Chacma Baboon Project – Internship in South Africa

Lajuma Research Centre, located in the Soutpansberg Mountains of Limpopo, South Africa, provides a unique setting for long-term primate and wildlife research. The surrounding mountain forest, grasslands, and rugged terrain are home to all five South African primate species (chacma baboon, vervet monkey, samango monkey, lesser bushbaby, and thick-tailed bushbaby), which offer opportunities to study complex social behaviour and ecological adaptations.

Internship Overview

The Chacma Baboon Project at Lajuma Research Centre investigates the behaviour and feeding ecology of wild but human-habituated baboon troops in the Soutpansberg Mountains. This unique setting allows close, non-invasive observation of social dynamics, movement patterns, and dietary choices. Participants help maintain long-term monitoring by collecting field data on activity patterns, habitat use, and seasonal diet. Shorter stays focus on broad behavioural and ecological observations, while longer placements provide opportunities to pursue specific research questions under guidance from the project team.

Key Activities

• Behavioural observations — recording daily activities, social interactions, dominance hierarchies, and group movements.
• Feeding ecology studies — identifying plant species consumed, collecting and analysing feeding remains and foraging data.
• Habitat use mapping — tracking troop ranging patterns and habitat preferences with GPS and field mapping.
• Long-term data management — contributing to existing baboon databases, updating group composition and individual identifications.
• Field skills development — learning navigation in mountainous terrain, safe wildlife observation, and ecological survey methods.

Requirements

• No prior field experience is needed; field training is included in the internship.
• Open to students, recent graduates, or individuals interested in primatology, animal behaviour, or conservation.
• Ability to hike long distances over rugged terrain.
• Comfortable working in variable weather conditions and remote environments.

Duration

Flexible, with a minimum stay of 8 weeks recommended. For projects of greater depth, a commitment of 3-6 months or more is encouraged.

Conservation Fee

The fee supports ongoing research and conservation at Lajuma. It also includes shared accommodation, transport to/from Louis Trichardt, and biweekly town trips for supplies.