Volunteers for Leopard in South Africa

[Duccio]

We're looking for two volunteer field assistants to help establish and
maintain a long-term monitoring project of the carnivore populations (and
their prey) within the Soutpansberg Mountains of South Africa. Our montane
environment supports one of the highest densities of leopard (Panthera
pardus) recorded anywhere in Africa, although caracal (Caracal caracal),
brown hyena (Hyaena brunnea), civet (Civettictis civetta) and large spotted
genet (Genetta tigrina) all form part of our study. Our research aims to
focus on understanding the ecology of these species alongside an assessment
of the perceptions and drivers of human-wildlife conflict in the region.
Volunteers will work alongside an experienced team of field biologists and
will be involved in the following tasks:
1. Remote camera-trap monitoring of carnivores (and other mammals),
including camera monitoring and download, image cataloguing and data
analysis.
2. Leopard monitoring via GPS collars. Volunteers will play an
important role in setting and monitoring traps, tracking via VHF receivers,
data download, and collar retrieval.
3. Transect surveys, and scat/dietary analysis.
4. General data entry and analysis and preparation of reports and
papers for publication.
Qualifications/Experience:
We are looking for volunteer research assistants with the following
experience:
1. A background in biology/zoology/ecology or related field and an
interest in the behaviour, ecology and conservation of carnivores.
2. Be physically fit, and capable of undertaking fieldwork in a
mountainous environment in hot temperatures at certain times of year.
3. Be capable of working well as part of a team, under the authority of
field research coordinators, and be a valuable team member.
4. Be reliable, responsible and motivated when it comes to following
research protocols and methodologies, and an ability to work at unsociable
hours when necessary.
5. Relevant experience of the project's field techniques and of working
in southern Africa is desirable but not essential.

Salary/funding:
No salary is provided, although payment for contributing to certain elements
of our research project may be possible on an ad hoc basis. At other times
you will need to cover your own food and accommodation costs at the research
station. All research equipment will be provided. Volunteer research
assistants will also be responsible for their own airfare and travel to
South Africa and medical/travel insurance.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals,
lodging):
Housing is available at the Lajuma Research Station, which is equipped with
hot showers, flush toilets, a gas stove, fridge, tapped water, washing
machine, gas, firewood and electricity (220V). Volunteers may join one of
the two trips to Louis Trichardt (Makhado) a week for shopping, visits to an
internet café, landline phone calls, etc.
Duration of Appointment:
Positions are available from March 2011. We are looking for volunteers who
are able to commit for a minimum of 3 months, although positions may be held
for up to 12 months or longer, depending on availability. Volunteers able
to contribute for a minimum of 6 months may take responsibility for certain
sub-projects, including data analysis and publication where appropriate.
Application Procedure and Deadlines:
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter to the project field
manager Vivien Kent ( <mailto:v.t.kent@durham.ac.uk> v.t.kent@durham.ac.uk)
outlining your suitability for the role, relevant experience and duration
and timing of your availability. There is no specific deadline and
applications will be accepted until positions are filled.