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Wildlife Conservation Research Internship

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 4.9  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate


Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups

About the program

Wildlife Conservation research Internship, research on various topics or pick your own research topic

COME EXPERIENCE AFRICA AT ITS BEST, WHILE YOUR CONTRIBUTION WILL HELP WITH NAMIBIA'S RHINO CONSERVATION..

Muller Stud is a private game reserve, 32 427 acres, located close to the World-renowned Etosha National Park, Namibia, aiming to convert old cattle farmland to a game reserve, ...

About the program

COME EXPERIENCE AFRICA AT ITS BEST, WHILE YOUR CONTRIBUTION WILL HELP WITH NAMIBIA'S RHINO CONSERVATION..

Muller Stud is a private game reserve, 32 427 acres, located close to the World-renowned Etosha National Park, Namibia, aiming to convert old cattle farmland to a game reserve, and thereby to conserve  large game.

The introduction of indigenous Game and Predators back into their natural habitat is a step towards our goal in creating this Wildlife Sanctuary.

Want to experience some real "live" African Adventures?

 Be part of this exciting wildlife development and join our team for an unforgettable adventure in beautiful Namibia.

By volunteering at Muller Stud, you contribute to the conservation of Namibia's endangered white rhino.

You will be working alongside our permanent staff and assisting them and even doing tasks on your own.  Students/Interns should be open minded, have a willingness to learn new things and help out where needed.  On a reserve/farm, especially where we work with animals/wildlife it is sometimes difficult to keep to a planned schedule, but as far as possible we try to keep to it.

No special equipment is needed to bring with, although we greatly rely on sponsors for some equipment, for example:

  • AA Rechargeable battery's
  • Camera traps
  • Game capture ropes
  • Wildlife tracking collars
  • Telemetry
  • Feeding buckets 5 & 10 kg
  • 1 ml, 2 ml,5 ml, 10 ml, 20 ml,
  • 60 ml syringes
  • 18 g needles long-pink
  • 21 g needles long&short-blue
  • 12 g needles-yellow
  • Red Top, Yellow top, vacuum tube
  • Swabs
  • Measuring tapes
  • Old towels
  • Microscope covers
  • Magmaster slides for counting
  • Faecal ova 3 step-Egg flotation fluid
  • Surgical equipment
  • Pneudarts
  • Microchips
  • Range finders

 

Feces & Pregnancy

In 2008, there has been a research on a field test which can predict pregnancy in wildlife, by using feces.  Now we take blood (during immobilization of the animal) and send these samples to South-Africa.  This is both time-consuming and costly. We would like to try these field tests, and compare it to the blood results to find out whether this would be a better method for us to determine pregnancy in our wildlife.  During feeding we regularly see them defecating, so collecting feces should not be a problem.   


Behaviour

We have started a Lucerne field in one of our wildlife camps. It seems that this has affected the movement and breeding of the animals in at least one camp. We would like to know how large the effect is. What is the effect on breeding and distribution? We have data on where the animals have been feeding, who walked with who, who has calved and from who.

 

Parasite & Worm Burden in Wildlife

We would like to know how high the worm burden of our wildlife is. This can be done by examining worm eggs in the faces under a microscope.Does the worm burden differ per camp?  According to literature, what is an acceptable burden and when should you deworm?

 

Nutrition

In the dry season, our wildlife is supplemented with a specially mixed food and Lucerne.  We would like to compare the contents of the food with literature.  Do the animals get what they need? How does this differ with the wild vegetation?   

 

Field Survey

Grass analyzing, bush encroachment and weeds as well as poisons plants all needs to be managed.

 The carrying capacity of the 32427 acres need to be done on a yearly basis to ensure that the correct number of species and species diversity is held.

 

Fences

We would like to receive advice about our fences. What can we do to make sure small antelope or other animal for example Hyeana can go through, but  large game not?

Is there also something we can do to prevent them from getting the poles out? Is there something to deter them, besides electricity?

 

Any other ideas or projects from students or the university are more than welcome!

Besides the project which the student will do, he or she will also be involved in every aspect of the farm; husbandry (game and horses), maintenance, game management, administration, practice darting, possibly assist in capture immobilization, veld management.  


Typical day

Our typical day starts at 07:00 - 17:00 but it all depends on the daily planning and can change.  We have a 2 hr lunch break.  Time is given for your research project and you will also be involved in other daily tasks on the farm where needed.

Typical day

Our typical day starts at 07:00 - 17:00 but it all depends on the daily planning and can change.  We have a 2 hr lunch break.  Time is given for your research project and you will also be involved in other daily tasks on the farm where needed.


Free-time activities

ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

Etosha National Park is considered as one of of the best game viewing locations in the world. "Etosha" means in Oshivambo "Great White Place" obviously derived from the vast salt pan that constitutes a large portion of the Park's surface area.

The Etosha National Park is one of ...

Free-time activities

ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

Etosha National Park is considered as one of of the best game viewing locations in the world. "Etosha" means in Oshivambo "Great White Place" obviously derived from the vast salt pan that constitutes a large portion of the Park's surface area.

The Etosha National Park is one of Namibia's favourite natural attractions. The park is located around Etosha Pan, a low-lying area of approximately 6,000 square kilometers which, in times of heavy rainfall, may form a shallow lake which draws vast numbers of water fowl. In other times, the lake as such dries out, but trees, grassland and pools remain, drawing a rich collection of game and birds; one of the best game viewing areas in Africa from the largest to the smallest. 

At the east end of the pan is Fort Namutoni which was built by the Germans, then attacked, taken and destroyed by the Ovambos. After retaking the fort, the Germans rebuilt it and today it is perfectly preserved, looking like a Foreign Legion fort lifted straight from the Sahara.

