Lajuma Research Centre

The Lajuma Research Centre maintains a long-term camera trap grid that provides a valuable platform for studying predator diversity, ecology, and behaviour in the Soutpansberg Mountains. The reserve is home to several carnivore species, including serval, caracal, brown hyena, leopard, honey badger, two genet species, and multiple mongoose species. Research contributes to understanding predator population dynamics, habitat use, and ecological roles within this biodiverse ecosystem. Internship Focus: Interns support the ongoing predator monitoring programme through fieldwork and data analysis. This internship offers experience in camera trap research, species identification, behavioural interpretation, and ecological data management.  Activities may include: Monitoring, maintaining, and organising the reserve’s camera trap grid Recording predator tracks, signs, and incidental sightings Analysing photographic data to assess movement patterns,...

The Soutpansberg Mountains support a distinctive assemblage of reptile species shaped by past climate stability and geographic isolation. Cool rocky slopes, summit grasslands, and diverse forest systems create refuges for many endemic species. At the Lajuma Research Centre, interns assist in long-term reptile monitoring while gaining practical experience in species identification, habitat assessment, and ecological field methods. Internship Focus: Interns participate in reptile surveys and habitat evaluations across a range of environments. The project aims to document species distribution, abundance, and ecological requirements to support ongoing conservation and biodiversity research. Activities may include: Conducting visual encounter surveys and habitat assessments Recording species presence, abundance, and behaviour Supporting data entry, management, and reporting Fieldwork Requirements: All fieldwork is carried out on...

The Soutpansberg Mountains are home to a rich and understudied diversity of arachnid species. The Lajuma Research Centre contributes to long-term biodiversity monitoring, with spiders providing valuable insight into habitat health, microclimate variation, and ecological change. Internship Overview Interns participate in surveys aimed at documenting spider species, web structure, microhabitats, and behaviour. The internship provides experience in invertebrate sampling methods and supports ongoing species inventories. Key Activities: Conducting active searches and vegetation sweeps Documenting web structure, microhabitat, and behaviour Photographing specimens for identification Assisting with data entry and specimen organisation 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 level of...