Bushveld Biodiversity Research Centre
Salary/Compensation: Unpaid internship. A monthly conservation fee is required which covers accommodation, local transportation (including airport pickup/drop-off), and contributes to reserve conservation. Contact organization for fee details.
Application Deadline: 05/20/2025
Starting Date: Flexible, typically between 7/17/2025 and 8/7/2025 (Recommended stay 2-4 months)
Ending Date: Flexible, typically between 10/2/2025 and 10/23/2025 (Based on start date and duration)
Hours per Week: 25 – 45
Education Required: Some Undergraduate coursework preferred/required.
Experience Required: None required.
Are you an aspiring wildlife conservationist with a passion for different types of predators? Our research center is excited to offer an exceptional internship opportunity focused on predator conservation and the dietary habits of different predator species, set in a magnificent 27,000-hectare continuous game reserve that is home to 17 different antelope species and a variety of both small and large predators!
Project Overview:
- Location: A sprawling game reserve home to diverse wildlife, including numerous Feline and Canine predators.
- Research Focus: Contribute to important predator conservation and how their diets differ depending on the season and different locations on the reserve.
- Opportunities for studying carnivore diets: Examine what predator diets consist of by conducting hair analysis studies using collected scat samples to determine diets.
- Predator Identification Kits: Assist in building and expanding ID kits to accurately determine the number of Spotted and Brown Hyenas, Cheetahs and Leopards on the reserve.
- Hands-On Experience: Collaborate with experienced researchers in the field, gain expertise in wildlife health monitoring, and enhance your research skills. You’ll gain valuable experience in setting up, managing, and determining the best positions for camera traps. This hands-on experience is crucial for monitoring wildlife behavior and gathering essential conservation data.
Conservation Context:
In South Africa, a variety of predators face significant threats, including habitat loss and fragmentation, climate change, potential low genetic diversity, and the hybridization of subspecies, which endangers their genetic purity. Consequently, conservation efforts must focus on accurately determining their population numbers, distribution, and dietary distinctions.
Why This Internship?
- Extraordinary Setting: Work in an awe-inspiring environment, surrounded by the beauty and majesty of giraffes and other wildlife.
- Skill Development: Acquire practical knowledge in wildlife parasitology, conservation strategies, and field research methodologies.
- Professional Growth: Network with leading conservation biologists and expand your career horizons.
Please note that a monthly conservation fee is required, which covers the following:
- Conservation Fees: As you’ll be staying on a wildlife reserve, a portion of your fee will go towards supporting the protection and care of the land and the species that inhabit it.
- Accommodation: Comfortable accommodation will be provided during your stay.
- Transportation: Pick-up from and drop-off at the Polokwane airport, weekly or bi-weekly town trips for students to restock supplies, and daily drives around the reserve.
This fee ensures that your experience contributes to both your well-being and the vital work of preserving the reserve.
Duration of Stay:
You have the flexibility to choose the length of your stay. We recommend a commitment of 2 to 4 months to fully immerse yourself in the experience and make the most of the opportunities available. This duration allows for deeper engagement with the conservation work and a richer overall experience.
Application Details:
Submit your resume and a brief cover letter to research@bushveldbiodiversity.org
If you are interested in this internship but unavailable on the specified dates, please still reach out to us and submit your CV and cover letter. We can discuss alternative dates and check our project schedule for availability.
We eagerly anticipate welcoming motivated and passionate interns to our team!
To apply for this job email your details to research@bushveldbiodiversity.org