Limpopo, South Africa ABOUT US Bushveld Biodiversity Research Centre (BBRC) offers a range of field-based ecology internships across multiple research projects on a 27,000-hectare private wildlife reserve. The reserve is home to 17 antelope species, giraffes, and two of the Big Five, as well as a variety of predators and diverse habitats, making it an ideal location for immersive wildlife research. Interns will gain hands‑on experience in fieldwork, wildlife monitoring, and conservation research while contributing to meaningful biodiversity studies. Opportunities range from long‑term population monitoring to seasonal projects focused on specific taxa. YEAR-ROUND PROJECTS Predator and Mesocarnivores Monitoring Focus: Cheetahs, Leopards, African Civets, Genets, Spotted and Brown Hyenas, or smaller mesocarnivores. Overview: Gain practical experience studying predator populations and analysing their movement patterns. Monitor both large and small predators while contributing to long‑term research on population dynamics and behaviour. Duration: Minimum 2 months. Giraffe Research Overview: Work alongside experienced researchers to monitor giraffe populations, build individual identification kits using GiraffeSpotter, and record behaviour, feeding patterns, and habitat preferences. Data contributes to long‑term population studies and is shared with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation. Duration: Minimum 2 months. Ornithology Research Overview: Contribute to long‑term bird conservation by conducting point count surveys across diverse habitats on the reserve. With over 200 species recorded, you will collect data on species presence, abundance, and habitat use, contributing to the analysis of habitat health. Duration: Minimum 3 months. Requirements: Personal binoculars and a camera suitable for bird photography; previous birding experience is preferred. GIS Mapping Overview: Ideal for students or recent graduates skilled in ArcGIS or QGIS. Enhance mapping efforts for wildlife projects, integrate project‑specific spatial data, and create layered maps for biodiversity, habitat, and species distribution monitoring. Duration: Minimum 2 months. Requirements: Previous skills in ArcGIS or QGIS. SEASONAL PROJECTS Time Period: South African spring and summer (September–March) Herpetofauna Research Overview: Collect data at set active search sites across different habitat types to document reptiles and amphibians and identify microhabitats. Document, identify, and compare species across the different habitat types. Duration: Minimum 3 months. Entomology ResearchOverview: Document and expand the insect species list at BBRC, recording diversity across different habitats and building a photographic and identification database. Monitor seasonal changes in insect activity and contribute to broader biodiversity research on the reserve. Duration: Minimum 2 months. Time Period: South African autumn and winter (April–August) Small Mammal Species Diversity Monitoring Overview: Record species data, perform habitat assessments, and contribute to long‑term monitoring of small mammal diversity and distribution. Interns take primary responsibility for day‑to‑day project operation with training and guidance provided. Duration: Minimum 2 months. LOGISTICS Country: South Africa Province: Limpopo Arrival/Departure Airport: Polokwane Gateway Airport Start Dates: Every second Thursday (airport transfer calendar available upon request) Fieldwork: Conducted via safari vehicle under staff supervision Transport: Pick up and drop off in Polokwane and town trips to Lephalale (airport transfers from Polokwane are included for stays of 6 weeks or longer) Shopping: Interns shop in town every second week or provide shopping lists to other interns ACCOMMODATION & MEALS Interns stay in a fenced research camp within the reserve. Each house has two bedrooms (one sleeps 3–4, the other sleeps 2) and two bathrooms with hot water. Bedding and linen are provided (bed linen is washed weekly by BBRC). Interns wash their own clothes. Household supplies included (toilet paper, soaps, monthly washing detergent). Weekly housekeeping is provided, and interns are also expected to clean their own accommodation once a week. Meals are self‑catered ; dietary needs can be accommodated. Communal kitchen equipped with stoves, microwave, fridge, crockery, and cutlery. Communal areas include a lounge, workspace, outdoor patio, and barbecue area. Electricity (220V) available. Wi‑Fi accessible in most common areas (limited due to remote location). Tap water is drinkable. Due to the remote location, occasional temporary Wi‑Fi, water, or electricity outages may occur. CONSERVATION FEE A conservation fee applies for access to and residence on the reserve and is included in the overall programme rate. INCLUDED: Pre‑departure information pack Accommodation during the programme Bedding and linen Programme‑related transfers Training and supervision during the programme Use of available scientific equipment English‑speaking support by long‑term experienced staff Support throughout the programme Wi‑Fi Visa extension assistance available if needed EXCLUDED: International flights Local flights Visas and potential extension costs Travel/medical insurance (required) Recommended vaccines/medical supplies Medical costs Meals and drinks External excursions (e.g. Kruger National Park trips) Telephone/fax expenses Transfers for stays shorter than 6 weeks REQUIREMENTS & ELIGIBILITY Minimum age: 18 English language proficiency Moderate physical fitness required Comfortable living in a remote and communal setting No prior fieldwork experience required ; training and supervision provided HEALTH & SAFETY Full induction and safety briefing at the start of the internship Accompanied fieldwork All research centre staff certified in first aid Doctor available in nearest town Hospital approximately three hours away BENEFITS Hands‑on experience in wildlife behavioural ecology and biodiversity research Training in field methods and data collection, as well as operating research equipment Experience with species identification, monitoring techniques, and ecological research Reference letter upon completion University internship paperwork completed where applicable HOW TO APPLY Send your CV to #J-18808-Ljbffr