Travel Africa the Earthwatch way
Earthwatch is calling for members of the public to take part in its brand new 'Namibian Black Rhino' project to help avert the species extinction in the future.
In Waterberg Plateau National Park, northern Namibia species like the black rhino are safe, but the dry, dense woodlands and savannah are surprisingly poor in nutrients, limiting rhino reproduction. Although scientists have recently determined the carrying capacity of various habitats for rhino populations, they still need to understand what makes habitat ideal for high rhino productivity if the species is to be wrenched from the edge of extinction.
Dr. Stephane Helary, wildlife veterinarian and doctoral student at the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa, needs help investigating the diet and food preferences of rhinos in specific seasons. Although rhinos may not be sited, volunteers will follow fresh rhino tracks, guided by an experienced tracker, to document which plants the animals eat, the parts they eat and how much is eaten. Afternoons will be spent measuring the frequency of plant species browsed by rhinos, to help determine which ones the rhinos prefer. The findings of every team member are invaluable as they will be used to assist in the recovery and management of black rhinos and refine the selection of habitats for rhino reintroduction.
Claudia Eckardt, Volunteer Programme Manager at Earthwatch, said, 'This project is a fantastic opportunity for people to not only explore an amazing area of Africa but to also help preserve one of its most outstanding species. Volunteers will have to work hard in the field but the reward of experiencing a full complement of African wildlife, from giraffes to Damara dik-diks, and as many as 200 species of birds, will make it all worthwhile.'
'With over 30 Earthwatch projects in Africa our portfolio offers something for everyone. From protecting Grevy's zebras in Kenya or tracking carnivores in Madagascar to restoring the mangroves of the Kenyan Coast or monitoring South African Wildlife. We are confident that everyone who takes part on a project will leave with fond memories and a huge sense of satisfaction knowing they have played a role in sustaining the environment for the future.'
Lindsey Butler went on the Samburu Zebras project in Kenya and her feedback speaks volumes, 'Amazing wildlife, location and science - this had to be the best of the four Earthwatch trips I've been on. The scientists had great patience and always let you know how your contribution fitted into the 'bigger picture' which was a real incentive for me and left me feeling that I had made a difference.'