GROUP VETERINARY PROJECT

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Project Type: Wildlife Veterinary Science, Conservation Project, Extra Mural Studies.

Location: Various, South Africa.

Pick Up Point: Various.

Duration: 12 Days.

Price: POA

Start Dates: Course dates throughout the year

Accommodation: Purpose built volunteer accommodation situated on a Game Reserve.

Meals: Three meals per day included, semi participation.

Age Range: 16 Plus.

FURTHER INFO

As each course is tailor-made, the content and activities can vary depending on the groups level of study and ability. All courses are focused around hands on wildlife veterinary work and you can expect to be involved with the following types of activities:

Introduction to Darting Techniques
The various darting techniques used for game capture and immobilisation; learning to handle the various darting systems and target practice.

Darting of Rhino
Accompany the conservation team as they dart and immobilise white rhino to perform ear notching for identification purposes and collection of DNA for research.

Immobilisation of large Carnivore
Work with the veterinary team to immobilise one of the large predator species on the reserve; learn respiratory monitoring and use of drugs.

Translocation of Antelope Species
Techniques used for mass capture and translocation of antelope species.

Passive Game Capture
Practical techniques on passive game capture of various species.

Post Mortems
Conduct post mortems with veterinary staff for research and assessment.

Be the Vet
Here you will be required to put your skills learnt in immobilisation and game capture to the test as you head out on the reserve to manage the team and act as the wildlife vet to manage the procedure.

Any Emergency Veterinary Procedures
As required by the veterinary team on the reserve.

Conservation activities may include:
Game Monitoring: Rhino, Elephants, Predators
Through regular monitoring it is possible to identify individuals, gather information about the family structure and determine the feeding habits and special ecology of animals. All the data you collect will be used to assist in the managing decisions for the reserve.

Telemetry Tracking
Using telemetry tracking equipment you will monitor high profile animals such as cheetahs and leopards. This tracking is important both because of neighbouring properties carrying livestock and the elusive nature of these animals

As the key focus of the courses is on education we also included various lectures and talks with wildlife professionals. These can include:

There will also be opportunities to attend talks and presentations on the following:

– Introduction to Wildlife Conservation in SA.
– Rehabilitation of wildlife.
– Pharmacokinetics.
– Anaesthetics drugs in wildlife.
– Tranquilizers used in wildlife.
– Elephant management.
– Selected wildlife diseases.
– Intensive vs free-roaming wildlife.
– Wildlife Monitoring.
– Understanding the principles of Eco Systems.
– Animal Population Dynamics.
– Capture Techniques and relocation of wildlife.
– Use of Boma’s.
– Stress factors in handling and containment.
– Animal husbandry.
– Veterinarian’s role in conservation.
– Conservation of flagship species of Africa.
– Biomes of the Eastern Cape.
– Wildlife tracks and signs.
– Basic wildlife conservation, ecology and management principles.
– Facilities and drugs to reduce stress.
– Darting techniques.
– Animal welfare in relation to capture and containment.
– Hand-rearing of orphaned animals.
– Anti-poaching methods.