Small Mammal Project - Internship in South Africa
Bushveld Biodiversity Research Centre (Private) | https://bushveldbiodiversity.org/
Details
Application Deadline:
04/02/2025
Published:
03/21/2025
Starting Date:
between 5/29/2025 and 6/19/2025
Ending Date:
between 8/14/2025 and 9/4/2025
Hours per Week:
25 - 45
Salary:
none
Education Required:
Some Undergraduate
Experience Required:
none
Location:
5GG9+W3 Maasstroom (Maasstroom, South Africa)
Tags:
Graduate Opportunities
Undergraduate Opportunities
Description
Internship Opportunity: Small Mammal Trapping & Species Diversity Monitoring
Are you passionate about field research, biodiversity conservation, and hands-on scientific work? The Bushveld Biodiversity Research Center (BBRC) is offering an exciting internship opportunity focused on small mammal trapping and species diversity monitoring within a diverse private game reserve in South Africa.
About the Internship
About the Internship
This project is a unique opportunity to contribute to a significant research effort studying the diversity, abundance, and distribution of small mammal species. Interns will play a crucial role in helping us identify and monitor different species, contributing to a broader understanding of the ecosystem.
What You’ll Be Doing
What You’ll Be Doing
- Setting and checking live traps to safely capture small mammals.
- Recording species data including identification, measurements, and other key ecological information.
- Ensuring ethical handling of all animals, following a strict catch-and-release approach.
- Assisting in habitat assessments to understand how vegetation and environmental factors influence species distribution.
- Contributing to a larger conservation initiative, as this project is essential for understanding the biodiversity of the reserve.
Why This Project Matters
BBRC is based in a 27,000-hectare private game reserve that is home to over 17 antelope species and a wide variety of predators and other wildlife. Small mammals play a critical role in the ecosystem, and this project will help us fill important gaps in knowledge about their populations, behaviors, and ecological importance.
Who Should Apply?
Who Should Apply?
We are looking for two dedicated interns with an interest in wildlife ecology, zoology, conservation biology, or a related field. No prior experience is required, but a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a passion for research are essential.
Please note that a monthly conservation fee is required, which covers the following:
Please note that a monthly conservation fee is required, which covers the following:
- Conservation Fees: As you’ll be staying on a wildlife reserve, a portion of your fee will go towards supporting the protection and care of the land and the species that inhabit it.
Comfortable accommodation will be provided during your stay.
- Transportation: Including pick-up from and drop-off at the Polokwane airport, weekly or bi-weekly town trips for students to restock supplies, and daily drives around the reserve.
This fee ensures that your experience contributes to both your well-being and the vital work of preserving the reserve.
Duration of Stay:
We recommend a commitment of 2 to 4 months to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Application Details:
Application Details:
Submit your resume and a brief cover letter to research@bushveldbiodiversity.org
If you are interested in this internship but unavailable on the specified dates, please still reach out to us and submit your CV and cover letter. We can discuss alternative dates and check our project schedule for availability.
If you are interested in this internship but unavailable on the specified dates, please still reach out to us and submit your CV and cover letter. We can discuss alternative dates and check our project schedule for availability.
We eagerly look forward to welcoming passionate individuals to our team!
Contact
Chanelle Becker
research@bushveldbiodiversity.org (preferred contact method)