African Conservation Experience: Tuli Conservation Project in South Africa - African Conservation Experience

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Tuli Conservation - Take a Gap Year in Africa

  • Tuli Conservation ProjectIn the Tuli Block of Botswana volunteers work alongside experienced rangers to establish a baseline ecology study of the wildlife in this vast and unfenced trans frontier region.
  • Zingela Predator Conservation ProjectAt Zingela, you can study some of Africa's most elusive and persecuted predators, focussing on cheetah conservation, leopard and brown hyena studies.
  • Phinda Wildlife Research ProjectAs a 'Big 5' safari reserve, Phinda offers superb wildlife viewing while you conduct field research on the populations of lions, leopards and elephants, amongst other species.
  • Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation CentreVolunteering at the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in South Africa gives you hands on experience in animal care, rehabilitation and hand rearing of wildlife. Join an experienced and dedicated team caring for injured and poisoned wildlife.
  • Khulula Wild Care
  • Game Capture TeamJoining the Game Capture Team lets you participate in the exciting work of capturing and relocating many wildlife species, including rhinos, buffalo, giraffe and large herds of antelope - this is hands-on and adrenaline fuelled work!
  • Hanchi Conservation ProjectWhile volunteering at Hanchi, you assist in the management of a 9,000 hectare reserve from horseback, which operates a breeding programme for rare antelopes as well as a cheetah sanctuary and predator study.
  • Shimongwe Wildlife Veterinary ExperienceThe Wildlife Veterinary Experience gives you the opportunity to work alongside experienced wildlife vets in South Africa, accompanying them on all wildlife cases and learning first hand and up close about this exciting work.
  • Nholwasi Community ProjectAn immensely rewarding experience, working with local children to promote sustainable and long term conservation, enrich their lives and work with the children of the future.
  • The Dolphin and Whale Research CentreAt the Dolphin and Whale Research Centre you assist renowned marine scientists studying the populations of humpback and bottlenose dolphins, byrde whales, humpback whales, and southern right whales, along South Africa’s coast.
  • Mauritius Dolphin Conservation ProjectAs a volunteer at the Mauritius Dolphin Conservation Project you assist with monitoring and controlling the impact of eco tourism on the local populations of spinner dolphins, melon headed dolphins and bottle nosed dolphins.
  • Tutuka Family Conservation ProjectWork with your family to bring your children's learning to life. Contribute to the conservation research of a Big 5 reserve and join our local community project.
  • Game Ranger Guide CourseThe Game Ranger Guide Course gives you a thorough introduction to the wildlife and habitats of South Africa and Botswana.
  • Wildlife Tracking CourseLearn advanced tracking skills and interpret animal behaviour while following wildlife through the wilderness of Botswana’s Tuli Block. This is a tough and adventurous experience.

The Tuli Conservation Project gives volunteers the opportunity to closely study two of Africa’s famous big five species; the majestic African elephant and the secretive leopard, amongst the stunning Botswana wilderness.

From the base camp, students venture into this harsh land of extreme beauty. The isolated position and sheer size of the area has left humans knowing very little about the wildlife within this wilderness, and this is where you, the volunteer, fit into this raw African conservancy.

Elephant Herd

The project is named after the Tuli Block, an area which forms part of the Limpopo/Shashe Trans Frontier Conservation Area, which also straddles the borders of South Africa and Zimbabwe allowing for natural migration of elephant herds and other animal species.

Leopard

Elephants are the key research and monitoring species of the Tuli Conservation Project. The research will involve;

  • Monitoring range utilisation of the elephants as well as habitat use and vegetation damage assessment. GPS and computer mapping systems used for this.
  • Developing personalised idenitification cards for each individual elephant.
  • Recording information about herd dynamics, namely sex and age ratios.
  • Monitoring behaviour of both breeding herds and male bulls.

In addition, the other main research studies ongoing at Tuli involve;

Elephant Herd

  • Leopard and Lion monitoring - Data collected is used to establish territory size and interactions between members of the same and other species.
  • Baboon study - the aims of this study are primarily to determine the number of troops in the core study area. Food utilisation and roost sites are also recorded.
  • General Game Monitoring - Recording of all general game numbers via a grid co-ordinate system is done on a systematic basis. General game counts are mapped and compared to vegetation maps, leopard track recordings etc. Sex and age ratios are also noted in order to determine herd structures and growth rates. Seasonal and other variations are determined in this manner.

Baboon

Other activities involve the restoration and maintenance of the land in order to maximise the suitability of the area for animal species to flourish. This work may include;

  • Removal of old fence wire to prevent harm to animals.
  • Erosion control of the gullying effects of the Limpopo River.
  • Eradication of alien vegetation species.
  • Ongoing habitat rehabilitation initiatives.

Tuli offers volunteers the opportunity to become part of a new approach to game management. This open system of 'trans-frontier areas' creates as large an area as possible for game to move freely and migrate naturally across historically established national borders.

Please Note: This project involves quite a lot of walking and climbing of 'kopjies' (rocky outcrops) in order to monitor game, so a good level of fitness is required.

Read the latest news and field reports from Tuli

Factbox!

Duration: 2-12 weeks.
Cost: From £2290 for 2 weeks up to £5270 for 12 weeks. Includes return international flights from London, transfers, all meals, accommodation, all project-related costs and back up and support.
Accommodation: Tented camp. Twin tents, separate ablution blocks, flush toilets, hot showers, kitchen, open air lounge/dining area
Time of year: Open from January to mid-December
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