Our Conservation Safari is an opportunity to join the experts in the field, a chance to assist the conservationists who have been performing award-winning wildlife conservation work on the frontlines for more than a decade. This experience is unique in that it includes everything that an African safari offers, but is also a truly meaningful and valuable experience.
This bespoke Conservation Safari is for those who wish to join our professionals on the ground, to participate in and gain an in-depth understanding of what is happening in the field of African wildlife conservation, while simultaneously enjoying the comforts and luxuries that a private game reserve offers.
Participants in Wildlife ACT’s conservation safaris will have the privilege of joining active and passionate conservationists in carrying out vital work which forms part of the conservation strategy of our organisation.
Leopard have been somewhat overlooked from a conservation perspective and recent findings have shown a rapid decline across all of their historic range. Monitoring has therefore been identified as a key activity in order to better understand this secretive cat.
Camera trapping is one of the most effective ways to monitor Leopards and other elusive, nocturnal species. Wildlife ACT works in partnership with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Panthera to carry out an annual provincial Leopard Survey.
The data from camera trap images is used to determine Leopard densities, demographics and population trends at various key sites in KwaZulu-Natal. This information is utilised in provincial and national management planning and decision making. Traditional monitoring techniques, such as direct observation, are somewhat ineffective for Leopards due to their elusive and solitary behaviour, wide home ranges, and ability to move in and out of protected areas.
One of the key strategies is to dehorn Rhino populations in reserves with smaller populations, which acts as an effective deterrent to poachers. You will participate in the capture operation and witness the team at work over the course of a day. We may have to be flexible on the dates of this work due to weather, so have set it for the first morning to account for this.
Monitoring endangered species is an essential and critical step in their conservation. Wildlife monitoring is essential for keeping track of animal movement patterns, habitat utilisation, population demographics, snaring and poaching incidents and breakouts. This valuable information, which Wildlife ACT gathers on our various projects, has numerous management applications, including the planning of successful introduction and removal strategies of Africa’s wildlife.
Wildlife ACT’s main focus on Manyoni is the monitoring of the African Wild Dogs, Cheetah, Elephant and Lion. During these monitoring sessions, any incidental sightings of other priority species including Rhino, Vultures and Leopard, will also be recorded. Our team also occasionally assists with game counts and vegetation assessments on Manyoni. Wildlife ACT has also been fundraising to support the much-needed dehorning of rhino on Manyoni to protect them from poachers in this park.
Thank you for your interest in joining our Conservation SafariPlease complete the below form with the necessary details and we will be in touch with you soonest.