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Small Mammal Project - Internship in South Africa

Internship- Unpaid Conservation/ Natural Resources

Job Description

Internship Opportunity: Small Mammal Trapping & Species Diversity Monitoring
Are you passionate about field research, biodiversity conservation, and hands-on scientific work? The Bushveld Biodiversity Research Center (BBRC) is offering an exciting internship opportunity focused on small mammal trapping and species diversity monitoring within a diverse private game reserve in South Africa.
About the Internship
This project is a unique opportunity to contribute to a significant research effort studying the diversity, abundance, and distribution of small mammal species. Interns will play a crucial role in identifying and monitoring various species, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of the local ecosystem.
What You’ll Be Doing
  • Setting and checking live traps to safely capture small mammals
  • Recording species data including identification, measurements, and other key ecological information
  • Ensuring ethical handling of all animals, following a strict catch-and-release approach
  • Assisting in habitat assessments to understand how vegetation and environmental factors influence species distribution
  • Contributing to a larger conservation initiative, as this project is essential for understanding the biodiversity of the reserve

Why This Project Matters

BBRC is based in a 27,000-hectare private game reserve that is home to over 17 antelope species and a wide variety of predators and other wildlife. Small mammals play a critical role in the ecosystem, and this project will help us fill important gaps in knowledge about their populations, behaviors, and ecological importance.

Who Should Apply?

We are seeking two motivated interns with a passion for wildlife ecology, zoology, conservation biology, or related fields. No prior experience is required, but a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and enthusiasm for research are essential.

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.
           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: 8 weeks

Job Level

Volunteer

Sector

Research Institute

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Bushveld Biodiversity Research Centre
About Bushveld Biodiversity Research Centre

 The Bushveld Biodiversity Research Centre is situated on a 27 000ha Game Reserve in South Africa, 50km from the Botswana border. Our mission is to facilitate research and foster knowledge exchange. Our aim is to contribute to research and conservation, alongside community outreach. We offer unique opportunities for students and volunteers to engage in practical fieldwork on 27,000 hectares of continuous reserve. Surrounded by magnificent baobab trees and boasting over 17 different antelope species, the reserve also hosts a diverse range of predators, including Leopard, Cheetah, Caracal, African Wildcat, Brown Hyena, and Serval, making it an ideal location for research. 

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