Bird Project in South Africa

Environmental Career Center; Limpopo; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A conservation internship program in Limpopo, South Africa, offers a unique opportunity to gain field-based experience in bird monitoring and ecological data collection. Students will engage in various activities, including recording species and conducting surveys. The internship lasts a minimum of 8 weeks and is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students, with shared accommodation provided. A conservation fee is required for participation.

Benefits

Shared accommodation

Biweekly town trips for supplies

Qualifications

• Open to undergraduate and postgraduate students, recent graduates or individuals with a strong interest in field research.
• Previous fieldwork experience is beneficial but not required.

Responsibilities

• Recording species presence and behaviour across varied habitats.
• Conducting habitat-specific surveys and keeping detailed field notes.
• Mapping bird sightings in relation to environmental features.
• Managing and organising collected data for analysis.

Job description

Lajuma Research Centre offers a rare opportunity to observe and study an exceptional range of bird species across multiple natural habitats. Over 215 species have been recorded, including the purple-crested turaco, narina trogon, cape vulture, violet-backed starling, African fish eagle, crowned eagle, crested guineafowl, and five owl species.

The reserve features clear mountain streams, waterfalls, and a diversity of habitats, including woody grasslands, mountain bushveld, mistbelt forest, and riverine forest. This variety provides an ideal setting for comparative studies on bird diversity and behaviour across different ecosystems.

Internship Focus:

Students will gain field-based experience in bird monitoring and ecological data collection while contributing to ongoing conservation efforts at the centre. You will work largely independently, with the opportunity to take initiative and access support as needed.

Activities May Include:

• Recording species presence and behaviour across varied habitats
• Conducting habitat-specific surveys and keeping detailed field notes
• Mapping bird sightings in relation to environmental features
• Managing and organising collected data for analysis

Fieldwork Requirements:

All fieldwork is carried out on foot, often over uneven terrain and in variable weather. Students should be comfortable hiking and have a basic level of fitness.

Eligibility:

• Open to undergraduate and postgraduate students, recent graduates, or individuals with a strong interest in field research
• Previous fieldwork experience is beneficial but not required

Duration:

A minimum of 8 weeks is recommended.

Conservation Fee:

A conservation fee is required, which directly supports conservation and research efforts and includes:

• Shared accommodation
• Pick-up and drop-off to/from Louis Trichardt
• Biweekly town trips for supplies