Samango Monkey Internship in South Africa

Lajuma Research Centre, in the Soutpansberg Mountains of Limpopo, South Africa, has been a base for wildlife research and conservation for over 20 years. The reserve is home to all five South African primate species, which include the endangered samango monkey (Cercopithecus albogularis schwarzi). This project focuses on understanding their behaviour and ecology while supporting the conservation of the forests and wildlife that share this unique mountain landscape.

Internship Overview

The Samango Monkey Project continues this long-term research by focusing on behavioural and dietary studies. Interns contribute to ongoing data collection that informs both primatology and conservation management.

Key Activities

• Conducting behavioural observations
• Recording feeding ecology (fruits, leaves, insects, and other food sources)
• Documenting vocalizations, social interactions, and troop movements

Requirements

• Open to students, recent graduates, or individuals interested in primatology, animal behaviour, or conservation
• Comfortable hiking and conducting fieldwork on foot in rugged terrain
• Able to work in variable weather conditions

Duration

Flexible, with a minimum stay of 8 weeks recommended.

Conservation Fee

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