Chacma Baboon Project - Internship in South Africa

The Lajuma Research Centre, located in the Soutpansberg Mountains of Limpopo, offers a rare setting for long-term primate behavioural and ecological studies. The reserve supports all five South African primate species, including chacma baboons, vervet monkeys, samango monkeys, and two galago species. The diverse combination of mountain forest, grasslands, and rocky terrain provides exceptional opportunities to examine primate adaptation, social organisation, and habitat use.

Internship Overview

The Chacma Baboon Project at Lajuma Research Centre investigates the behaviour and feeding ecology of wild but human-habituated baboon troops in the Soutpansberg Mountains. This unique setting allows close, non-invasive observation of social dynamics, movement patterns, and dietary choices. Participants help maintain long-term monitoring by collecting field data on activity patterns, habitat use, and seasonal diet. Shorter stays focus on broad behavioural and ecological observations, while longer placements provide opportunities to pursue specific research questions under guidance from the project team.

Key Activities:

• Behavioural observations — recording daily activities, social interactions, dominance hierarchies, and group movements.

• Feeding ecology studies — identifying plant species consumed, collecting and analysing feeding remains and foraging data.

• Habitat use mapping — tracking troop ranging patterns and habitat preferences with GPS and field mapping.

• Long-term data management — contributing to existing baboon databases, updating group composition and individual identifications.

• Field skills development — learning navigation in mountainous terrain, safe wildlife observation, and ecological survey methods.

Field 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 fitness.

Eligibility

• Open to students, recent graduates, or individuals interested in primatology, animal behaviour, or conservation.

• No prior field experience is needed; field training is included in long-term internship; however, a background in primatology or wildlife behaviour will be advantageous. 

Duration

A minimum stay of 8 weeks is recommended. For projects of greater depth, a commitment of 4-6 months or more is encouraged.

Conservation Fee

A conservation fee is required, which directly supports conservation and research efforts and includes:

• Shared accommodation

• Pick-up and drop-off from/to Louis Trichardt

• Fortnightly town trips for supplies