Civet Research Project – South Africa

Bushveld Biodiversity Research Centre is situated within a 27,000-hectare (66,700-acre) bushveld ecosystem in Limpopo, South Africa, providing the setting for this project investigating African civet ecology. 

African civets are nocturnal and largely solitary animals, making them a particularly interesting species to study through remote monitoring techniques. The project aims to build a better understanding of where civets occur within the reserve, which habitats they use, when they are most active, and how their presence varies across the landscape. Camera trap data collected over time provides an opportunity to investigate these patterns and contribute to a better understanding of civet ecology within a natural savanna environment.

Research Focus:

• Monitoring African civets using camera traps positioned across the reserve

• Check, maintain, and relocate camera traps where required

• Reviewing photographic records to identify civets and document their activity

• Examining habitat preferences and patterns of occurrence

• Assessing activity patterns and seasonal changes in camera trap records

• Using spatial data to explore the relationship between civet records and the surrounding environment

The project offers an opportunity to study a relatively understudied species while contributing to long-term wildlife monitoring at the research centre. Camera trap photographs provide valuable insight into civet activity, distribution, and habitat use, allowing these patterns to be monitored over time in a natural bushveld environment.

Interns will develop skills in camera trap monitoring, wildlife identification, ecological data management, and the analysis of photographic records. The project combines fieldwork to check camera traps with the processing and analysis of camera trap data, giving interns practical experience in studying nocturnal wildlife through remote research methods. 

About the Site:

Research is conducted within a large, protected bushveld landscape containing a range of habitats and free-roaming wildlife. The reserve is home to 17 species of antelope, as well as two of Africa’s Big Five species, providing a diverse natural environment for long-term wildlife research and monitoring. The size and natural character of the reserve provide suitable conditions for investigating species distribution, activity, and habitat use through camera trap monitoring. 

Ideal Candidates:

• Students or recent graduates with a background in biology, ecology, zoology, wildlife management, or a related discipline

• A genuine interest in nocturnal wildlife and animal behaviour

• Comfortable spending time outdoors and working in variable field conditions

• Patient and observant, with good attention to detail

• Interested in camera trap research, wildlife monitoring, and learning how photographic data can be used to investigate animal ecology

• Team-oriented and collaborative

Internship Duration

The minimum duration is 2 months.

Conservation Fees & Logistics

Please note that a monthly conservation fee applies, which includes:

• Support for ongoing conservation initiatives

• Shared accommodation within the reserve in a fenced research camp

• Transport (Polokwane airport pick-up/drop-off and fortnightly town trips)