Elephants in Africa are under increased pressure due to loss of
habitat and increased hunting pressure. China has recently
legalised ivory and so the trade to the east combined with the
increased wealth in Asia has multiplied the pressures upon what
was a recovering species. As farmers settle more and more land,
there are also increased instances of human / elephant conflict.
Thus research into the behaviour of elephants and their needs
within reserves is becoming increasingly vital to the long term
conservation of the species. Rise before the sun to go out on a
game drive when the animals are most active. With your telemetry
equipment you’ll learn to track and locate elephants and record
the relevant data. You’ll return to base for lunch to take a
break during the hottest part of the day. Then, there is a late
afternoon game drive which will end just before sunset when you
return to relax and cook dinner with your fellow volunteers.
Spend time out on the reserve in game vehicles, collecting
behavioural data