Modgaji Conservation Project

  South Africa

Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Through out the year

Description: We invite you to become a part of a unique conservation project bordering the Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area and forming part of the Baviaans Mega Reserve. Volunteers will partake in the whole spectrum of Reserve development; conservation management and animal rehabilitation.

Hundreds of years back, wild game roamed these vast areas of the Karoo, but due to human impact, their numbers dwindled. Through concerted conservation practises, passion, participation, and reintroduction our goal is to restore land and wildlife back to its original splendour.

This programme is targeted at persons wanting to experience behind the scenes on a wildlife reserve, and do meaningful work with the rehabilitation, release and monitoring of animals, back to the wild. Participants will also be in involved the maintenance and conservation on the reserve.

The Modgaji conservation and animal rehabilitation programme welcomes motivated volunteers with a passion for wildlife and conservation in its ongoing conservation work. With the contribution of volunteers this great area, with surviving species such as leopard, kudu, baboon and many other indigenous animals will be brought back to how nature intended it to be.

The Modgaji project has been working with a number of world renowned conservation bodies. Past initiatives of the Modgaji Project have resulted in the successful release and rehabilitation of Cheetah, Lion, Brown Hyena, Caracal, Spotted Hyena, Serval, Cape fox, African Wild Cat, Elephant, Black and White Rhino and Buffalo on several Game Reserves around South Africa.

Highlights: The Project is extremely "hands on" and needs YOUR HELP for the continued success of the project.

-An Experience of a lifetime that will remain with you forever-

The Program (what we offer)
Work on the Reserve is diverse, and therefore daily activities vary, but volunteers may be assured of a close and personal experience with the African Bush, and some of its Wild life....

Activities, which volunteers are involved in include:
Animal Rehabilitation:
* Cheetah release and breeding program
* Release and monitoring of other endemic animal species
* Walking of cheetah, during their release program
* Feeding, monitoring, and behavioural enrichment of any animals undergoing rehabilitation
* Cleaning of camps
* Assisting wildlife veterinarians, if the need arises
* Daily monitoring of released species
* Conservation Management:
* Erection of Fences and bomas (holding encampments)
* Fence Patrols
* Road Maintenance, and building
* Control and removal of alien vegetation
* Reserve clean up
* Game counts, and individual identification profiles for game
* Erosion control
* Monitoring of waterholes
* Game capture, and game transportation
* Game introduction

Other activities:
* Bush walks and game drives
* Identifying of animals, insects, reptiles and plant species
* "Sleep outs" in the Bush, under the African Skies.
* Community work / Outreach Projects in the village of Stylerville

Qualifications:
What Skills are required to volunteer?
* Participants should have a love and passion for animals and the outdoors.
* Participants need to be team players, hard working, responsible and reliable. A sense of humour is always welcomes (although not essential!).
* Participants need to communicate in English, although not necessarily fluently.
* We welcome any persons from the age of 18 and over, who are in good health and fair fitness.

Cost in US$: 471 USA dollars per person per week

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Volunteers at Modgaji Conservation Project, are indivuals who have a passion for wildlife and conservation, and who would like to have a real "hands on" experience, and make a difference.

Age Range: 18-50

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 2

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Modgaji Conservation Project's Mission Statement: Modgaji Conservation Projects Vision: " To develop marginal farmlands to Game Reserves which will allow for the release of endemic species of wildlife, and the protection of flora, and fauna. " To develop and acquire land for conservation, to enable breeding of Cheetah, leopard and other endangered wildlife creating a population of free roaming game so their offspring can be relocated to other reserves living under natural conditions. " To benefit communities through conservation and tourism.

Year Founded: 1992