People thinking of making a career in conservation or who have an interest in understanding game capture methods.

South Africa is one of the only African countries that has a growing game industry. A specialized part of this industry is the breeding of both endangered and general game species for restocking new areas, and increasing game numbers, species and genetic diversity in existing areas. To achieve these "restocking aims" animals are captured, transported and released under the safest conditions possible.

Students get the opportunity to experience the every day workings of the team, and get hands on capture experience - as opposed to only being spectators. These activities are filled with excitement and hard work and are very rewarding. Often, the "hands on" approach allows you, the student, to get close enough to the animals that you can feel the texture of their skin and smell their breath!

Since the game capture unit moves between local landowners with the ground team of about fifteen indigenous South Africans, a memorable cultural interaction is part of the whole programme. At the same time, you will more than likely get to travel a great deal of the South African countryside as the team operates over a huge area.

It must be emphasized that these activities are strenuous and although a volunteer is not forced to partake in all of the work, for a rich experience a certain level of fitness and determination is required. Even though every effort is made to ensure the safety of the students, the team and the animals, it must be born in mind that the animals are totally wild and it is therefore not without its dangers.

The programme is practically orientated and you will most likely gain experience in the following activities:

• The setting up of capture bomas (enclosures).
• Working in the bomas, taking part in the actual capture of the animals.
• Depending on your ability, you will learn to administer tranquilising drugs on captured animals.
• The opportunity to fly in the helicopter that is used in the capture operations.
• The setting up of concealed net bomas. Once again you will be taking part in the actual capture of the animals - in the case of net bomas this is done by hand!
• Darting of game is a specialized activity that requires plenty of experience which is why it is viewed and not done by volunteers.
• Translocation and release of captured game to new areas.
• Lectures about species to be captured and related topics about capture, relocation and drugs in the process.
• Camping out in the bush (while on capture).

0845 344 7518

African Conservation Experience has been sending volunteers to Africa for almost a decade and is the original, most experienced organisation for conservation placements in southern Africa. We can offer you the chance to work on game and nature reserves alongside conservationists, zoologists, wildlife vets and reserve managers.