Program Photos

Dolphin and Whale Research Centre

Location: South Africa: Plettenberg Bay

Program Duration: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks

Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks

Dates: Year Round

African Conservation Experience

http://www.conservationafrica.net

Unit 1, Manor Farm Churchend Lane Charfield, Wotton-Under-Edge Gloucester, GL12 8LJ England

Call Us

Phone: +44 1454 269 182

Fax: +44 1454 269 182

Description

The Dolphin & Whale Research Centre (DWRC) is based in the spectacular Plettenberg Bay, which is fast becoming the "Whale and Dolphin Capital of the Garden Route" in South Africa, and the breeding ground for dolphins and whales.

The DWRC, officially launched in 1990, evolved from the need to expand our knowledge of Western Indian Ocean, and in particular Southern African, coastal and pelagic marine mammals, in light of the continued and increasing degradation of our environment. Through a network of scientists and post-graduate students, the more than 30 research programmes undertaken by the DWRC have contributed in excess of 145 publications to the scientific and popular literature.

The DWRC is closely allied with the goals and aims of the World Conversation Union, Species Survival Commission, and in particular the Cetacean and Sirenian Specialist Groups. The close association of the DWRC with a number of other institutions affords an inter/multidisciplinary approach, which results in an active and innovative program of research on marine mammals and their habitat.

The primary mission of the DWRC is to gather information on all marine mammal, and particularly dolphin species, inhabiting the Western Indian Ocean (WIO). Secondly, to co-ordinate and integrate multidisciplinary research on the behaviour, ecology, taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, toxicology, parasitology, conservation and management of these marine mammals. Although available funding will inevitably restrict activities, research priorities will be decided by their urgency and the DWRC attempts to generate financial support, for priority research and high calibre student education and public awareness campaigns, from governmental and private funding bodies.

With more than 20 years experience, and formerly curator of the Port Elizabeth Museum, Dr Vic Cockroft is renowned in scientific circles for his research and expertise in the field of dolphins and whales along the Cape coast - his particular speciality being with dolphins along the Eastern Cape coast.

Highlights

This programme is of particular interest to under graduates, graduates and post graduates who are keen to gain field experience with this sector of marine biology. The main part of the programme is to give you the opportunity to take part and learn research techniques used in the research projects outlined below. At times, you will be asked to assist with the tourist operation by giving support on the whale and dolphin viewing boats. Assistance on the boats will also be required with the education programme for school groups and under privileged children. Volunteers will also learn about a variety of topics during their time at the centre, including;

* Introduction to marine mammals - Diversity and Identification
* Evolution of marine mammals
* Marine mammal anatomy and physiology
* Age and growth
* Diet and feeding
* Reproduction
* Behaviour and social biology
* Research techniques
* Strandings
* Threats and conservation

These topics will be taught via lectures, practical workshop and during the data collection and analysis carried out for the research projects.

Research Projects:

* Resident Bottlenose and humpback dolphin research. Mapping individuals using photo identification research techniques to assess population size, movement patterns, individual and group associations, home range and habitat preference.
* Seasonal Southern Right and Humpback whale studies during their annual visit from May to January.
* Resident Byrde whale population size and dynamics including genetic relatedness.
* Cape Fur Seals research project scientifically investigates local fishermen's claim of seal-induced reduction of their target fish species through studies of seal feeding behaviour and diet by lab analysis of sea scats. The centre works closely with Cape Nature Conservation and local fishermen.
* Monthly marine biology lectures from Dr Vic Cockroft.
* Land based surveys involve hikes on the Robberg peninsula for Eastern Cape Fur Seal head counts and rock pool studies.

Travel Types
  • Eco Tours
  • Ecology
  • Environmental Studies
  • Nature Tours
  • Volunteering
Qualifications

No qualification or previous experience are necessary, just an interest and passion for marine mammals and conservation.

Languages
  • English

Cost in US$:

from 3,040

Cost Include Description:

Costs cover the whole placement and volunteers will need only about USD 50 a week spending money.

Credit Available

no

Volunteer Types
  • Conservation
  • Eco-tourism
  • Environment
  • Volunteering
  • Animal Welfare
  • Biological Research
  • Wildlife Surveying
Typical Volunteer
Most of our volunteers have either finished college and want some international work experience before starting their career, or are taking a break from their career. Many are interested in wildlife conservation, but most have no previous experience or qualifications.
Age Range
17-70
This Program is open to

Worldwide Participant. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements
  • Group living

Participants Travel to South Africa

Independently

Application Process Involves
  • Online Application plus Application Assessment
Typically The Application Process Time is
2 days
Post Services Include
  • Exit Debriefing Abroad
African Conservation Experience's Mission Statement

African Conservation Experience organizes work placements for volunteers of all ages on wildlife conservation projects in Southern Africa. We work only with projects that we assess as having a real and beneficial contribution to conservation efforts. Volunteers get very much involved with the work, rather than sitting back and observing, and provide a valuable resource to the projects. We pride ourselves on the quiality, integrity and frendliness of the service that we provide. We ensure that volunteers understand fully what is expected of them and place particular concern on volunteers' security and safety.

Year Founded

1999

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