Leopard research & conservation in South Africa with two non-profit organizations!

IMPORTANT: Unlike many volunteer programs that may prioritize profit over purpose, our program is grounded in real conservation work, not just superficial experiences. We prioritize hands-on learning and meaningful contributions, ensuring that your time here is truly impactful and relevant to your career goals. By volunteering with us you will be working with Ingwe Research Program AND Transfrontier Africa.

Ingwe Research Program is a South African Non-Profit Company previously owned by the On Track Foundation. Our purpose is to ignite a passion for conservation by empowering people in South Africa to become stewards of African wildlife and their ecosystems, with the leopard as a flagship species, through empirical research. We are collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders - game reserves & lodges, NGOs/NPOs & for profits organizations, local government, residents & tourists.

Our citizen science model involves engaging individuals in leopard monitoring, transforming data into actionable conservation efforts. By fostering a deeper connection between people and leopards, we aim to increase coexistence and ensure the long-term survival of these magnificent creatures.

Since its inception less than two years ago, IRP has achieved remarkable results. We have enrolled 30 reserves, engaged over 350 citizen scientists, and collected over 7,000 leopard images. Through advanced image analysis, we have identified over 100 individual leopards, providing crucial data for conservation management.

Transfrontier Africa is also South African Non-Profit Company with over 15 years of experience. Our 3 pillars are Conservation Research, Wildlife & Landscape Security and Environmental Education. Transfrontier Africa is based in Olifants West Nature Reserve that forms a part of the Greater Kruger National Park. Originally focusing primarily on ecological research and protected area management, Transfrontier Africa partners with several local and international research institutions to develop local talents in conservation and ensure its contribution to global conservation efforts.

Why participate to this volunteer program?

1. You become a true team member of Ingwe Research Program.
2. You play a key role in the biggest carnivore-focus citizen science project in South Africa.
3. You learn from experienced conservationists.
4. You become a professional in using AI for conservation on one of the most widely used platforms in Africa.
5. You partake in a range of further research activities with the other volunteers (e.g. wildlife monitoring, game counts, predator diet study, alien vegetation control etc...)

If you are keen to improve your knowledge and contribute to conservation whilst experiencing the sights and sounds of animals roaming freely in their natural habitat you will not be disappointed!

Your responsibilities

1. Learn to use two different AI platforms - Trap Tagger and the African Carnivore Wildbook.
2. Process camera trap images from our reserve.
3. Format leopard data collected by the camera traps and from sightings.
4. Process all camera traps data on the AI platform Trap Tagger.
5. Process sightings data on the African Carnivore Wildbook platform and run the AI.
6. Prepare and update ID kits.
7. Assist with the other research projects, the Bush Babies Environmental Education Program and the Black Mambas anti-poaching unit.

Requirements to participate to the program:

• Two months stay minimum as we want this experience to truly benefit your career goals.
• Being enrolled in a degree in a relevant field, such as Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Conservation Science, Environmental Science, or a related discipline is an added advantage.
• Willing to learn, focused, detail-orientated and meticulous. These qualities are crucial as you will be going through intense training and be dealing with a high amount of sensitive data.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with research team members.
• You will sign a Memorandum of Understanding that states the terms of collaboration between you, Transfrontier Africa and Ingwe Research Program.
• You will also have to sign a confidentiality clause linked to data security.

Cost

USD50 a day

Includes:

• Accommodation at Ndlovu Camp in a big 5 reserves (authentic bush experience)
• 3 meals a day suited for all dietary requirements, cooked on the open fire
• WiFi
• Participation in daily research activities and reserve management duties
• Training

We focus on tangible outcomes, ensuring that your involvement directly contributes to leopard conservation and provides valuable hands-on experience for your future career. JOIN US!