Wildlife Research Experience

Savanna Conservation Africa: Wildlife Research Experience Program for Students

Program Overview

The Wildlife Research Experience Program offered by Savanna Conservation Africa (SCA) is a dynamic, interdisciplinary academic and field-based program designed for university and postgraduate students pursuing degrees in wildlife biology, ecology, environmental science, veterinary medicine, natural resource management, sustainable development, and related fields.

This program provides students with immersive, practical, and scientific exposure to African savanna ecosystems, focusing on integrated wildlife research, biodiversity conservation, and the interplay between wildlife and local communities. Participants are placed in real-world conservation environments across seven countries: South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, each offering unique ecosystems, species diversity, and conservation challenges.

Program Objectives:

  • Equip students with hands-on experience in scientific wildlife research and habitat management.

  • Introduce students to transdisciplinary approaches in ecology, veterinary science, community conservation, and environmental economics.

  • Foster skills in data collection, analysis, reporting, and conservation advocacy.

  • Enhance understanding of African wildlife systems, biodiversity, zoonotic diseases, and benefit-sharing frameworks.

  • Prepare students to contribute meaningfully to global conservation science and policy.

Research Areas

The program is structured around fully integrated field research and theoretical instruction in the following key areas:

1. Wildlife Habitats and Veld Studies

  • Classification and ecological dynamics of African savannas

  • Vegetation assessments, veld condition monitoring, and grazing capacity evaluation

  • Land use dynamics and habitat transformation studies

2. Species-Specific Studies

  • Behavioral ecology of key species (Big Five, threatened and endemic fauna)

  • Predator-prey interactions and carnivore tracking

  • Ungulate population dynamics and reproductive ecology

3. Wildlife Genetics and Molecular Ecology

  • Genetic sampling and DNA analysis of wild populations

  • Population viability assessments and inbreeding depression monitoring

  • Use of genetics in wildlife crime investigations

4. Ecology and Botany

  • Ecological survey methodologies (line transects, quadrats, remote sensing)

  • Indigenous flora identification and ecosystem services

  • Impact of invasive plant species on native biodiversity

5. Zoonotic Diseases and Wildlife Health

  • Surveillance of zoonoses at the human-livestock-wildlife interface

  • Wildlife disease diagnostics and necropsy procedures

  • Veterinary epidemiology and One Health principles.

6. Wildlife Economy and Biodiversity Carbon Credits

  • Valuation of wildlife as a renewable economic asset

  • Eco-tourism and sustainable game-ranching models

  • Principles of carbon sequestration, carbon credit trading, and biodiversity offsets

7. Wildlife Protection and Anti-Poaching Sciences

  • Law enforcement monitoring and wildlife crime prevention

  • Technological tools in conservation (camera traps, GPS collars, drones)

  • Training in ranger-based protection, intelligence gathering, and surveillance systems

8. Community-Based Wildlife Conservation

  • Participatory research with local communities

  • Indigenous knowledge systems in natural resource governance

  • Wildlife-based benefit sharing and conservation incentives

9. Policy, Ethics, and Environmental Governance

  • International wildlife law (e.g., CITES, CBD)

  • Ethics of wildlife management and animal welfare

  • Integrated land-use planning and policy formulation

Program Structure

Duration:

6 to 12 weeks (customizable depending on academic institutions’ credit requirements)

Host Countries & Research Stations:

Students are assigned based on research interests and academic goals to one of our field research hubs in:

  • South Africa: Kruger region, Waterberg, KZN & Eastern Cape conservancies

  • Namibia: Central Plateau and Caprivi Strip reserves

  • Mozambique: Zambezi Tambara Conservancy, Morumeo, Zinave & Gorongoza National Park

  • Zambia: Luangwa Valley and Kafue ecosystems

  • Tanzania: Serengeti-Mara corridor , Ngorongoro, and Selous region

  • Kenya: Maasai Mara, Tsavo, and Laikipia conservancies

  • Uganda: Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls ecosystems

Supervision & Mentorship:

Each student is supervised by a multidisciplinary team composed of:

  • Wildlife ecologists

  • Veterinarians and wildlife geneticists

  • Community engagement specialists

  • Environmental economists and policy advisors

Deliverables:

  • Field journals and research reports

  • Seminar presentations and group projects

  • Final scientific paper (option for publication support)

Eligibility and Application

Who Can Apply:

  • Undergraduate (final year), Honours, Masters, and PhD students

  • Applicants with backgrounds in biology, ecology, veterinary medicine, social sciences, environmental science, GIS, and conservation economics

Application Requirements:

  • Academic transcript and CV

  • Statement of intent (500–800 words) outlining research interests

  • Two academic references

  • Proof of insurance and medical fitness

Intake Periods:

  • Summer Intake: June – August

  • Winter Intake: December – February
    (Year-round intakes possible depending on student availability and project suitability)

Facilities and Support

  • On-site research stations with labs, accommodation, and internet access

  • Transportation to and from field sites

  • Fieldwork safety gear and basic scientific equipment

  • Cross-cultural orientation and language assistance

  • Mental and physical health support during fieldwork

Partnerships and Accreditation

Savanna Conservation Africa collaborates with:

  • African universities and research institutions

  • Global academic institutions and study abroad programs

  • Government agencies and conservation authorities

  • International NGOs and donor agencies

Research experience can be credited toward university coursework upon prior arrangement, and eligible students may co-author publications and conference papers based on their work.

Long-Term Impact and Career Pathways

Graduates of this program have gone on to careers in:

  • Wildlife research and academic institutions

  • International conservation NGOs

  • Government environmental agencies

  • Wildlife veterinary practice and One Health programs

  • Community development and ecological economics

Contact and Further Information

To learn more about application timelines, project placements, funding opportunities, and eligibility, contact:
πŸ“§ research@savannaconservationafrica.com
🌐 www.savannaconservationafrica.com
πŸ“ Headquarters: Johannesburg, South Africa.

Explore. Research. Conserve