Program Photos
Elephant & Rhino Research and Conservation Project, Thanda
Location: South Africa: Kwa-Zulu Natal
Program Duration: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
6 Carlton Close Noordhoek Cape Town, Western Cape 7985 South Africa
Call Us
Phone: USA Toll Free: 1-800-606-7185 UK Toll Free: 0800-098-8440 +27 (0) 21 785 6600
Description
On our Elephant & Rhino Research and Conservation Project, you will live in the heart of Thanda Private Game Reserve in Kwazulu-Natal (near South Africa's East Coast. The focus of this project is to monitor the Elephant as well as the endangered Rhino populations.
Your role as a volunteer will include:
* Monitoring the behaviour, feeding patterns and movement of a herd of elephant who were released into the park in early 2011.
* Monitoring the rhino population to support the data recorded by the anti-poaching team during the day. This will help the reserve managers to understand the health of the animals, which are part of an endangered species reintroduction programme.
* Capturing data as required by the reserve management team on their ongoing endangered species work
* Finding and removing snares. This is a vital part of the anti-poaching effort within a park
* Carrying out physical work to help regenerate natural bush from reclaimed farmland including the prevention of further soil erosion and the removal of old structures to avoid injuries for animals
* Contributing to the long term strategy of removal of Alien Plants from the park
Highlights
* Live in the heart of a Big 5 game reserve
* Carry out research on elephants and rhinos within the reserve to provide information for the Thanda Foundation
* Monitor the movements and behaviours of an old herd and a newly introduced herd of elephants
* Assist on conservation initiatives within the Park such as alien plant control, soil erosion and snare sweeps
* Assist on game capture if and when possible
* Visit Pongola Nature Reserve to monitor their endangered Black and white rhino population
* Be involved in biodiversity studies and monitor the elephant and rhinos movements, eating habits and interactions
Qualifications
No previous experience is necessary for this project - just a passion for wildlife and conservation!
Languages
- English
Cost in US$:
USD 1795 +
Cost Include Description:
* The project fee entails financing that goes directly back into the project that you are involved with via the Thanda Foundation
* Transport between Durban airport and Thanda on Sundays only. We will arrive at the airport for 10.30 and leave at 14.30
* Orientation program, including a security briefing on living within a Big 5 game reserve
* All daily transfers to and from your projects during your stay
* Full board and lodging, which includes 3 meals a day at our volunteer house
* Assistance at your projects by African Impact staff and volunteer coordinators
Credit Available
no
Volunteer Types
- animal welfare
- biological research
- conservation
- environment
- wildlife surveying
Age Range
18 +This Program is open to
Worldwide Participant. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.
Typical Living Arrangements
- Group living
Participants Travel to South Africa
Independently or in Groups
Application Process Involves
- Online Application plus Application Assessment
Typically The Application Process Time is
2 working daysPost Services Include
- Exit Debriefing Abroad
Year Founded
2004
