7 research jobs found

Start Date:  November 2026 Water is a key resource in the African savanna, shaping ecosystems and influencing the distribution of wildlife. Bushveld Biodiversity Research Centre is offering a Water Quality and Species Diversity Research Internship, where you’ll explore the differences between man-made and natural waterholes—analysing water quality and investigating how it affects species diversity. About Us: BBRC is located within a 27,000-hectare wildlife reserve that is home to 17 antelope species and two of the Big Five. We are dedicated to biodiversity research and conservation. Our work encompasses a wide range of projects, including monitoring giraffe populations, studying bird habitats, and documenting wildflowers, butterflies, and other insects. What You’ll Do: Compare water quality between man-made and natural waterholes and pans Analyse key water parameters such as pH levels and electrical conductivity Monitor and record...

The Lajuma Research Centre maintains a long-term camera trap grid that provides a valuable platform for studying predator diversity, ecology, and behaviour in the Soutpansberg Mountains. The reserve is home to several carnivore species, including serval, caracal, brown hyena, leopard, honey badger, two genet species, and multiple mongoose species. Research contributes to understanding predator population dynamics, habitat use, and ecological roles within this biodiverse ecosystem. Internship Focus: Interns support the ongoing predator monitoring programme through fieldwork and data analysis. This internship offers experience in camera trap research, species identification, behavioural interpretation, and ecological data management.  Activities may include: Monitoring, maintaining, and organising the reserve’s camera trap grid Recording predator tracks, signs, and incidental sightings Analysing photographic data to assess movement patterns,...

The Soutpansberg Mountains support a distinctive assemblage of reptile species shaped by past climate stability and geographic isolation. Cool rocky slopes, summit grasslands, and diverse forest systems create refuges for many endemic species. At the Lajuma Research Centre, interns assist in long-term reptile monitoring while gaining practical experience in species identification, habitat assessment, and ecological field methods. Internship Focus: Interns participate in reptile surveys and habitat evaluations across a range of environments. The project aims to document species distribution, abundance, and ecological requirements to support ongoing conservation and biodiversity research. Activities may include: Conducting visual encounter surveys and habitat assessments Recording species presence, abundance, and behaviour Supporting data entry, management, and reporting Fieldwork Requirements: All fieldwork is carried out on...

The Soutpansberg Mountains are home to a rich and understudied diversity of arachnid species. The Lajuma Research Centre contributes to long-term biodiversity monitoring, with spiders providing valuable insight into habitat health, microclimate variation, and ecological change. Internship Overview Interns participate in surveys aimed at documenting spider species, web structure, microhabitats, and behaviour. The internship provides experience in invertebrate sampling methods and supports ongoing species inventories. Key Activities: Conducting active searches and vegetation sweeps Documenting web structure, microhabitat, and behaviour Photographing specimens for identification Assisting with data entry and specimen organisation Fieldwork 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...

Bushveld Biodiversity Research Centre (BBRC) is based in a reserve that supports an exciting diversity of birdlife, including iconic and sought-after species such as the African Fish Eagle, European Bee-eater, Little Bee-eater, Martial Eagle, Saddle-billed Stork, Woolly-necked Stork, African Spoonbill, and African Openbill. You may also encounter species linked to the reserve’s natural water systems, such as Little Grebes and Lesser Moorhens, making it especially valuable for waterbird research. Set within a classic savannah bushveld landscape, the area features diverse vegetation zones and natural pans that attract a wide range of bird species. These habitats provide excellent opportunities to study how birds utilise different environments—from open grasslands to water-rich areas. Project Overview This project focuses on monitoring the diversity of bird species across different habitat types on the reserve. By conducting regular bird surveys and recording species...

The Bushveld Biodiversity Research Centre (BBRC) is offering a 3-month internship where you can make a meaningful impact while refining your research and technical skills.   About Us:   The BBRC is located on a 27,000-hectare wildlife reserve—home to 17 antelope species and two of the Big Five—dedicated to biodiversity research and preservation. Our work spans diverse projects, including giraffe population monitoring, bird habitat research, vegetation studies, and documenting wildflowers, butterflies, and other insects. We’re now seeking someone to enhance our mapping efforts and support our research with GIS technology.   Overview:  As a GIS intern, you’ll play a vital role in creating and refining detailed reserve maps, as well as updating project-specific maps and layers. This is a unique opportunity to merge technical expertise with conservation efforts.  Your role will include:   Map Creation and Updates: Use ArcGIS or QGIS to bring more...

Are you passionate about wildlife conservation and large mammals? Join our research team in a breathtaking 27,000-hectare South African game reserve — home to giraffes, 17 species of antelope, and two of the Big Five — for an immersive conservation internship. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful conservation work while gaining field experience in a spectacular environment. Project Overview: This internship provides hands-on involvement in giraffe monitoring and broader wildlife research. While you will work largely independently, you will receive guidance, supervision, and support from experienced researchers. Your efforts will contribute to understanding giraffe populations, behaviour, and habitat use. Key Activities: Monitor giraffe populations: Identify and catalogue individual animals by building detailed identification kits using GiraffeSpotter, assess male-to-female ratios, and contribute to long-term population monitoring. All...