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Country: SOUTH AFRICA
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Program description: |
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Situated along the banks of the Molemane river is one of the jewels in the crown of the North-West Province. Molemane reserve, which is not open to the public, is a haven for White Rhino, Cape Buffalo, Wildebeest, Zebra and many other species. The ACE volunteer team are the only group having access to this protected part of the North West Province of South Africa. The status of the project co-ordinator, as an Honourary Officer of North West Parks Board, also allows the Molemane ACE volunteer team access to carry out conservation projects on the nearby internationally renowned Madikwe Game Reserve. Molemane reserve itself is divided by a gravel road into two sections, the larger of which is managed as a breeding reserve for valuable disease-free game species. Volunteers will be based at Molemane, but will travel to Madikwe to carry out the predator studies.
Much of the research on the project involves the monitoring of large mammal species, including;
WHITE RHINO
GPS recording of midden sites
Identification by means of ear notches
Rhino Habituation
Photographic identity sheets for all rhino on property
BUFFALO
Assist with darting and blood-testing of Buffalo.
Monitor all disease free Buffalo on the property.
PREDATORS
Lion, leopard, hyena, wild-dog surveys and monitoring.
Recording of Brown Hyena and Caracal numbers on the reserve.
Molemane has a rich history and a remarkable heritage; Owned since 1909 by the Gubbins family, it was left to the state by the last member of the family, with a provision in the will that it only be used for conservation and environmental education. In addition to the zoological research, volunteers will study the ecology of the reserve as well as help to maintain and manage this valuable legacy.
ECOLOGICAL ASPECTS
Elephant vegetation damage surveys at Madikwe.
24 Hour full moon waterhole game counts and night-time monitoring.
Establishing and recording fish species in the Molemane River.
Species, tree, grass, flower, bird, insect, reptile and amphibian surveys.
RESERVE MANAGEMENT
Game capture and game introductions into Molemane.
Building game viewing platforms at waterholes.
Fence-line patrols and repairs.
Erosion control and road maintenance and management.
Volunteers will also take part in weekly discussions on various aspects of conservation and wildlife, and will learn tracking and survival skills during sleep-outs in the Bush!
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General program information: |
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Program open to: Everyone
Age range: 17+
Travel to site: Varies
Is opportunity more independant or group orientated: Group
No. in group: Maximum 8
Living arrangements on the program: Varies, Apartment, Tents/Rustic Accommodation, Group living
How long does the program last?: 1-3 Months
What are the dates of this program: The project runs throughout the year.
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Cost or price of this program: |
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Between £3030 for 4 weeks and £4870 for 12 weeks. Includes international flights from London to Johannesburg, transfers, all meals and accommodation
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