UMPHAFA SOUTH AFRICAn VOLUNTEERING PROJECT!

I am raising £1800 to go to South Africa and help UmPhafa private nature reserve with various types of research analysis to preserve its ground and wildlife animals.

The UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve, situated in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, is a 6,000 hectare reserve comprised of three farms previously managed for cattle. It encompasses a wide range of habitats from acacia savannah and bushveld, to mountainous terrain. Due to previous agricultural practices many of the natural inhabiting species had been lost. The project is now partnered with Colchester Zoo.

UmPhafa’s goal is; "to rehabilitate the habitat of UmPhafa as an example of the region's previous natural condition through the management of indigenous flora and fauna in order to achieve a model of sustainable conservation for the development and promotion of environmental education".

Who am I?

Hey! My name is Klaudijus and I am a third year International Relations student at the University of Essex.

WHAT I will be doing?

I will play a crucial role in the operation of the reserve by helping to collect vital data necessary to make key management decisions. I will also have the satisfaction of developing the necessary skills required to make in-roads into the field of conservation, whilst working closely with large animals and contributing directly to the well being of the fauna on the UmPhafa Reserve.

Here is a glance at some key tasks in which I will take part:

• Animal behavioural Studies
• Feeding studies & Game Counts
• Species Identification
• Camera Trap Surveys
• Large Mammal Tracking and Monitoring & Small Mammal and Pit Fall Trapping
• Vegetation Surveys
• Animal sighting data collection, entry and analysis
• Bush Walks & Bush Skills & Night drives
• Fence Patrols & Erosion Control

Where will the money go?

Between £700 and £900 will go to flights and transport:

• Return flight to Durban
• Minibus transport to UK airport & airport pickup and drop off in South Africa

Another £750 will be used to pay for the programme fee including the following:

• Accommodation/food
• Orientation and ongoing training and 24/7 Field leader support
• Excursions (Nambiti drive, Spioenkop, Monks Cowl, Reptile Centre and Bird of prey display)
• Travel insurance
• Specific personal kit including; clothes and equipment
• Vaccinations
• Visa

Rewards!

I have some fab rewards to thank everyone who donates, whatever the amount you might give. Check them out on the right side of the page.

Find me on facebook

For people who want to talk with me about this experience privately or want to receive regular updates from South Africa please get in touch with me via Facebook or email me kjarus@essex.ac.uk

Help me succeed!

It would be an amazing experience for me to go to this project and any of your help would be highly appreciated. You can either donate or share the link and spread the news amongst your friends :)