WildComm Research Stations – Bird Project Internship
WildComm Research Stations is a conservation organization based in South Africa, dedicated to hands-on research and training for the next generation of conservationists. Situated within a private reserve—home to two of the Big Five, rich birdlife, and diverse vegetation—we provide interns with meaningful opportunities to contribute to wildlife conservation.
Internship Overview
This internship offers an immersive experience in long-term bird monitoring, with a focus on avian diversity, abundance, and habitat use across the reserve. Interns will:
- Work alongside experienced researchers in the field
- Conduct systematic bird point counts at 36 randomly generated survey sites
- Record sightings with GPS location, species ID, behavior, and distance from observer
- Assess the ecological significance of key resources for different bird species
- Assist with data entry and management
Who Should Apply?
- Students or graduates in Ecology, Zoology, Ornithology, Wildlife Conservation, or related fields
- No prior birding experience required (interest in avian ecology essential)
- Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Reasonable fitness level (all surveys are conducted on foot)
Duration
Flexible | Recommended commitment of 2–4 months to maximize learning opportunities in avian fieldwork and biodiversity monitoring.
Conservation Fee
As interns will be living on a wildlife reserve, part of the fee contributes directly to the protection of the land and its species.
What’s Included
- Accommodation on the reserve
- Transport (Louis Trichardt pick-up and drop-off)
- Biweekly town trips for supplies