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Country: SOUTH AFRICA
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| African Conservation Experience |
Unit 1, Manor Farm
Churchend Lane
Charfield
Gloucester
UNITED KINGDOM
GL12 8LJ
Phone: 0845 5200 888
www.conservationafrica.net
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Program description: |
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The Whale and Dolphin Research Centre is based in the spectacular Plettenberg Bay, which is fast becoming the “Whale and Dolphin Capital of the Garden Route” in South Africa, and the breeding ground for dolphins and whales.
The Centre, officially launched in 1990, evolved from the need to expand our knowledge of Western Indian Ocean. Through a network of scientists and post-graduate students, the more than 30 research programmes undertaken by the Whale and Dolphin Centre have contributed in excess of 145 publications to the scientific and popular literature.
The primary mission of the Centre is to gather information on all marine mammals, and particularly dolphin species, inhabiting this area. Secondly, to co-ordinate and integrate multidisciplinary research on the behaviour, ecology, taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, toxicology, parasitology, conservation and management of these marine mammals.
With more than 20 years experience, and formerly curator of the Port Elizabeth Museum, Dr Vic Cockroft is renowned in scientific circles for his research and expertise in the field of dolphins and whales along the Cape coast - his particular speciality being with dolphins along the Eastern Cape coast. Dr Debbie Young has been involved in many of these marine projects and has a special interest in education and Seabird Rehabilitation.
Student Programme
This programme is of particular interest to those who are keen to gain field experience in this sector of marine biology. The main part of the programme is to give you the opportunity to take part and learn research techniques used in the research projects outlined below. At times, you will be asked to assist with the tourist operation by giving support on the whale and dolphin viewing boats and with the education programme for school groups and under privileged children.
Research Projects
1. Bottlenose and Humpback Dolphin occurrence, movements, numbers and habitat use in the Plettenberg Bay area – do the Tsitsikamma and Goukamma Marine Reserves contribute to dolphin conservation? Individual bottlenose dolphins are identified by their dorsal fins. Many population parameters can be described by following the individual animals, for example; population size, movement patterns, individual and group associations, home range and habitat preference. Photo-identification techniques (mark re-capture) are used to establish the population biology of the dolphins. With the advent of the A.C.E. student programme, dedicated coastal surveys to collect photo identification, are underway.
2. Humpback whales visiting the eastern shores of South and East Africa. Scientists still have no idea of just how many whales there are, where they go to breed and the familial relationships between the whales sighted. To find the answers to some of these questions, the CDS runs a humpback whale research project, where individual humpback whales are photographically identified, their songs, for which humpback whales are renowned, recorded and ‘biopsies’ taken. Biopsies are used for detailed ‘familial’ identification and are obtained by means of a humane system of taking a “plug” of skin. The biopsy is then laboratory analysed for DNA.
3. Southern Right Whale occurrence, movements and numbers along the South African coast. Southern right whales visit the South African coastline to calf, mate and socialise. Commercial whaling reduced South Africa’s right whales to near extinction. Fortunately, their numbers are steadily increasing, so much so that they have become the staple for commercial whale watchers. Long term research has shown that more than 2000 whales visit South Africa’s coastline. But, what do they do once they arrive? Do they stay in the same areas? Do they move from one bay to another? Do they stay together? Do they visit the same areas year after year?
4. Seals on the Robberg peninsular were hunted for their fur and exterminated by 1908. They re-appeared in the early 1990s and their numbers now exceed 2 thousand. Fishermen in the area are now complaining that as numbers have now substantially recovered, their fish stocks are being dramatically reduced. This section of the project is to scientifically investigate their claim of reduced fish quantities, before any decision can be made as to the course of action to be taken.
The Plettenberg Bay Seabird Rehabilitation Centre has been established by Dr Debbie Young as a rescue and rehabilitation centre for polluted and contaminated sea birds, in particular penguins. Students will assist at the Centre as and when required.
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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 15
Living arrangements on the program: Apartment
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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From £2890 for 4 weeks up to about £4600 for 12 weeks. Includes international flights from London to Johannesburg, transfers, basic vegetarian meals and accommodation.
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Qualifications required: |
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No qualifications or experience needed
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Application process Involves: |
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Contact us for an application form
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