African Conservation Experience: The Mauritius Dolphin Conservation Project - African Conservation Experience

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The Mauritius Dolphin Conservation Project

  • Tuli Conservation ProjectIn the Tuli Block of Botswana volunteers work alongside experienced rangers to establish a baseline ecology study of the wildlife in this vast and unfenced trans frontier region.
  • Zingela Predator Conservation ProjectAt Zingela, you can study some of Africa's most elusive and persecuted predators, focussing on cheetah conservation, leopard and brown hyena studies.
  • Phinda Wildlife Research ProjectAs a 'Big 5' safari reserve, Phinda offers superb wildlife viewing while you conduct field research on the populations of lions, leopards and elephants, amongst other species.
  • Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation CentreVolunteering at the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in South Africa gives you hands on experience in animal care, rehabilitation and hand rearing of wildlife. Join an experienced and dedicated team caring for injured and poisoned wildlife.
  • Khulula Wild Care
  • Game Capture TeamJoining the Game Capture Team lets you participate in the exciting work of capturing and relocating many wildlife species, including rhinos, buffalo, giraffe and large herds of antelope - this is hands-on and adrenaline fuelled work!
  • Hanchi Conservation ProjectWhile volunteering at Hanchi, you assist in the management of a 9,000 hectare reserve from horseback, which operates a breeding programme for rare antelopes as well as a cheetah sanctuary and predator study.
  • Shimongwe Wildlife Veterinary ExperienceThe Wildlife Veterinary Experience gives you the opportunity to work alongside experienced wildlife vets in South Africa, accompanying them on all wildlife cases and learning first hand and up close about this exciting work.
  • Nholwasi Community ProjectAn immensely rewarding experience, working with local children to promote sustainable and long term conservation, enrich their lives and work with the children of the future.
  • The Dolphin and Whale Research CentreAt the Dolphin and Whale Research Centre you assist renowned marine scientists studying the populations of humpback and bottlenose dolphins, byrde whales, humpback whales, and southern right whales, along South Africa’s coast.
  • Mauritius Dolphin Conservation ProjectAs a volunteer at the Mauritius Dolphin Conservation Project you assist with monitoring and controlling the impact of eco tourism on the local populations of spinner dolphins, melon headed dolphins and bottle nosed dolphins.
  • Tutuka Family Conservation ProjectWork with your family to bring your children's learning to life. Contribute to the conservation research of a Big 5 reserve and join our local community project.
  • Game Ranger Guide CourseThe Game Ranger Guide Course gives you a thorough introduction to the wildlife and habitats of South Africa and Botswana.
  • Wildlife Tracking CourseLearn advanced tracking skills and interpret animal behaviour while following wildlife through the wilderness of Botswana’s Tuli Block. This is a tough and adventurous experience.

As the popularity of dolphin-watching trips soars, it is becoming increasingly vital to monitor the effects that this increased human presence is having on cetacean populations, and this project is working to do just that.

Mauritius Dolphin Conservation Project

The research team on the Mauritius Dolphin Conservation Project work in Tamarin Bay, off the coast of Mauritius, which is currently home to around 60 bottlenose dolphins and 500 spinner dolphins. Sadly, these small populations appear to be in decline. There is almost no legislation protecting these animals, and little or no control of tourist boats in terms of how close they can go to the animals or for how long.

Mauritius Dolphin Conservation Project

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The aim of the project is to study the impact that this level of intrusion is having on the dolphins, in terms of their movements, population size and behaviour. Environmental data is also collected, and other cetacean sightings, for example of humpback and sperm whales which are also found in the area, are also recorded.


Conservation In Action

This project has amazing conservation value - the findings of the research team are so desperately needed they are being almost directly translated into new legislation to protect the dolphin populations and prevent their numbers from declining any further, and you can be a part of it. The project also studies sperm whales and humpback whales, pilot whales, melon headed dolphins and turtles.  

Work With The Wildlife

The project is the ideal option for anyone wanting a career in marine biology. Working as part of the small research team you will be directly involved in boat-based study for around three days a week, as well as detailed analysis of data when in the office. Research work includes:

  • photographing individual dolphins for identification
  • tracking pod movements and mapping habitat use
  • population estimates
  • data analysis of information gained from boat-study
  • cataloguing individual animals.

Factbox

Costs and Duration: 2-12 weeks, from £2290 for 2 weeks to £5220 for 12 weeks including international return flights from London,UK, transfers, accommodation, project related costs and support. Meals are not included and we advise a budget of £40.00 per week.

Accommodation: Sharing with the other researchers in a small home where the office is also based.

Group size: Maximum of six students.

Time of year: Throughout the year including Christmas. Seasonal variations in work based on dolphin movements.

Person specification: If you're passionate about research work and have a scientific background, this is the ideal project for you.

Apply Now!

Find ACE at these domain names: www.conservationafrica.net, www.conservationafrica.co.uk

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