Cheetah Research Project – South Africa

Ongoing monitoring of free-roaming cheetahs within a 27,000-hectare (66,700-acre) nature reserve in Limpopo, South Africa, provides a basis for investigating their movements and population ecology. By combining photographic records and spatial information, the project contributes to our understanding of how individual cheetahs use the landscape and how their movements and activity patterns change over time.

Research Focus:

• Monitoring cheetahs through camera trap surveys

• Identifying individual animals from distinctive coat patterns

• Maintaining and expanding photographic identification records

• Recording locations and movements to investigate spatial use of the reserve

• Examining patterns in habitat use, activity, and distribution

• Processing and interpreting data collected through ongoing monitoring

Working with a long-term dataset allows interns to contribute to an ongoing monitoring programme while developing a practical understanding of cheetah ecology. The information collected can help track individuals over time and provide valuable insight into how cheetahs move through and utilise a dynamic bushveld landscape.

Interns will gain practical experience in wildlife identification, camera trap monitoring, field data collection, spatial ecology, and ecological data analysis. The project combines fieldwork with data management and interpretation, providing valuable experience in applied carnivore research and conservation.

Ideal Candidates:

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

• A strong interest in carnivore ecology and wildlife conservation

• Comfortable working outdoors

• Observant and methodical, with an interest in animal identification

• Able to work independently while contributing positively to a research team

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)