Info

Are you a herpetologist...or simply interested in wildlife conservation?

Overview:
Are you a herpetologist ... or simply interested in animal conservation? Either way, Crocodile Conservation is a unique wildlife conservation project that allows you to get close up and personal with crocodiles, turtles, tortoises, king cobras, monitor lizards, pythons and iguanas. This animal conservation volunteer programme in India will give you the chance to experience a unique journey by getting up-close to some endangered species.


Project description:
On arrival at Chennai airport, a driver will be waiting to take you to your accommodation at the centre where the staff will ensure that you settle into your new home. Starting on Saturday evening, our local coordinator will host an induction for all recently arrived volunteers. You will also have an opportunity to tour the city and take in the sights and sounds of your new home. Regular social events are also held, giving you the opportunity to meet other volunteers and local people, including a free weekend trip on your second weekend.

30 years ago 8 acres of land on India's east coast south of Chennai and close to the famous temple complex of Mahaballipuram became a trust for the conservation and study of India's three types of crocodile, the Mugger, the Gharial and the Saltwater.

Starting with 30 adults, the trust has now bred over 5,000 and currently cares for over 2,400 crocodiles. The centre is now India's principal centre for conservation, research and education and home to 14 species of crocodile and 12 endangered species of turtles and tortoises - not to mention the King Cobra, monitor lizards, pythons and iguanas.

Since its inception, the centre has supplied over 1500 animals and hundreds of eggs for restocking and breeding programmes in various crocodile states in India.

There's always plenty of work to be done at the centre so expect to be kept busy with a variety of tasks such as:

->Feeding the animals, cleaning out and maintaining the croc enclosures.
->Helping with research projects and collecting data.
->Supporting the environmental awareness camps with local children, giving presentations and demonstrations.
-> Acting as a visitor guide, giving day and night-time safaris, and supervising visitors when they are handling the baby crocs or the friendly pythons.

This is a great project for volunteers intending to study conservation, zoology or other related disciplines, but it's open to everybody with an interest in wildlife or conservation.

Duration

From 1 month to 4 months

Start Dates

2nd Monday of every month

Requirements

*Minimum age 18 yrs. No maximum age.
*There are no specific skills required to participate in this programme, other than a passion for animals, a genuine interest in reptiles and a will to share it with others.
*Volunteers need to be mature, confident and demonstrate initiative.
*Good spoken English is also required.
*International volunteers welcome