Earthwatch volunteers study hyenas and jackals in South Africa’s Pilanesberg National Park, helping to develop a long-term conservation plan.
This study focuses on the carnivore species that are typically scavengers in South Africa: the brown hyena and the black-backed jackal. Scavengers play a vital role in the environment by maintaining the balance of ecosystems through their specialized feeding habits; however, they also regularly come into conflict with people. Around the globe, conflict between humans and wildlife is growing due to increased pressure on land use and resources. It is estimated that there are fewer than 1,700 brown hyenas left in South Africa, and black-backed jackals are the most persecuted carnivore in the region.
As part of this Earthwatch team, you’ll help assess carnivore populations in areas with different levels of protection and management in order to help develop our understanding of the ecology of these animals, their role within ecosystems, the threats they face, and how they are viewed by locals, to aid future conservation strategies.
As a volunteer, you’ll be involved in many different aspects of the project, including survey work and education. But for all of your hard work, there will also be exciting opportunities to experience and learn more about other wildlife, enjoy the local cuisine and traditional activities, and relax and take in the African sunset.