Conserving Leopards and Monkeys in South Africa

Michael Bucek | 8/1/2016

“An Opportunity to Experience Hands-on Field Science”

I spent part of July 2016 volunteering on Earthwatch’s Primate and Predator Project. The outing exposed me to science, a part of the world I had never visited, like-minded people, and a chance to ‘rough’ it a bit. And this wasn’t a wasted exercise. Earthwatch volunteers, with the help of professionals, assisted with collecting camera trap photos, removing snares, measuring vegetation plots and more. I experienced activities, science based, that most people are either unfamiliar with or don’t fully understand. The Primate and Predator staff explained what needed to be done, and guided us through each task. I never felt overwhelmed, in fact an hour or two into each activity I felt competent enough to handle the job on my own. Yes, we worked but there was also pleasant company, rather leisurely dinners, and even a bit or down time to take pictures, take a short walk or in one case bird watch. Additionally, much university research languishes due to a lack of money and/or a lack of personnel. Much of this research, like the Primate and Predator Project, is important, and that is why Earthwatch’s contribution is critical. Earthwatch supplies research teams with willing, competent; hard working volunteers. In return volunteers experience fieldwork, and spend time in an exotic corner of the Earth. I liked the Earthwatch experience enough to sign on to two trips, and will likely sign on the a third.

Vicky Kleinman | 6/13/2016

“Conserving Leopards and Monkeys in South Africa”

Four of us went, ranging in age from 55 to 82, my daughter and me and two friends, from MN, DE and Austria. [Actually, our 9-member volunteer team's age range dipped to 24.] We never thought we'd spend time together washing leopard scat and removing rusty barbed wire fences from remote areas of South Africa. But here we were, in this gorgeous land, waking to find vervet monkeys, samango monkeys and baboons scrambling around outside our window.

We never did see the leopards in person, but the scat plus the many camera traps we set, recovered and organized testified to their presence. Monkeys abounded and bounded, as did assorted antelope and more other wondrous birds and beasts than this enfeebled memory can recall the names of. Wonderful people, purposeful activities and gorgeous surroundings. The research team leaders were warm knowledgeable and sharing; the student interns were helpful, fun and made me wish I could start all over again - from the beginning.

Malcolm Fenton | Monday, September 14, 2015

“Yes, you should go to Lajuma.”

I completely endorse what my team-mates Jan and Pam write here about Lajuma and the outstanding researchers and staff who helped make our stay so meaningful and joyous. (We also had a great team!). I will add new commentary here, mainly about the general environment and camp.

Cliffs, forests and thickets predominate, with some lovely patches of grassland, clear, rushing streams, and, in places, prehistoric paintings under rock overhangs. It is glorious to walk freely in the African bush, occasionally looking out over the plains below, or up to the sky where eagles and vultures soar. Spending time with habituated primates is simply magical. In addition, you may see animals such as bushbuck and red duiker, and quite a few birds.

The Research Camp is glorious, perched on a ledge overlooking the plains below. It is comfortable, simple and serene. A communal living/eating/lecture area opens to a garden centered about a campfire. Sleeping accommodations exceeded my expectations, and there is some single-room availability.

Admire the mists drifting over the mountain ridges as you step out at dawn. Sneak up on the nearby rock hyrax colony as they soak up the morning rays. Feel a rush of connection as a baboon sits down to contemplate you as he drifts through the camp. Stuff yourself with delicious food. Enjoy great company. Learn a lot.

My thanks to all at Lajuma and to my fellow team-mates. If you can go, I recommend joining this wonderful Expedition.

Pam Roberts | Thursday, August 06, 2015

“Outstanding Trip with Great Research”

This was our first trip with Earthwatch. We plan to do many more given the outstanding nature of the first trip. The variety of research, quality of the scientists and interaction with students was great. The variety of work you assist with is amazing We walked/drove to camera traps to retrieve photo cards and then identified species captured on the pictures. We assisted students in vegetation surveys, washed and prepared scat samples, cleared away invasive species, removed snares and old fence, visited a school, and collected data on baboons and Samangos during their movements. In the evening, you learned about the research from the students and scientists at Lajuma. The hospitality accorded was outstanding, accommodations and food were fine (monkeys frequented our patio area). Katie and Sam are outstanding as your scientific hosts. We took a number of hikes with the group and learned a good deal about the fauna and flora of South Africa. Go on this trip if you have the chance. You will learn so much about the wildlife and how to help mitigate conflicts with man and what you can do to aid in this.

Jan Kleinman | Thursday, July 30, 2015

“Busy, productive, fascinating”

Having been a volunteer in campaigns, schools and other community settings, I know how one can feel useless if not deployed in meaningful work and/or without sufficient training. This Earthwatch expedition KNOWS HOW TO USE VOLUNTEERS EFFECTIVELY. The coordinators explained clearly both how and why to do each task. They engaged us in a variety of activities, each of which illuminated and contributed towards either biological knowledge or conservation. Moreover, they did so most of the time, so we had just enough (not too much, not too little) free time between tasks.

Biological tasks we did included camera trap maintenance, photo tagging, scat washing, and vegetation plot surveys. In most cases, we were offered a second chance to continue these activities if we liked them. For example, one camera trap was located rather farther away and in a hike-in only location. We were offered the choice to hike out and do more camera trap maintenance, or stay near camp and do more vegetation plot surveys. Once we knew how to do a task, the second time we felt more useful.

Conservation tasks we did included invasive plant removal, fence removal, and snare removal. The nightly lectures explained background information about animals, local people, and conservation efforts. We understood why we were asked to tramp through and around thorny bushes: to save leopards and native species.

The collaborative spirit of the researchers, their student assistants, and staff infected us.:)

Sarah Nichols | Saturday, July 19, 2014

“Conserving Leopards, Monkeys, and More in South Africa!”

The Lajuma Research Center is full of friendly, lovely people. You get such a sense of community and warmth when you meet everybody. They're incredibly willing to help you feel safe and at home, and they're all so knowledgeable about what they're researching.

I went with one of my best friends, and the two of us hadn't really traveled outside of the country prior to this trip. We went on a whim, and we both enjoyed the experience so much. The stories of what we went through and about the people we met are endless. Despite it being only two weeks, I actually felt a little bit sad to leave the staff remaining a Lajuma, as well as a few of the volunteers we had worked alongside for the whole trip.

The involvement they had us experience in preserving the animals was amazing. Although some of the tasks weren't always exciting, there was a sense of fulfillment in knowing that these were small stepping stones to helping the researchers help the animals, environment, and local community on a larger scale.

Not only do you work to help leopards and some of the native monkey species, you also do some tasks that can help brown hyenas and many other species of animals that they have on Lajuma.

I loved the trip. I felt like I learned so much about generally everything, and I feel much, much more enriched after having gone on this expedition. I would highly recommend it to people (seasoned travelers or new travelers like us). I will remember this experience forever. Thank you all!