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South Africa is one of the only African counties that has a growing game industry. A specialized part of this industry is the breeding of both endangered and general game species for the restocking of new areas, and the increasing of both numbers and species diversity in existing areas. To achieve these restocking aims animals are captured, transported and released under the safest conditions possible. The Game Capture Units where A.C.E places volunteers have built up a good reputation with Land Owners and Game Reserves in the Eastern and Western Cape, Free State and Northern Provinces of South Africa.
Students get the opportunity to experience the every day workings of the team, and are afforded the opportunity to get hands on capture experience - as opposed to being only spectators! Often, the “hands on” approach allows you, the student, to get close enough to the animals that you can feel the texture of their skin and smell their breath! These activities are filled with excitement, hard work and coupled with learning about the principles of game capture and relocation, are very rewarding. Since the game capture unit moves between local landowners with the ground capture team of about thirty indigenous South Africans, a memorable cultural interaction is part of the whole programme.
It must be emphasized that these activities are strenuous and although a volunteer is not forced to partake in all or any of the work, for a rich experience a certain level of fitness and determination is required. Even though every effort is made to ensure the safety of the students, the team and the animals, it must be born in mind that the animals are totally wild and it is therefore not without its dangers.
As the team operates over a huge area you will more than likely get to see a variety of the South African countryside at the same time.
The Programme Is Practically Oriented And Covers The Following
- The opportunity to fly in the helicopter that is used in the capture operations, the helicopter has no doors and although strapped in safely is still a very exhilarating experience.
- Depending on ability, you will learn to administer tranquillising drugs on captured animals.
- The setting up of capture bomas (enclosures).
- Working in the capture bomas, taking part in the actual capture of the animals.
- The setting up of concealed net bomas, once again taking part in the actual capture of the animals - in the case of net bomas this is done by hand!
- Lectures about species to be captured and related topics about capture, relocation and drugs used in the process.
- Darting of game is a specialized activity that requires plenty of experience which is why it is viewed and not done by volunteers.
- Camping out in the bush when appropriate.
- Translocation and release of captured game to new areas.
As stated above we cannot emphasize enough the hands on, practical orientation of this programme.
Students Will Spend Most of Their Time With the Following Persons
- Game Capture Manager
- Ground Team Co-ordinator
- Helicopter Pilot
- A local team of workers
- Wildlife vetenarian (only from time to time when their presence at a capture is required
Factbox!
Duration: 2-12 weeks. However, we think that 6 weeks is an ideal maximum stay with the game capture team due to the physical nature of the project!
Cost: From £2050 for 2 weeks up to £4930 for 12 weeks. 6 weeks is £3550. Includes return international flights from London, transfers, all meals, accommodation, all project-related costs and back up and support
Accommodation: Mostly tented accommodation or lodges and farm houses on reserves/farms. Shared rooms and bathrooms. Occasionally quite basic.
Time of year: Open from April to end-September
