This internship allows you to make a real difference to important wildlife research and conservation projects while also gaining invaluable hands on practical experience in a variety of fields including project management and team leadership. You will work alongside a dedicated staff supervisor to research Africa’s large game such as lion, leopard, elephant and hyenas on conservation programs in a stunning South African reserve in the Limpopo Province. You will learn to use conservation and research equipment to help locate collared predators in the reserve, receive invaluable training in large animal identification, tracking and behavioral study skills and learn to appreciate the complex nature of predator / prey interactions in the African bush.

How this program makes a difference:

Volunteers collect vital behavioral data on reintroduced predators and larger herbivore on reserves where they do not have the manpower, time or resources to carry out intensive monitoring. GVI spends up to 12 hours a day following large predators such as lions, leopards, cheetah and wild dog to determine their feeding ecology spatial use, competition and behavior. The information gathered is used to give an accurate picture of the predators’ impact on prey populations, determine social structure, genetics, and spatial movement. This vital information helps maintain a healthy balance of these natural resources and ultimately conserve some of Africa’s natural heritage bioregions.

Highlights:

• Experiencing a unique African bush adventure at the heart of a spectacular game reserve
• Mastering radio telemetry techniques and learning to track animals through the bush
• Getting acquainted with big game and all the main predators, including lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant and rhino
• Exploring nearby regions to experience such breathtaking views as from the Blyde River Canyon in the Drakensberg Mountains
• Living and working alongside FGASA qualified South African Guides getting constant learning and inspiration
• Having the chance to sleep out in the bush under the spectacular African stars and wake up to a beautiful sunrise

Qualifications:

No special training or qualifications are required as you will receive training in the field.

For more information about this internship, please visit our website:

http://www.gviusa.com/projects/africa/south-africa/environmental-internship-south%20africa/home