When it comes to conservation, adventure, and learning, few initiatives manage to intertwine these elements as seamlessly as the “GET LOST” project by The Expedition Project and The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT).
This innovative program offers a unique opportunity to explore some of South Africa’s most breath-taking wilderness areas while contributing to the conservation of its diverse ecosystems. Let’s delve into what makes “GET LOST” not just an adventure, but a journey that makes a difference.
An Overview of “GET LOST”
“GET LOST is not your typical wildlife experience. It’s an immersive adventure that allows participants to step into the heart of South Africa’s wild landscapes, from the rugged mountains to the vast savannas. This project is designed for those who crave more than just a safari; it’s for those who seek to understand, protect, and actively engage with the natural world.
Participants in the “GET LOST” project are not merely tourists; they become part of a conservation team.
These are once in a life-time opportunities to explore the most remote and least understood places and biodiversity, and the potential to make some of the most significant discoveries in the world of wildlife conservation.
Join custom designed expeditions into the wilderness to search for species that have been lost to science or to identify new species using modern scientific techniques. Utilizing new environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques, these expeditions could significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of discovering and conserving lost or rare species.
These expeditions will be ideal for private research groups, suitable for individual travellers. explorers and aspiring conservationists.
The Endangered Wildlife Trust: A Commitment to Conservation
At the core of the “GET LOST” project is The Endangered Wildlife Trust, an organization dedicated to protecting and preserving Africa’s wildlife and natural habitats. Their approach to conservation is multifaceted, combining research, education, and community engagement. By participating in “GET LOST,” adventurers support the trust’s broader mission and contribute directly to ongoing conservation projects.
The program emphasizes sustainable tourism, ensuring that every expedition is conducted with minimal environmental impact. This commitment to responsible travel is integral to the trust’s philosophy, ensuring that these wild places remain unspoiled for future generations.
What to Expect on the Journey
“GET LOST” is more than just a name—it’s a call to disconnect from the mundane and immerse oneself in the wild. The journey is, at times, physically demanding, often taking participants off the beaten path into remote and untouched areas via mountain hikes and scrambling and wetland work and surveys. This is where the true beauty of the program lies: in its ability to transport you away from civilisation and into the raw, unfiltered beauty of nature. But don’t forget: at the heart of it you are apart of a research time undertaking valuable surveys.
Days are spent hiking through diverse terrains, from arid plains to lush forests, with opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitats.
A Learning Experience Like No Other
One of the most valuable aspects of the “GET LOST” project is the educational component. The Expedition Project and The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) ensure that each participant leaves with a deeper understanding of the conservation issues facing South Africa’s wildlife.
This education is not just theoretical; it’s hands-on. Participants might find themselves helping to monitor local ecology, setting up traps, and conducting surveys. This practical experience is invaluable, offering insights that go beyond what any textbook could provide.
The Quest for Amphibians: Branch’s Rain Frog and Mountain Toadlets
The amphibian team will embark on a mission to study several elusive species, all of which are categorized as Data Deficient, meaning that insufficient data exists to assess their conservation status fully.
- Branch’s Rain Frog (Breviceps branchi): After recent surveys confirmed its presence in November 2023, this enigmatic frog continues to intrigue scientists. Known for its small size and secretive habits, Branch’s Rain Frog is an excellent example of the hidden biodiversity waiting to be uncovered in South Africa’s wilderness.
- Mountain Toadlets: Including the Deception Peak Mountain Toadlet (Capensibufo deceptus), the Landdroskop Mountain Toadlet (Capensibufo magistratus), and the Moonlight Mountain Toadlet (Capensibufo selenophos), these species have only recently been described and are shrouded in mystery. These toadlets live in fragmented and isolated high-elevation habitats in the Fynbos Biome, breeding in shallow, temporary pools that are sporadically distributed. The challenges of accessing these remote areas mean that much remains to be discovered about their population sizes, breeding behaviors, and overall distribution.
Exploring Mammalian Mysteries: Sengi, Galago, Pygmy Mouse, and More
The mammal-focused expeditions will delve into the lives of some of the most cryptic and lesser-known species.
- Karoo Rock Sengi (Elephantulus pilicaudus): Described as recently as 2008, this small mammal is a cryptic species closely related to the Cape Rock Sengi. Found in just a handful of locations within boulder-strewn habitats, this species’ true range and abundance are still unknown. The expedition will aim to uncover more about its habitat preferences and distribution.
- Thomas’s Pygmy Mouse (Mus neavei): This species has only been identified at two localities within South Africa, and its distribution remains largely unresolved. Found in montane grasslands and other specialized habitats, the expedition will aim to clarify its range and understand its ecological needs.
- Shortridge’s Rat (Thallomys shortridgei): With no current occurrence data and unresolved taxonomic status, this arboreal rodent represents a significant puzzle for conservationists. Found in older woodlands along the Orange River, this expedition will focus on collecting fresh data to inform conservation efforts.
Reptile Rediscoveries: Sandveld Lizards, Flat Geckos, and Legless Skinks
For those drawn to the enigmatic world of reptiles, these expeditions offer the chance to search for species that have not been seen in decades.
- Bluetailed Sandveld Lizard (Nucras caesicaudata): Last recorded in the 1980s, this lizard’s presumed range extends across parts of Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Little is known about its ecology, and its absence from recent surveys has raised concerns. The expedition will focus on locating populations in northern Kruger National Park, an area that remains largely unexplored by herpetologists.
- Pongola Flat Gecko (Afroedura pongola): Found only in two localities, this gecko inhabits granite outcrops in northern Zululand. The primary goal of the expedition will be to determine the extent of its range and gather essential data to assess its conservation status.
- Legless Skinks: Including the White-throated Legless Skink (Acontias albigularis) and the Wakkerstroom Legless Skink (Acontias wakkerstroomensis), these species have only been recently described. With very little known about their distributions and ecological requirements, these skinks represent a critical focus for understanding the biodiversity of South Africa’s montane regions
More species: Birds, Insects and Plants
Conclusion: A Call to Adventure
The “GET LOST” project is more than just an expedition; it’s an opportunity to contribute to something greater. It’s a chance to step out of your comfort zone, to challenge yourself, and to make a tangible difference in the world of conservation. For those who are passionate about wildlife, eager to learn, and ready for an adventure like no other, “GET LOST” is an experience not to be missed.
By joining this project, you’re not just exploring the wilderness; you’re helping to preserve it. And in doing so, you might just find a part of yourself that’s been waiting to be discovered—lost in the beauty of nature, and found in the act of giving back.
More coming soon!
…but in the meantime, show your interest by submitting the form below…
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