Lajuma Research Centre

Invertebrates are key indicators of environmental health and represent the majority of biodiversity within the Soutpansberg Mountains. The Lajuma Research Centre supports long-term biodiversity monitoring to document species presence, distribution, and ecological roles.  Internship Overview Interns assist with surveys targeting a range of invertebrate groups, including insects, arachnids, and other terrestrial invertebrates. The project provides broad exposure to field sampling techniques and identification methods. Activities may include: Conducting sweep-netting, pitfall trapping, and active searches Documenting habitat characteristics and microclimates Photographing specimens for identification Assisting with data organisation and reporting Fieldwork Requirements All fieldwork is carried out on foot, often over uneven terrain and in variable weather. Students should be comfortable living remotely, hiking, and have a basic...

The Lajuma Research Centre, in the Soutpansberg Mountains of Limpopo, South Africa, has been a base for wildlife research and conservation for over 20 years. The reserve is home to all five South African primate species, which include the endangered samango monkey ( Cercopithecus albogularis schwarzi ). This project focuses on understanding their behaviour and ecology while supporting the conservation of the forests and wildlife that share this unique mountain landscape. Internship Overview The Samango Monkey Project continues this long-term research by focusing on behavioural and dietary studies. Interns contribute to ongoing data collection that informs both primatology and conservation management. Key Activities: Conducting behavioural observations Recording feeding ecology (fruits, leaves, insects, and other food sources) Documenting vocalizations, social interactions, and troop movements Fieldwork Requirements  All fieldwork...

The Lajuma Research Centre provides a unique opportunity to study an exceptional diversity of birdlife within one of South Africa’s most ecologically varied mountain environments. More than 215 species have been recorded on the reserve, including the purple-crested turaco, narina trogon, cape vulture, violet-backed starling, African fish eagle, crowned eagle, crested guineafowl, and multiple owl species. The landscape encompasses woody grasslands, mountain bushveld, mistbelt forest, riverine forest, and clear mountain streams, offering an ideal setting for comparative research on avian diversity, habitat use, and behaviour. Internship Focus: This internship provides hands-on experience in bird monitoring, species documentation, and ecological field methods. Interns work largely independently while contributing to long-term data collection and broader conservation efforts at the centre. Activities may include: Recording species presence, behaviour, and...