Volunteer projects with animals

Student programme managers statement
"As conservationists we live in a world with numerous challenges and daunting odds. However, we all share responsibility for the wise use of our resources and for the conservation of the diversity of ecosystems and species. It is this extraordinary diversity that makes Africa such a vibrant place to live in and to visit. You cannot love what you do not know. Come share our passion for conservation here at Kariega Game Reserve and experience the depth and scope of the challenge facing environmental conservation in Southern Africa"

Helena Odendaal and Andrew Warren
Kariega Student Programme Managers

Practical experience

Research projects
Elephant impact monitoring. Students will help monitor elephant movement patterns, range utilization and vegetation impact with the aid of telemetry (radio collars) fitted to a matriarch cow.

Lion feeding behaviour. This research study aims to determine the sustainability thresholds of lions on Kariega’s herbivore populations. The number and species of kills made by lions on Kariega will be monitored by the students.

Birds in Reserves Project (BIRP). This project involves preparing a catalogue of the birds, bird numbers and their breeding status in the reserve as part of a project headed by the University of Cape Town’s Avian Demography Unit.

Conservation management
Game counts
Alien vegetation control. Volunteers will assist in the eradication and control of alien (non-endemic) vegetation plant species.
Game fence patrols and maintenance
Soil erosion control. Previous land utilization practices like cattle ranching has caused erosion gulleys in certain areas on the property. These sites are to be rehabilitated.
Reserve clean-up operations
Vegetation monitoring and surveys. Surveys will be carried out in various vegetation types in order to determine carrying capacity, and changes in vegetation composition and condition.
Fresh water management. Assessment of rivers and dams on the reserve.

Practical education
Bush walks and game drives: species identification and interpretation.
Coastal systems ecology. Fun time on the beach while learning about rocky shore ecology.
Camping out in the bush. Sleep around a campfire under the African sky!
Field skills and survival. Learn to look after yourself in the wild!

Other activities that students may have the opportunity to experience Capturing of wild animals when required by the reserve
Game introduction: when available. There is an ongoing programme for the introduction of additional game.
Fire management: an important driving force in savanna ecosystems (depending on time of year and fire regimes)

Theory
Lectures will be given on a formal and informal basis throughout the 4 - 8 week period. The theory provides insight into the value of the practical activities you may be involved in. The aim of these lectures is to enable the student to gain a better understanding of their surrounding environment and the ecosystems it supports.

Excursions (Included in your placement)
Trips to the beach
River cruise on the famous Kariega Queen
Canoe trips
Organized additional outings to local tourist attractions like Addo Elephant National Park.

Accommodation
You will be accommodated in a fully furnished house on the reserve. Students will be divided into teams and will be responsible for the preparation of meals on a rotational basis. Once a week a buffet dinner is enjoyed with all the guests at the main lodge. There will be plenty of opportunity for braai’s (BBQ’s) under the night skies and socializing around a fire.

0845 344 7518

African Conservation Experience: We arrange for young people to work on Game and Nature Reserves throughout Southern Africa, playing an active role in Conservation and the maintenance of the Environment – working in intimate association with Game Rangers and Conservationists in the Wild