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City/State: Jwaneng Game Reserve |
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Country: BOTSWANA
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| WorkingAbroad Projects |
PO Box 454, Flat 1
East Sussex
UNITED KINGDOM
BN1 3ZS
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Program description: |
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The cheetah is one of Africa's most endangered cats. Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) populations are dramatically declining. The species is now threatened with extinction due to loss of habitat and prey, a diminishing gene pool and human persecution.
Botswana contains one of the largest remaining populations of free ranging cheetahs in the world. In 1998 it was estimated at 1768 individuals, this represents 12% of the world population, identifying Botswana as one of the last strongholds of the species. However, populations are not safe within protected areas as they are out competed by stronger predators, such as lions and hyenas. The cheetahs then move out onto marginal land where they come into conflict with rural farming communities. Their long-term survival is dependant on conservation management of these areas.
The Cheetah Project
Cheetah Conservation Botswana is a long-term conservation project incorporating scientific research, practical species management and community education. They set up in January 2003 and are now beginning their field research. They are carrying out various aspects of research to assess the status and distribution of the cheetah, focusing on their role in livestock/predator conflicts, the main reason for their decline at this time. The results of which allow them to identify priority areas, to which they can focus education and information programmes in non lethal methods of predator control, appropriate livestock management and encourage rural communities to manage their land through sustainable use of wildlife. The cheetah acts as a flagship species for the biodiversity of these areas.
Cheetah Volunteer Programme Information:
Volunteer Activities
If you are 21 years or older and speak the English language, you can support this experience by applying as a paying volunteer. Duties will include:
Monitor and radio track the activities and movement patterns of collared cheetah on the reserve.
Investigate behaviour patterns of the cheetah.
Investigate any interaction with the surrounding livestock farming operations.
Assist in visits to local farmers to discuss methods of predator control and livestock management.
Assist in setting of traps and possible capture of problem cheetah.
Assist in collection of biomedical samples on trapped cheetah.
Conduct ground surveys for background maps.
Conduct various other surveys as required by the reserve management.
Data collection and input.
Camp maintenance
Different people bring a variety of skills to such projects. We encourage you to make suggestions of how you may like to help and use your particular skills to full advantage. i.e. computer skills, educational, camp maintenance.
Further volunteer requirements
You must be in good physical condition and be able to tolerate the heat. Preparation before arrival is advised. You must be available for at least 1 month (see dates below). You must be prepared to sign an indemnity form on arrival, which relieves the project of any responsibility should anything happen to you in the course of duty!! This is just to protect the project, they will not be putting you in ANY life threatening situations and you may decline a particular role if it makes you feel uncomfortable. You should have a positive attitude towards working and living in a group and take the responsibilities that this way of life holds. While every attempt will be made to make your stay as comfortable as possible, it will be rustic compared to what you are used to. You also need to be very flexible, as working with wildlife and in field conditions, in Africa means that nothing ever goes to plan. Patience and a sense of humour are a necessity, as well as self-initiative, if you possess these qualities then your time will be well spent. If you get angry and frustrated easily or need constant direction than this may not be a suitable project for you. Also note that the environment will be isolated from town, and visits are done every 10 days or so, aside from that, you will live at the camp in a small group collecting data - as this is a research project, this is the priority.
2006 Dates
1st April - 1st May - 2 places available
1st May - 1st June - 1 place available
1st June - 1st July - project full
1st August - 1st September - project full
1st September - 1st October - project full
1st October - 1st November - 1 place available
1st November - 1st December - 1 place available
Please note, you can join for up to 3 months if you wish, but no less than 1 month.
Costs
in South Africa.
As Gaborone is approximately 160 km’s from the reserve, a fee of US$30 will be levied for their return airport pickup service should you choose where you will be met by an employee of Cheetah Conservation Botswana. Otherwise, you can take a local option by getting a bus to Jwaneng town and you can be picked up from there. It’s definitely an experience!
Accommodation & Food
You will be based in 2 chalets within the reserve, housing 2 people each. You can choose to camp if you prefer - they have tents available. There are shared bathroom and kitchen facilities. Your camp is situated within walking distance of the cheetah transit station and permanent staff portacabin. You will be required to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. Volunteers are responsible for doing their own laundry by hand.
Cooking utensils and supplies will be made available. Cooking and cleaning tasks are rotated amongst volunteers on a daily basis. You will be given a food allowance for the month, which will be sufficient to provide for a healthy diet, excepting luxuries. It will be possible to travel to the local town weekly.
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General program information: |
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Program open to: Everyone
Age range: 21 yrs onwards
Travel to site: Independent Travel
Is opportunity more independant or group orientated: Group
No. in group: 2-4
Living arrangements on the program: Tents/Rustic Accommodation
How long does the program last?: 1-3 Months
What are the dates of this program: 1 April to 1 May 2006, 1 May to 1 June 2006, 1st October to 1st November and 1st November to 1st December 2006 and also dates in 2007 available too.
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Benefits and advantages of the program: |
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Feedback from an ex Cheetah Project volunteer: "The CCB is undoubtedly a brilliant project carrying out vital information about the cheetah in Botswana and it was a genuine honour to be a part of it. The work carried out is never too stressful and we learned many new skills."
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Cost or price of this program: |
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The cost for one month is £1240 (GB pounds), which covers all project costs, including accommodation, food allowance, training, transport during the stay (excluding airport transfer), one night staying at Mokolodi Nature Reserve and visit to resident cheetahs, all training and supervision by project manager and so on.
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