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SOUTH AFRICA
Kruger Park 'Big 5' Wildlife Monitoring
Click image to read a post card from South Africa
Let your heart beat to drums of Africa, and immerse yourself in the land famous for its exotic wildlife, ancient cultures, and pristine landscapes. As part of a team of volunteers you will be given a unique opportunity to experience this amazing country like no other tourist. You will be involved in critical research in one of the most spectacular locations on earth, Greater Kruger National Park. Staying at Balule Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park volunteers will be involved in the monitoring of African game and vegetation species in a typical “Big Five” environment. The “Big Five” consists of lion, rhino, leopard, elephant and buffalo and you could see them all.
Understanding real population numbers of all species BIG and small including how they interact with each other and the natural environment is critical to developing a sustainable management model for private reserves who have until now undertaken limited environmental management activities for species survival.
Some of the activities volunteers will be involved in include:
- Animal wildlife monitoring – recording density of populations of species such as 'Big five' as well as Giraffe, Zebra, Impala, Warthog and many more
- Elephant identification – data capture program identifying individuals which will contribute to data for Save the Elephant foundation
- Lion predation trends – recording of Lion prey species to establish records on prey dynamics
- Rhinoceros identification and monitoring - recording valuable data on White Rhinoceros individuals and their movements
- Black Rhino Anti-poaching monitoring - radio telemetry, vehicle tracking and GPS recording of midden sites to reduce poaching of this endangered species
- Water Point and Vegetation surveys – to determine interaction effects
The setting for this unforgettable experience is within the Greater Kruger National Park on the border of the World renown Kruger National Park and forming part of the now Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. The transfrontier park links Kruger National Park up to Zimbabwe, and across to Mozambique and is absolutely critical in species survival as species move from protected areas through private reserves and back.
A typical day on the project will consist of volunteers undertaking wildlife monitoring either one in the early morning and/or in late afternoon. Game counting is time consuming and may require late nights and early mornings. Volunteers will also assist in compiling a database of information through a consistent and standardised data capture process.
Accommodation is located at Paradise Camp, a research facility on the highest peak in Balule, approximately 700m from the banks of the Olifants River, including chalets, of wooden construction elevated above ground for wildlife viewing. Amenities are minimal, but provide for a very raw and authentic wilderness experience.
View short video of WCP South Africa 2008
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| Program Dates 2010 (15days/14 nights) | Booking |
| 19th September – 3rd October | |
| 28th November – 12th December |
Program Price: $2,150 inclusive of:
- All meals for 15 days/14 nights
- Accommodation at an African bush camp for 15 days/14 nights
- All game drives and project-related transport for 15 days
- Wildlife monitoring training
- Experienced and knowledgeable Guides
- Merchandise - mosquito net, wide brimmed hat, gloves, safety glasses.
- 12 Month membership to Conservation Volunteers Australia.
- 12 month membership to Australian Geographic Society
- Subscription to full-colour Australian Geographic Journal or Outdoor magazine
- Project partner and research contribution
Program price does not include international airfares, travel insurance, or visas.
It’s easy to book - simply:
- Carefully read the Booking terms & Conditions, sign and email to bookings@cva.org.au
- Complete an Online Application Form
- Any questions? Check out our FAQ, email info@conservationvolunteers.com.au or Freecall 1800 032 501.
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