Skip to main content

This job has expired

Wildlife Conservation Volunteering

Employer
Sebastian Ngasoma
Location
Kilombero Valley Ornithological Center is a leading conservation organization in Tanzania.
Closing date
Nov 6, 2020

Wildlife Conservation

Protecting wild species and their habitats in order to prevent species from going extinct.

Bird Surveys. The status of the Kilombero Valley as an Important Bird Area we use birds as a monitor of environmental change. Methods used includes Time Point Count and Mist netting.

Butterfly Survey. Butterflies are a worthwhile taxa to survey for a number of reasons; they are easy to capture equipment used for their capture is relatively cheap and they are a good indicator of habitat type and quality.

Canopy traps are hung within the tree canopy to trap butterflies. Bait (fermented bananas) is used to lure fruit-feeding butterflies to feed on the bait, which is placed on the centre of the metal plate.  The butterfly lands on the plate to feed on the banana bait when finished the mechanics of butterfly flight mean that it flies upwards and is prevented from escaping the net.

Reptiles and Amphibians Survey

Direct Observation

 • Pit-fall Traps. Pitfall traps are a technique that can be used to survey reptiles and amphibians as well as small mammals and insects.  Therefore it is a very useful technique to employ when time or manpower is limited.  Equipment is also relatively cheap and animals that cannot be attracted by bait can be captured.

Signs of poaching survey. Illegal Hunting wild animals, Deforestation for charcoal and timber for subsistence and income had been a common practice for local communities in the Kilombero Valley. Recording of poaching incidents is important, as information is needed on the types and patterns of poaching.  For example, knowing which techniques are employed, which species are most commonly caught, the average age caught, and any areas in which poaching is rampant, is very useful if the impacts of poaching are to be determined.  Once this is established, measures to combat poaching can be taken.

To determine whether an animal was killed by poachers or by lions etc. Generally, a lion (or other animal predator) kill results in the bones being spread out.  This is due to the prey being pulled apart as the predator tears off the meat (scavengers such as hyena will also spread the bones around).  Obviously for a poaching incident, not many bones will be left onsite, as the animal will be transported soon after it is dead for meat consumption or sale.

​​Signs of Wildlife.  Carnivore Station, Large Mammal Transect

  • Large mammals are difficult to see

  • Indirect observations allow field surveys to be conducted throughout the day and are not restricted to periods of peak animal activity

  • Requires very little and inexpensive equipment.

Community Awareness

The main goal of community awareness is to increase the community’s knowledge of the available wild resources they have.

Teaching schools and Village Meeting. Teaching kids about the environment early is important, will give them a great start on learning about the world around them. Children will also take the message home to their families and provide another means of spreading messages to adults with limited access to communications media. We use printed Materials brochures, presentation of audio-visual materials and field trips. Planting trees and fruits in forest increasing food for mammals and birds Village meeting. Saturday nature walk, training village game scout on how to collect wildlife data during the patrolling.

Beekeeping

Is the maintenance of bee colonies, commonly in man-made hives, by humans.

Why bee keeping?

In order for conservation activities to be successful the community must be involved and must benefit directly from this process.

​i) Income generation. The honeybee products can be marketed locally, Beekeeping in Kilombero Valley also provides incomes to various stakeholders in the value chain. These include bee farmers, carpenters etc.

ii) Produces food and medicines. The conditions/diseases treated using bee products include stomach upsets, diarrhea, vomiting, wounds, burns, cough. It also helps to boost the immunity of people living with HIV/AIDS.

iii) Makes a significant contribution to biodiversity.

Pollination

What’s your favorite summer crop? If you love apples you should make good insect friends.

Wild Plant Growth

It’s not just farm-grown fruits and vegetables that rely on pollinators. Many species of wild plants depend on insect pollinators as well.

Food Source

At least 24 species of bird, including the honey guide, bee eaters and starling, prey on bees. Many spiders and insects, like dragonflies and praying mantises, eat bees as well.

Wildlife Habitats

Bees are known for their elaborate hives, but they also help build homes for millions of other insects and animals. Their role as pollinators is vital in the growth of tropical forests, savannah woodlands, and temperate deciduous forests.

Are you considering volunteering with us? It's an important way to help our important conservation work and local communities in Kilombero Valley. 

Our currently volunteering costs is 1200 US Dollars per month per person. These costs include pickup from Julius Nyere International airport in Dar Es Salaam and transport to the project site, as well as full board and lodging (shared accommodation or single person tent) once at the Kilombero Valley Ornithological Center camp. All other costs need to be covered by the volunteer.

Visit https://kilomberoornithology.wixsite.com/kvoc/apply-now for applying this position or send email to kilombero.ornithological center@gmail.com

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert