Wildlife ACT: Priority Species Monitoring Programme

Real Africa. Real Conservation.

The Priority Species Monitoring Programme is unique because it actively helps save priority species by personally implementing and managing monitoring projects on reserves which do not have the capacity to run such projects themselves. The programme is responsible for some of most important wildlife research monitoring projects in Southern Africa.

 The priority species worked with are endangered species like Cheetah, Wild dog and Black Rhino, as well as animals with a high ecological impact like Lions and Elephants – They need YOU to be a part of the exciting conservation done.

The Priority Species Monitoring Programme is lead by an experienced, passionate and hands-on team. They are looking for people who want their contribution to be effectively utilised in genuine conservation efforts. If you want to make a real difference and experience some of the most exciting conservation work in Africa, then you are the kind of volunteer we are looking for!

Why is it monitoring so important?
Wildlife monitoring is essential for keeping track of animal movement patterns, habitat utilisation, population demographics, snaring and poaching incidents and breakouts. This valuable information, which our volunteers help gather, has numerous management applications, including the planning of successful introduction and removal strategies of priority wildlife species. Experience hands-on what it is like to be a ranger.

The reserves focussed on are all located in Zululand, South Africa. The Zululand ecosystem is among the most diverse and productive wild lands in the world. They currently run monitoring programmes on 3 reserves that are situated closely to each other, each with a different focus. Depending on how long you stay, you will get the opportunity to experience the work done on all 3 reserves.

Pongola Game Reserve
Surrounded by the magnificent lake Jozini and Lebombo Mountains, it’s hard to imagine a more beautiful setting. Two of the key species here at PGR are the 60 elephants and 10 Black rhino which you will be helping to monitor on a daily basis.  These projects are in collaboration with well known conservation authorities such as the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project and the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund] who recently undertook the huge operation of performing vasectomies on seven of the elephant bulls.

Volunteering; what you will be involved in:

Elephant and Rhino monitoring
At the start of August 2008, seven bulls were successfully vasectomised. PGR is the first place that information is being collected on the healing process of this complicated procedure. All the information you will be helping to collect will contribute to the future management of elephants all over the world.  You will mostly be concentrating on the bulls and their behaviour towards females and other bulls to determine if the vasectomies have any effect on their social behaviour.

PGR was the third location for the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project (BRREP) in 2006. The projects aim is to give the rhino more space to encourage them to breed, thus increasing the population of this critically endangered species. Data such as GPS locations, associations, condition, birth and mating occurrences and behaviour are all recorded. As with the elephant each rhino’s ID cards must be updated on a regular basis, as the rhinos often tear their ears and change their notch patterns. Admin tasks such as data entry of sightings must be completed, and monthly reports get sent to WWF on the progress of these animals.

Other Activities
You will help check in on the hyena at their den sites and create ID kits; as well as occasionally putting meat out for the growing vulture population nesting on the property so we them to encourage them to remain in the area. You will also keep track of the herd of buffalo: checking their numbers and looking for any injuries etc. From time to time volunteers may be included in darting various key species to fit new radio collars or to fix any injuries as well as being present at re-introductions of various species.

Thanda
This reserve is situated in an area exceptionally rich in fauna and flora, boasting not only the big five but over 400 bird species. Over the past few years a number of indigenous keystone species, including wild dog, cheetah, lion, elephant, buffalo and white rhino have been reintroduced to the reserve. The endangered species monitoring programme was initiated to assess the progress of these reintroduced species along with getting a handle on the resident leopard and hyena population’s demographics. Eeach volunteer will have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to this project while gaining invaluable experience in the field.

Volunteering; what will you be involved in:

Monitoring Endangered and Priority Species
As a volunteer, you will act as the monitor’s direct assistant. You will work closely with the monitor, aiding them with the day to day activities of the project.  Daily activities will include the tracking and locating of the following focal species: wild dog, lion, cheetah and hyena. Incidental monitoring of elephant, buffalo and white rhino will also take place as they are seen.

This involves firstly locating the animal by means of radio telemetry, by tracking, or opportunistically. Then various important data is recorded, such as the GPS location, group composition, associations, behaviour and then photographic recordings of the animal for the development of an accurate identikit for identifying individuals. These activities are conducted from a game drive vehicle, driven by the Wildlife ACT monitor. Most of these activities will entail early mornings and late evenings, with a midday break taken in between monitoring sessions.

Mkhuze

Mkhuze Game Reserve is one of the oldest game reserves in South Africa.
It is situated in the northern part of Zululand and is part of a World Heritage Site, The Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park. The reserve offers an abundance of wildlife including endangered species such as black rhino, cheetah, wild dog, elephant and buffalo. The Wildlife ACT Endangered Species Monitoring Programme was initiated to monitor the progress of the reintroduced endangered and priority species, along with black and white rhino populations.

Volunteers; what you will be involved in:
Your days will be spent working alongside a highly qualified and experiences wildlife monitor, giving you the opportunity to learn not only about these focal species but about many other aspects of the African Bushveld, and gain exclusive hands on experience.
You will be tracking and locating animals in vehicles and on foot around the 40,000 hectare reserve. You will be taught how to use tracking equipment such as a radio telemetry, and be taught other methods of tracking. Information such as behaviour and location will be recorded on each sighting. You will also be responsible for assisting with the camp maintenance.

Other Activities
Depending on the time of year, you may also be involved in other activities such as:
• Game counts
• Radio collaring various species
• Leopard tracking
• Community and conservation work
• Relocation, re-introduction of game
• Alien plant control
• Bird ringing

Depending on the time of the year volunteers may also be lucky enough to assist with game counts, radio collaring of various species, leopard tracking, alien plant control, community conservation work, and the capture, relocation and reintroduction of various species. 
Each volunteer will also be responsible for helping with general camp running.

The fee paid by each volunteer will directly contribute toward the running costs of the project. Thus the volunteer will be providing the project with essential assistance and funding, and ultimately contributing directly to the conservation and success of these endangered and priority species.