Info

This is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of a real Rhino Game Capture on a Reserve in South Africa. These opportunities are rare and extremely exciting!

This once-only project runs from 15th September 2011 to 29th September. During that time you'll assist with the capture of Rhino!!! This is an unbelievable experience that you'll never forget!!

Game captures usually only take place when there are too many animals of a particular species on land that is not big enough to sustain their numbers. The game is usually captured so that it can be relocated to another Reserve or game farm that may not have sufficient of the species or that wants to repopulate its land with a species that once was indigenous but now no longer lives there.

Game capture and relocation is essential for restocking new areas and keeping the different populations diverse amongst the Reserves. It plays a major part in conserving endangered species and is a positive means of stimulating the local economy and providing local jobs.

You'll have the rare opportunity to help throughout the entire process of this Game Capture whilst learning a great deal from conservation professionals.

And, of course, you'll have hands-on work with wildlife that you've always dreamt of!

This project is based on a Game Reserve in the Limpopo province, in Northern South Africa. The reserve has 18,000 acres, so you'll have plenty of opportunity to see some or all of the great variety of species living on the Reserve: Giraffe, Cheetah, Eland, Buffalo, Leopard, Roan, Kudu, Hyena, Waterbuck, Blue Wildebeest, Zebra, Gemsbok, Sable, Impala, Duiker, Steenbok, Wild Dog, Aardwolf, Serval, Caracal, Black-backed Jackal, and of course Rhino!

WORK CONTENT:
This is a superb opportunity to not only witness some extraordinary sights, but also to learn a great deal about African Rhino and make a difference as well. Game capture is imperative to sustain this working Game Reserve and you'll be part of an initiative to keep the wildlife population of South Africa diverse, which is crucial to keep the animals healthy and plentiful. You'll be given training in how to practically assist and will work closely with the field staff to really assist and make a difference during the capture.

There is a huge increase in Rhino poaching recently so this is a big problem. The move to the reserve is to give them a safer home on the reserve. We plan to monitor the rhino’s position and guard the rhino as much as possible.

A brief explanation of some of the capture processes:

Building Capture Bomas - A capture boma is a large structure, usually built in the shape of a long funnel. They're constructed from long canvas curtains and cables attached to trees and poles. The boma mouth (entrance) is usually 200-300 metres wide. There are hidden curtains positioned from the mouth of the boma all the way to the back (where the animals are loaded onto trucks.)

The Capture - The animals are herded into the capture boma using a helicopter. As the animals enter the boma, the curtains are closed behind them (this is tricky as some curtains are over 30 metres long!) Weather plays a vital role in the capture - the wind must blow in the right direction and it cannot be done in the heat of the day or in the rain.

Moving Capture Bomas - It is only possible to capture for approximately 2 days at each capture site as the animals become aware of the capture operation and move away. Therefore, the boma must be moved to a new area - this is a major job that must be done quickly.

Loading Animals into trucks - Each species of animal must be loaded differently. Some will run straight into the truck, some will stop and they have to be moved by hand or push plates.

Any number of things can change the schedule, as there are so many external unpredictabilities. There are some days built into your schedule to allow for this unpredictability, but don't worry - you'll always be busy!

A rough guide to your two-week programme is:

September 15th - Arrival Day

September 16th / 19th – Preparing the property for the re-location, Introduction to the Rhino Capture Procedure and lecture and also Cheetah Tracking

September 20th – Travel to reserve to Capture Rhino

September 21st – 22nd Rhino Capture Operation, Fit tracking device to horn of Rhino

September 23rd - 25th – Feed and monitor Rhino in holding Camp, do final fence check on reserve and prepare for release

September 26th – 28th Release Rhino on reserve and continue to track and monitor

September 29th – Departure

The capture is essential in our attempts to keep these rhino safe and also helps in the ongoing efforts to conserve the Reserve and the rhinos through eco-tourism.

The work that you do will contribute to best practice of running a sustainable Game Reserve and will also make a valuable contribution to sustainable conservation efforts in South Africa. You'll be guided and the work you do will be challenging, but determined by your abilities.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

* An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Africa and the many diverse cultures in South Africa
* The enormous satisfaction of helping conserving animals in their natural environment and knowing that you made a difference to them.
* New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
* An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
* And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

Duration

2 Weeks

Start Dates

This is a one-off project that starts on 15 September 2011 and finishes on 29 September 2011.

Costs / Benefits

The project costs £1295 for 2 weeks.

Included is full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).

You’ll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you’ll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you’ll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Requirements

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.