Field Research Experience & Independent Projects
- South Africa -

About
Planning your own research project, testing an idea in the field, or building experience for future studies? WildComm Research Stations offers a supportive field-based research setting within a protected private reserve in South Africa, where you can develop projects, test methods and gain hands-on conservation research experience.

What We Offer
WildComm is situated on a private reserve, with diverse wildlife, vegetation and complex savanna ecosystems where you can work with access to on-site research equipment and support from experienced conservation professionals.

Research Your Own Project

• Behavioural & movement ecology
• Population monitoring
• Vegetation
• Interdisciplinary conservation projects

Build Field Research Experience

• Test research methods
• Conduct pilot or exploratory studies
• Build field and data-collection skills
• Prepare for future Bachelor’s or Master’s research

Participants can also join ongoing and long-term research projects on site, including rhino and giraffe behaviour studies, carnivore movement ecology and wildlife monitoring.

Location: Limpopo, South Africa
Position: Unpaid research assistantship
Start Date: Flexible. 3+ months recommended. Sandwich year students welcome.
Monthly Rate: £770 per person, including accommodation, research supervision and all necessary research equipment. Participants arrange their own travel, insurance and meals.

Candidate Requirements

• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team in field settings
• Willingness to work on foot over uneven terrain and in variable weather conditions
• Moderate fitness level (endurance improves with experience)
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data management tasks
• No prior field experience required

This research assistantship is ideal for students in ecology, conservation biology, or related fields, as well as career changers and others looking to gain practical, data-intensive field research experience in mammal conservation.