Giraffe Research Project - Internship in South Africa

WildComm Research Stations offers an immersive internship for individuals passionate about wildlife research and conservation. This position offers students the opportunity to contribute to key research objectives by conducting behavioural observations related to habitat use, movement dynamics, social behaviour, and dietary preferences. Interns will participate in structured fieldwork and data collection, gaining valuable experience in wildlife research and conservation methods.

Location

Limpopo Province, South Africa | Private wildlife reserve, home to two of the Big Five

Responsibilities

• Giraffe Behavioural Observation: Conduct detailed behavioural observations using scan and focal sampling techniques during set transects.

• Habitat Use & Social Dynamics: Record movement patterns, habitat use, and social interactions to investigate giraffe social networking behaviour.

• Capture Individual Identification: Capture and catalog ID photographs to maintain a database of individual giraffe and monitor population structure.

• Dietary Analysis: Observe and record foraging behaviour to assess diet preferences.

Fitness

Fieldwork is conducted entirely on foot across uneven terrain and often in challenging weather conditions. Moderate fitness is recommended, although most interns find that their stamina improves naturally through daily activity.

Internship Benefits

• Field experience in ecological monitoring

• Practical training in conservation field methods

• Mentorship from experienced researchers and exposure to reserve-based conservation

Duration: Flexible | 2+ months recommended

Conservation Fee & Logistics

A monthly fee supports the reserve’s conservation efforts, including wildlife protection and research operations. 

It also covers the following:

• Accommodation: Shared housing provided on-site

• Transport: Students will be fetched in the nearest town, Louis Trichardt, where they will be assisted by a staff member to do their shopping | Biweekly trips to town for supplies