We are currently looking for people interested in herpetology, entomology and arachnids to participate in our ongoing projects in the Soutpansberg mountains of South Africa.

Participants need to be comfortable around reptiles, reasonably fit and happy to live without electricity (we do have solar power) and in a remote area. Data is collected through fieldwork as well as accessing existing databases and private collections/lists. Where possible fieldwork will be conducted in understudied regions to the East and north of the Soutpansberg range. The collected information will indicate biodiversity hotspots and highlight areas for the consideration of conservational action.

The information generated from this project will include species lists, distribution within the region, habitat preferences and also biological notes of observed behaviours. One of the intended outcomes of the project and the collected information is the consolidation of the information into a publication for future research reference as well as for the education of the interested public.

Research assistants who wish to partake in their own research may do so after discussing their options and drafting a proposal with our help. We are also able to take on students who need to do an internship as part of their course if we our informed upon booking.

The SCBC aims to provide an experience that will bring people into close contact with nature – uncoupled from the everyday routines of urban-based consumer culture – and to facilitate new ways of relating to the world.

Skills and Knowledge you will acquire through participation:
• Reptile and Amphibian Identification and Data Collection for Conservation
• Setting up and maintaining Pit Fall and Funnel Traps for small vertebrates and invertebrates
• Arthropod Identification and Data Collection for Conservation
• Horticulture for Conservation
• Basic Tracking
• Bird Identification and Bird Conservation Data Collection
• Basic Ecology and Conservation in a Changing World
• Macro Photography
• Living off the Grid.

Take a look at our website for more information.

Please observe our "rates and dates" section before applying. We allow a maximum of 2 participants per month.