Rare, Threatened and Endemic Species Project

  South Africa

Kwa-Zulu Natal

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: 15th March - 29th March 2008

Description: "The GSLWP must be the only place on the globe where the oldest land mammal (the rhinoceros) and the world's biggest terrestrial mammal (the elephant) share an ecosystem with the world's oldest fish (the coelacanth) and the world's biggest marine mammal (the whale)." - Nelson Mandela

The Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park (GSLWP) - World Heritage Site is the stunning location for this project. Saved from dune mining, the 289,000ha GSLWP was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Consisting of Africa's largest estuary, the Park boasts the largest concentration of Hippo and Nile Crocodile in South Africa. The Park contains 8 inter-linking ecosystems, such as Sand Forest, Swamp Forest, Coastal Dune Forest, Dry Savannah and Thornveld. The Park includes both a terrestrial and marine component. Species of conservation significance include Saddlebilled stork, gaboon adder, four-toed elephant shrew, Tongaland red squirrel and others. In addition to 48 species listed as internationally threatened, 161 that are threatened in South Africa and 147 listed in various categories of risk by CITES, general game include Zebra, Buffalo and various antelope species, as well as a wide range of birds and plants.

The problem

The GSLWP is clearly a very valuable series of reserves both for its biodiversity and for the actual habitats themselves. This is illustrated by the fact that since 1986, it has been a RAMSAR Wetland of International Importance. It is considered critical to the survival of a large amount of fauna. Naturally the numbers of each species changes and these need to be kept track of.

The solution

For the conservation of biodiversity, healthy population sizes and habitats, it is vital to carry out a significant amount of research and monitoring on a continual basis. This huge workload is therefore spread out between many people and organisations and this is where BTCV's involvement features.

Let's do it!

The project is part of the rare, threatened and endemic species project which aims to update the information about Red-Listed species and determine current status and viability of such populations. The two-week work programme includes Rapid Field Surveys (RFS) as well as Focal Species Research (FSR).

1. Rapid field surveys: are conducted using a "transect approach" where a number of pitfall, small mammal and baited funnel traps are positioned along a 2km - 5km transect or line in a specific area. Time constraint searches are also conducted for specific species at specific sites and night surveys to record frog calls and identify and record sightings of nocturnal species.

2. Focal Species research: The following groups have been identified for more intensive monitoring: birds, reptiles, small mammals, amphibians and plants. Their distribution, special life-history aspects, habitats and possible threats are investigated. These species represent the various lake-associated habitats and act as proxy species to highlight the issues and threats surrounding threatened and endemic species in general. The species selected for each work-camp will be seasonal and vary from holiday to holiday.

The project thus aims to update the information about threatened and endemic species, initiate detailed studies on some of these species and extend monitoring efforts beyond the large and charismatic fauna to include some of the lesser-known, yet equally important, species. This project will assist the GSLWP in evaluating management effectiveness and ensuring that the World Heritage Site is fulfilling its obligation to monitor and protect the threatened and endemic species that occur within its boundaries. This project is a Living Lakes network partner project and run in partnership with Global Nature Fund, BTCV, Travellers International and Wildlands Conservation Trust volunteer programmes.

Highlights: What else is there?

There is a range of eco-tourism activities offered around the town of St Lucia. The following activities are Not included in the project price but can easily be arranged for your days off, for example:

- canoeing on Lake St Lucia
- crocodile and Hippo tours on Lake St Lucia
- whale watching
- Zulu Cultural Tour
- game drives to Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve
- the beautiful beaches of Cape Vidal are within easy reach for days off
- internet cafe, clubs, pubs and restaurants are available in St Lucia town for days off

Accommodation

Accommodation varies according to the time of year and research priority and could be at various locations in the Park. The project makes use of rustic research camps where sleeping quarters and washing facilities are communal. Some camps are electrified whilst others use generator power or gas.

Qualifications: YOu must be over 18. No previous experience necessary.

Cost in US$: Approx. $1400 (675 GBP)

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Other

BTCV's Mission Statement: BTCV is the UK's largest practical conservation organization. It is a charity which involves over 130,000 people every year in projects to bring about positive environmental change. When BTCV was first established, over 40 years ago, most projects took place in the countryside and on nature reserves. The emphasis was on nature reserves. The emphasis was on improving rural landscapes and protecting habitats for wildlife. However it is not just; Countryside Landscape Wildlife But also Providing opportunities to volunteer Improving towns and cities Building communities Developing skills Helping people into work BTCV's remit has broadened considerably over the last four decades. We have evolved to meet the needs of an ever changing world. As far as conservation work is concerned, BTCV now offers volunteering opportunities in urban as well as rural locations, thus improving our towns and cities as well as the countryside. But beyond this, we also; give support to local groups train people in conservation and life skills run schemes - and take part in government initiatives - to help people secure employment.

Year Founded: 1959