Conservation holidays provide hands-on experiences for wildlife enthusiasts and novices alike. With unrivalled access to wildlife and experts, travellers make a direct contribution to the on-going studies of a threatened species and gain a greater scientific understanding of the challenges faced. They also gain valuable skills and increase practical knowledge of working in-the-field, while boosting knowledge with lectures and workshops. Here are some conservation trips you can try…
Save the Rhinos and Track Leopards in South Africa
Get involved in the conservation of two of the most charismatic African mammals: the critically endangered black rhino and the elusive leopard, alongside the Zulu community. While staying at a comfortable lodge in peaceful Kwazulu Natal, take part in a worthwhile expansion project in Somkhanda Game Reserve and uncover the challenges faced by the leopard. With poaching issues and a high rate of calf mortality, the project is essential if the recently introduced founder population of black rhino are to survive and the leopard thrive.
Study the Sperm Whale and Bottlenose Dolphin in the Azores
From the comfort of a catamaran by day and a 4-star hotel by night, uncover the mysteries of the deepest diving whales that have the largest brains on earth. During the summer, when the Azores host the greatest concentration of sperm whales, join experts in whales and dolphins and learn about their ecology, population, habitat and behaviour under the guidance of cetacean biologist, Dr Lisa Steiner. Highlights include exhilarating dives with elusive blue sharks, acoustic recordings, and an on board whale and dolphin survey.
Land of the Lemurs: Conservation in Action, Madagascar
While staying in simple rainforest accommodation alongside the research team in Madagascar’s Ranomafana National Park, learn about threats to the lemur population such as the decline in bamboo vegetation – the main diet of this species. Interaction with the local community and close encounters with the lemurs are on the menu of this exotic ecological and cultural journey.
Blue Whale Research in Mingan Islands
The blue whale, the most imposing animal on Earth lives in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, the world’s largest estuary and the outlet of the Great Lakes of North America. Join the scientific team as a Research Assistant to study these mysterious marine mammals, helping to collect critical information for a better understanding, while experiencing the authentic life of scientists in the field. One of the challenges they face comes from the oil and gas industries willing to drill for oil in the Gulf. Stay in a simple, traditional guesthouse.
Carnivores of Namibia
The Namibian lion is the most threatened of the carnivores and this physical adventure in the Namibia wilderness focuses on a lion survey on the boundary of Etosha National Park, mapping their habitat and movements and setting up camera traps. While staying in lodge & bushcamp accommodation, visitors get their hands dirty as they help farmers to build a kraal (enclosure) to protect their livestock from the wild cat predators.
For more information, dates, and prices visit www.wildlifeworldwide.com or call Wildlife Worldwide on 0845 130 6982.
