The Soutpansberg Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation is an independent research and conservation organization based in the Soutpansberg mountains. We are currently looking for volunteers and interns to help with research in this region.
The Soutpansberg Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation was established in 2014 in order to catalogue the biodiversity of understudied animals in the region. As of August 2017 we are now hosted and in partnership with Lajuma Research Centre.
The project initially began with a strong herpetological emphasis; soon it became apparent that it would be impossible to limit the study to a single group. Soon amphibians, small mammals, scorpions, Theraphosidae, Odonata and Lepidoptera were added to the focus of the study. The inclusion of the additional groups has not hampered the reptilian data collection as these groups are often encountered while searching for reptiles. We aim 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.
Currently the SCBC has two programmes on offer: Internship/Researcher and Research Assistant
Internship/Researcher:
The SCBC can facilitate any interns or researchers who wish to conduct research based on any of our current focus areas. Some degrees require students to participate in an internship where they must conduct their own research and write a report, we are also able to assist these students. Students will be required to pay monthly rent of R4200. Rent must be paid in cash.
Research Assistant:
If you are looking to gain experience in the field and would like to be able to participate in an extended programme which will allow you to dip your feet into different areas of research, then this is the option for you. This programme is also ideal for participants who want to stay for 2 months or less. As a research assistant you will be required to help us and our other students with their research projects. This will allow you to gain experience on a number of different research techniques. This programme also gives you the opportunity to travel to different sites in the Soutpansberg. The cost for this programme is currently set at R400 a day
General Information
Currently we are looking for people interested in herpetology, entomology, scorpions, baboon spiders, lichen, fungi, ornithology and small mammals. Participants need to be comfortable around reptiles, reasonably fit and happy to live with limited electricity and in a remote area. Data is collected through fieldwork as well as accessing existing databases and private collections/lists. 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.
For more information please take a look at our website: soutpansbergcbc.blogspot.com