Big 5 Conservation

Volunteer role at the project:

The conservation work is very varied which makes for a fascinating and diverse experience, with the chance to get involved in many different aspects of life on a wildlife reserve, which may include:

• Wildlife locating and monitoring during drives and using telemetry equipment
• Recording information on animals using identification and data sheets
• Camera trap set up and collection
• Removal of alien invasive plant species and bush encroachment control through selective clearing
• Community support to townships in the area – helping at a soup kitchen and environmental education sessions
• Assisting with animal capture / relocation / introduction (if you are lucky enough for it to take place while you are there!)
• Road repair / cleaning

You will be introduced to the many animals and plants found on the reserve through orientation drives and a field booklet which includes animal, plant and bird checklists and identification kits. Each role you undertake is accompanied by a briefing so that you understand the activity and learn more about the reserve.

While carrying out the work you’ll get to experience the most incredible encounters with the Big 5 - lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard - as well as plenty of other South African wildlife!

How the project is making a difference:

The project is committed to conservation, social uplifting and sustainable use of resources. The local team are dedicated to protecting wildlife and collecting integral data in order to both manage the reserve effectively and better understand wildlife across South Africa.

The local team are also dedicated to local community initiatives. As part of their commitment to support the local community, the reserve is involved with two charities in the local township: one which provides hot meals to local children and the other which provides fun educational sessions on the environment.

Why volunteers are needed:

Volunteers are needed to assist the conservation team in providing consistent and accurate data on the flora and fauna around the reserve. In turn, this allows the team to use this data both with their internal ecologist and pass on to institutions such as Cape Town University. Current studies being undertaken include rhino movement patterns, elephant range and movement patterns, elephant vegetation preferences and impacts, lion social behaviour and bird surveys.