Rhino, Elephant, Big Cat Research & Conservation in South Africa

What is the Rhino, Elephant and Big Cat Research and Conservation project in South Africa all about?

Volunteer in South Africa and work on incredible rhino, elephant and big cat research and conservation in Kruger, home to the Big 5. The Greater Kruger area is home to lions, elephants, buffalos, rhinos and leopards, as well as over 400 species of birds. This project aims to share data with large scale projects, conservation agencies and the authorities to protect habitats and species and to help with education of humans to reduce their impact. Game drives are an important aspect of this placement. You will have the opportunity to be involved in research about reptiles, as well as other project initiatives relating to the Big 5, including:

• The rhino population has dropped from 100,000 (1960s) to around 3,500 today and a reintroduction programme has taken place in the park to protect and monitor this species.
• Elephants are suffering because of the conflicts with humans in the region and the project monitors the elephant’s environment and behaviours in an effort to secure their futures.
• Big cat populations have seen a 80% decline in numbers in the last 30 years, due to illegal poaching, a lack of prey and reduction in habitat.
• Buffalo continue to be vulnerable; so tagging and recording data about them is important to their survival.

Learn or develop your research knowledge and skills to help the project team protect and conserve these magnificent species for future generations.

Why choose this Wildlife Conservation in South Africa project?

Join this fabulous project to protect Africa’s Big 5 and support local communities with their conservation efforts through providing hands on help, collecting and analysing data, and discussing projects. You will learn about local history and be culturally immersed as you study rhinos, elephants, big cats and so much more! If you are studying animal welfare or wildlife conservation, you will be able to complement your studies by learning about research techniques actually taking place to protect wild animals who are at risk from climate and habitat change and human interaction.

Role of the Wildlife Conservation volunteer

As a volunteer living and working in the heart of a Big 5 Game Reserve, you will be actively involved in carrying out research on the population of the wildlife, as well as helping with the maintenance of the habitats of the animals. Your placement will be determined by the needs of the local project at the time of your placement. You will be supported by an experienced local team while:

• Gathering information in the bush, captured from a number of species, such as elephant herds
• Observing hunting practices, as well as, noting social, breeding and territorial behaviour
• Recording the nighttime movements of the rhinos
• Collating and recording research data; participating in office based conservation project work
• Contributing to habitat maintenance and conservation initiatives, such as creating waterholes, road clearing, soil erosion prevention, and litter collection
• Participating in conservation education

What skills do I need to be a Rhino, Elephant and Big Cat Wildlife Conservation Volunteer?

You must have a genuine love and concern for animals and the environment to join this project. Due to the physical nature of the work, a reasonable level of fitness is required. Enthusiasm, openness and the ability to be flexible and cooperative is vital. Awareness of research skills, knowledge and experience in African wildlife is helpful, but not necessary, as you will learn this on your placement. If you are studying and wish to gain credit, speak to a Kaya Placement Advisor. Please bring a laptop to help with data and project activities.

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