events such as trivia and game nights, adding an extra layer of fun and excitement to your stay.