Herpetofauna Research Internship in South Africa

The Bushveld Biodiversity Research Centre (BBRC) offers a field-based internship focused on reptiles and amphibians, with an emphasis on microhabitat use and species diversity.

About the Site

BBRC is situated on a 27,000-hectare (66,700-acre) wildlife reserve that supports a range of habitats and species. Ongoing research at the site includes projects on large mammals, birds, vegetation, and invertebrates.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field surveys to document reptile and amphibian species
• Identify and assess microhabitats used by different species
• Use methods such as active searches
• Assist with data collection and contribute to ongoing research projects

Tortoise Project

(Available as a standalone project, independent of the Herpetofauna Research Internship.)

• Assist with the development and expansion of tortoise identification (ID) kits
• Photograph and document individual tortoises for long-term monitoring
• Record morphometric measurements (e.g. shell length, width)
• Monitor tortoise distribution and activity across the reserve
• Contribute to a long-term database of individual tortoises and sightings

Eligibility

Suitable for students and early-career individuals interested in field-based ecological research. A background in biology, ecology, or environmental science is helpful but not essential.

Duration

Minimum of 3 months.

Conservation Fees and Logistics

A monthly conservation fee applies. This contributes to research activities and includes:

• Shared accommodation within a fenced research camp
• Transport (Polokwane airport transfers and fortnightly town trips)