Wildlife Tracking & Field Research

Mossel Bay, Western Cape, South Africa

This project provides volunteers with a unique opportunity to participate in ethical wildlife research, studying African wildlife free-roaming in their natural environment.
 
You will learn to navigate and track animals through the South African bush while undertaking vital conservation research into some of South Africa’s most iconic animal species. The project has a strong focus on safe-guarding the wellbeing of the animals and their environment and employs non-invasive methods of data collection.
 
The structure of the project helps to maximise learning for volunteers, combining four days of field work each week with one day of theoretical learning in the form of lectures or workshops.  The first two weeks focus on wildlife training where volunteers learn dangerous game approach methods, wildlife tracks and signs, useful botany, navigation and survival skills, animal behaviour and warning signs. You will then spend the remainder of your time participating in scientific research in the field. Research activities have a conservation focus and aim to improve the welfare of wildlife in South Africa and ensure the long-term sustainability of wildlife reserves.

Volunteers play a vital role in the research projects undertaken at the reserve. In addition to collecting data in the field, volunteers assist with data entry and analysis. Volunteers also participate in habitat conservation activities at the reserve. Volunteer fees assist with meeting the costs of research and conservation activities and also help to protect the wildlife by combating poaching on the reserve.

You will spend four days of the week in the field observing animals, learning skills and recording project data. As the animals roam freely in their natural environment, each day will be different, depending on what the animals choose to do each day! One day will be spent in town attending lectures or workshops. The knowledge and skills you will learn in the lectures will assist greatly with your activities in the field.

Age Requirement is 18 years of age.

Volunteers must be fluent in English, willing to work and able to take direction from staff. Volunteers should also be in good physical condition (ie. moderately fit and healthy).

 

Tracking and monitoring wildlife requires patience. Be prepared to spend long periods of time searching for animals, or waiting for them to wake up!

1st day of the month.

1 week – 8 weeks.

5 days a week, 8am – 4pm.

Volunteers stay beachside at a local 4 star hotel less than a kilometre away from the Hartenbos Seafront. The new facility is a family operated hotel with daily housekeeping, security, wifi, restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and exceedingly friendly staff. Located less than 1 kilometre or a ten minute walk away is the Hartenbos Seafront where additional restaurants, shops, gym, coffee shops and other amenities are located. The accommodation is apartment style with two bedrooms and additional bunk beds in the common area. The room is fully self catering with cutlery and cookware available as well as satellite TV with limited channels.

 

Breakfast is supplied and lunches are provided on weekdays. Volunteers must supply and prepare their own evening and weekend meals. There are several food stores within walking distance of the volunteer accommodation.

From AUD $177 a day

Duration Cost (AUD)
2 weeks $2485
4 weeks $4635

What’s included:

  • Pre departure support
  • Project Information Pack
  • Transfers from George Airport to the project
  • Daily transfers from the accommodation to the worksite
  • Accommodation
  • Breakfast 7 days a week
  • Lunch Monday to Friday
  • All necessary training by staff or volunteers
  • 24 hour in country support
  • 24 hour O2E emergency phone
  • Certificate of participation, if requested

*Please note some items are not included in the project fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country tours and return airport transfer (unless mentioned above). Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the O2E Volunteers Terms and Conditions.

Oceans 2 Earth_Wildlife_Tracking & Field_Research (183)

Dennis R.

Switzerland

"What a great place to be and the people
are very friendly. Thanks a lot for your work.  "

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