Mogalakwena Research Centre, Alldays

CONSERVATION & ECOLOGY OPPORTUNITIES IN THE AFRICAN BUSH

Volunteer programme details

Our research interests lie with species adaptation to changing environments, species competition and animal vigilance. Mogalakwena reserves have a high biodiversity and your research questions can be answered by studying our birds, primates, herbivores, carnivores, reptiles, invertebrates and/or vegetation of the sweet arid bushveld. Most of our students decide upon a research question and a study species before they arrive at Mogalakwena. They will then spend the duration of their stay doing their own research project, while contributing and building on our existing database. On average you will spend 6 hours per day collecting data in the field, 4 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon. During the hottest hours of day (between 12 and 3 in summer) you might prefer not to be in the field, unless you are studying the coping mechanisms of animals in the heat or if you absolutely love the African sun.

More details here.

CONSERVATION & ECOLOGY

Focusing on the conservation of the fauna and flora of the Mogalakwena River Reserve. The main research focus areas include reserve management, wildlife management, habitat management, species abundance monitoring, wildlife ecology and behaviour, environmental observations and eco-tourism.

CRAFT ART & DESIGN

Focusing on contemporary designs and traditional skills to create unique artworks, furniture, interior accessories and table linen.
The craft artists are skilled in embroidery, beadwork, weaving and pottery, creating contemporary products for local and export markets. Mogalakwena is constantly striving to innovate products and designs, and to develop craft art skills.

ANTHROPOLOGY & CULTURAL

Focusing on the documentation, categorisation, contextualisation, preservation and dissemination of contemporary oral culture in the Blouberg area of Limpopo. The remote area of Blouberg bears witness to a stark contrast between modern urban and traditional rural values. This strong interplay between different value systems provides a culturally rich environment for research.

EDUCATION & OUTREACH

Focusing on outreach projects in the local communities to provide education with regard to the preservation of the environment, basic health care and aids awareness.

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Focusing on the transformation of socially and environmentally responsible ideas into marketable products and services. Research includes triple bottom line organisations where social, environmental and financial aspects are equally important.