Other camps in the Park are Halali and Okaukeujo and the latest additions Dolomite Resort and Olifantsrus Campsite.

Around the Park there are a number of the best accommodation establishments in Namibia. These are extremely popular amongst visitors as they are located close to the different entry points to the Park.

VINGEKLIP - THE ROCK FINGER

The Vingerklip, 95 km West of Outjo is the geological leftover of a Ugab Terrace, its geological history can be read like an open book when looking at the layers of conglomerate. The Rock Finger stand on a hill top and has a height of 929 m above sea level, the rock itself is 35 metres high. Visitors are allowed to climb the hill to view the rock formation, but it is prohibited to climb the Vingerklip

Travelling westwards en route to Khorixas, is the Ugab Vingerklip (finger of rock) situated amongst the rugged Ugab Terraces. If you stay on the tarred road you will miss this. About 35 m high, this distinctive monolith has been moulded into its curious shape by erosion.

The high land has been cut down by the Ugab River, until the Canyons became only some stone pillars, comparable with the Monument Valley in America. The best known is the Vingerklip. Vinger=Finger, because it is so thin and high.

The hills of the Ugab Terrace, near the town, deserve special mention for their unusual shapes. A particularly interesting section can be found on the Setenghi property, where some of the formations have been likened to castles from the middle ages. These are made of conglomerate, and stand on the edge of a plateau that stretches for more than 80km and eventually forms the northern boundary of the Ugab River Valley.

TOURS

There are various short tours available guided by local guides, for example: Desert Tour to go and see the Desert Elephants.  More information on request.


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Education Requirements

Conservation, Wildlife Biology, Ecology at College, University level

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

CV, certificates, proof of education, police clearance, visa and medical insurance

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

Positive attitude, the willingness to learn, ability to adapt.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 07:00 - 17:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Muller Stud Namibia

  • Transfer to and from the town of Outjo on Wednesday's to Muller Stud
  • Accommodation on Muller Stud Reserve
  • Full support and assistance from your program coordinator throughout your time at Muller Stud

Accommodation

  • The volunteer house consists of 12 rooms (sharing), and 1 x 2 bedroom chalet, housing 4 people (sharing)
  • Bedding is provided.
  • Each room is equipped with 2 single beds and a cupboard for each person.
  • All rooms have their own bathroom with a hot shower and flush toilets.
  • Rooms are situated at the foot of a mountain, very good for early morning exercise! 
  • a cash deposit of US$ 20-00 will be charged as a breakage fee and will be refunded on checkout

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Airport Pickup at Hosea Kutako International Airport

An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

Food & Beverages

Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek. We assist you to find cheap flights to Namibia. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Namibia provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Namibia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Namibia. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

All year.  Transfers from Outjo to the farm is early morning, before 08:00 am, we advise that you stay over in Outjo the night before, contact details for backpackers/accommodation will be given.

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

4 weeks (min. stay) 1,397€
12 weeks (max. stay) 4,190€
Average fees 349€/week

Program fees

349€ per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

4 - 12 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Muller Stud Namibia during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Muller Stud Namibia

Outstanding 4.9 rating (11 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2014

Verified by Volunteer World

  Excellent response rate

Coordinated by

Amber-Lee

Spoken languages: English, Afrikaans

About the project

Come to experience Africa at its best, while your contribution will help with Namibia's Rhino conservation...

Meet your organization

Muller Stud is a private game reserve, located close to the World renowned Etosha National Park, Namibia, aiming to convert old cattle farmland to a game reserve, and thereby to conserve large game.

One of our goals is to help with the conservation of Namibia's white rhino population, therefore Muller Stud support one of Namibia's largest white rhino breeding programs in Namibia.

We are looking for energetic, vibrant volunteers who want to learn more about conservation and make a difference.

Be part of this exciting wildlife development and join our team for an unforgettable adventure in beautiful Namibia.

By volunteering at Muller Stud you will help save and conserve our iconic whine rhino species from extinction.

11 reviews · rating4.9

Mariska Bijsterbosch rating5

2020 at Wildlife Conservation Research Internship

From being a kid I always wanted to go to Africa, and later on I decided that I want to become involved in conservation work. I got the chance to do a four month internship here, and I had an amazing time! I now work and live in Namibia, and I regularly come back to the farm. It's very nice to see ...
Beautifull place, having the time of my life here. Very passionate and great people, fighting the good fight! The facilities are great, i expected to live in a tent or little hut before i arrived but nothing could be further from the truth, even though were in the middle of the bush i have all the ...
In August 2018, I came to visit my sister, Clemence, who had been volunteering at the Farm for some months. I was firstly amazed to discover the Farm environment and the so many animals living at the Farm. But soon after, what amazed me even more, was the passion in every member of the Farm. ..
In 2019 I conducted a 4,5 month internship at MullerStud. Being here was an amazing experience! The people are all welcoming, helpful and very kind. Besides of only doing my research for my study Applied Biology, I also helped out a lot on the farm with the wildlife. Living in the student-house is ...
The summer of 2019 I spent at Muller Stud. When I arrived I was welcomed by a very kind and passionate group of people. The days were packed with awesome activities. Also, the days were packed with hard work. But at the end of the day, being a little tired felt really rewarding and there was a lot ...
I volunteered at Muller Stud earlier this year and since I left, not a day goes by on which I don’t miss this incredible place. The nature and the animals are breathtakingly stunning and I had the unique chance to get an insight of how the farm is organized and especially to help with every kind ...

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Contact Amber-Lee
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English, Afrikaans

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