Crocodiles of the Zambezi

  Zambia

Livingstone

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Inquire for specific dates.

Description: In the heart of the parched Kalahari Desert, the Okavango River spreads out into a seasonally flooded wetland the size of Massachusetts or Wales. The Okavango Delta is the world's largest site recognized by the Ramsar convention on wetlands of international importance, a unique ecosystem providing habitat for an astounding abundance of African mammals, birds, fishes, amphibians, and reptiles. The Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus), an efficient predator growing to a length of six meters, is at the pinnacle of this tropical wetland food web. If you have any doubt of its position, try inspecting the stomach contents of one.

You will do that, and more, as you help Dr. Alison Leslie (University of Stellenbosch, South Africa), Ph.D. candidate Sven Bourquin, and the rest of the informed and motivated field staff in the first scientific research and monitoring program on Okavango crocodiles in more than ten years. History has shown that Okavango's crocodile population is sensitive to exploitation by hide hunters and crocodile farmers; this study will supply the information needed to successfully plan for and manage the crocodiles.

Field Conditions: With a view of majestic papyrus swamps, and in the company of abundant birdlife, you will stay in individual tents in a spacious, well-shaded research camp with generator-supplied electricity, flush toilets, and hot showers. Enjoy sundowner snacks and traditional African meals, including freshly caught fish, which you'll help to cook over an open fire.

Highlights: Morning shifts will rise at first light to check crocodile traps and examine, measure, weigh, and tag any captures and record their position using a GPS unit. Teams will also take blood and urine samples, check for parasites, flush out stomach contents, use ultrasound to determine reproductive status, and even take sperm smears. When working at night, you will set off by boat to conduct spotlight counts and capture crocodiles by noose or by hand. Depending on the season, teams may also survey villagers about crocodile impacts on their communities, visit local schools, conduct crocodile nesting surveys, help care for captive animals, and record sizes and locations of hippo herds.

Qualifications: Earthwatch volunteers are enthusiastic to learn about the research topic and are willing to contribute their time and energy to support leading scientists in conducting field research. Volunteers will be trained upon arrival at the research site. There is no upper age limit, yet all volunteers must be at least 16 years old, and in some cases 18 or 21 years old.

Cost in US$: 3,046

As a non-profit organization that supports scientific research, the SOC can be tax-deductible for U.S. citizens in some cases. Contact Earthwatch for details. U.S. members of Earthwatch are eligible for a $100 reduction of the SOC.

Please select the Earthwatch website link shown above to view the SOC for this project.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Earthwatch expeditions appeal to a variety of people: educators gain new knowledge and develop exciting lesson plans; students explore career options and build research skills; writers, photographers and artists contribute their skills and share their experiences through a variety of media; businessmen and women, doctors and nurses, engineers, homemakers, retirees . . . people from all walks of life choose to volunteer on research expeditions each year. Volunteers are actively engaged on a daily basis with the research project, develop global perspectives, and explore new cultures and environments.

Age Range: 16+

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Zambia Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 4-8

Application Process Involves:

• Other
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Earthwatch Institute's Mission Statement: Earthwatch Institute engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. Through a unique method of funding, the volunteers Share of Cost contributes directly to the support of the research projects. Earthwatch enables scientists to pursue research goals and members of the public to gain hands-on experience with science. Each year, over 4,000 people from 46 countries directly contribute to scientific research by working alongside scientists, local community members and other volunteers. Earthwatch volunteers can track sea turtles; join archaeological digs; observe animal behavior; collect rare plants, study dolphin behavior and more. The Earthwatch community also includes 20,000 global members, 4,000 eager volunteers each year, 50 collaborating conservation organizations, and 50 corporate partners, all of whom work together to make a difference. Below you will find out more about our leadership, employment opportunities, and contact information.

Year Founded: 1971