Predator Project - Internship in South Africa
Bushveld Biodiversity Research Centre (Private) | https://bushveldbiodiversity.org/
Details
Application Deadline:
08/27/2025
Published:
07/30/2025
Starting Date:
between 10/23/2025 and 11/20/2025
Ending Date:
between 1/8/2026 and 1/22/2026
Hours per Week:
25 - 45
Salary:
none
Education Required:
Some Undergraduate
Experience Required:
none
Location:
5GG9+W3 Maasstroom, South Africa (South Africa)
Tags:
Graduate Opportunities
Undergraduate Opportunities
Description
Are you an aspiring wildlife conservationist with a passion for predators? Our research centre is excited to offer an exceptional internship focused on predator conservation and the dietary habits of various predator species. This opportunity takes place in a magnificent 27,000-hectare continuous game reserve, home to 17 different antelope species and a variety of both small and large predators.
Project Overview
- Location: A sprawling, biodiverse game reserve that supports numerous feline and canine predators.
- Research Focus: Contribute to important predator conservation efforts by studying how predator diets vary by season and habitat.
- Carnivore Diet Studies: Conduct hair analysis from scat samples to determine predator diets.
- Predator Identification Kits: Help develop and expand ID kits to accurately track populations of Spotted and Brown Hyenas, Cheetahs, and Leopards on the reserve.
- Hands-On Experience: Collaborate with experienced researchers in the field, gain expertise in wildlife health monitoring, and enhance your research skills.
- Camera Trapping: Gain practical experience in setting up, managing, and optimising camera trap placements for behavioural monitoring and data collection.
Conservation Context
In South Africa, a variety of predators face significant threats, including habitat loss and fragmentation, climate change, potential low genetic diversity, and the hybridisation of subspecies, which endangers their genetic purity. Consequently, conservation efforts must focus on accurately determining their population numbers, distribution, and dietary distinctions.
Why This Internship?
- Extraordinary Setting: Work in an awe-inspiring environment, surrounded by giraffes and diverse wildlife.
- Skill Development: Learn essential skills in wildlife parasitology, conservation strategy, and field research methods.
Logistics & Conservation Fees
Please note that a monthly conservation fee applies, which includes:
- Conservation Support: A portion of the fee goes toward reserve maintenance and species protection.
- Accommodation: Comfortable on-site lodging is provided.
- Transportation: Includes pick-up/drop-off at the Polokwane airport, weekly or bi-weekly supply trips to town, and daily field drives within the reserve.
This fee ensures that your internship supports both your experience and the vital work of preserving the reserve.
Duration of Stay:
You have the flexibility to choose the length of your stay. We recommend a commitment of 2 to 4 months to fully immerse yourself in the experience and make the most of the opportunities available. This duration allows for deeper engagement with the conservation work and a richer overall experience.
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.
We eagerly anticipate welcoming motivated and passionate interns to our team!
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 anticipate welcoming motivated and passionate interns to our team!
Contact
Chanelle Becker
research@bushveldbiodiversity.org (preferred contact method)