Lajuma Research Centre

Lajuma Research Centre in the Soutpansberg Mountains, South Africa, hosts overlapping populations of the thick-tailed greater galago ( Otolemur crassicaudatus ) and the southern lesser galago ( Galago moholi ). The Bushbaby Project consists of a dataset spanning over 10 years on these species, focusing on their ecology, behaviour, and interactions. Internship Overview  Interns contribute to ongoing behavioural and ecological monitoring of two galago species, supporting a long-term research programme and gaining practical field experience in primate ecology. Key Activities: Collecting data on food availability (insects, fruits, leaves, tree gum) Recording behaviour Reviewing camera trap data to identify individuals Supporting demographic and ecological monitoring of known populations Fieldwork Requirements All fieldwork is carried out on foot, often over uneven terrain and in variable weather. Students should be...

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...

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...