Succulent Karoo Research Station
Focus: Zoological Research, Conservation.
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Project Description
In how far are animals adapted to change and extreme environments?
To understand this will help us to predict in how far animals can cope with the present climate change!
Which traits do animals need to succeed in this time of accelerated change? The answer to this question will help us to predict which species are especially endangered by climate change, and which species will still be successful.
We study the evolutionary and ecological reasons as well as physiological mechanisms of group living, paternal care, communal nesting and social flexibility in the striped mouse. One focus is on the adaptation to droughts, combining physiological, behavioural, ecological and evolutionary research. As this species is diurnal and the habitat is open, direct behavioural observations in the field are possible.
Behavioural and physiological flexibility enables striped mice to cope with unpredictable environmental changes.
Volunteer Information
Costs & Benefits
Requirements
Contact information
Project Summary
Biology/zoology/veterinary students are preferred as candidates. Applicants must have an interest in working in the field and with animals. Hard working conditions will await applicants, as the study species gets up with sunrise (between 5 and 6 o` clock), and stops its activity with dusk (19 o` clock). Work during nights might also be necessary. Work in the field will be done for 5 days a week. One day is spent in town for shopping, one day a week is free.
Applicants must be able to manage extreme temperatures (below 0 at night in winter, sometimes over 40°C during summer days). Applicants must both be prepared to live for long periods in the loneliness of the field and to be part of a small social group.
Students have to arrange their transport to the field site themselves (flight to Cape Town and Intercape bus from there; hotel). Per month, an amount of Rand 1250 (around 180 US$, 120 Euro) must be paid for accommodation at the research station.
Biology/zoology/veterinary students are preferred as candidates. Applicants must have an interest in working in the field and with animals. Volunteers must be above the age of 18. The official language at the research station is English.
Succulent Karoo Research Station
Goegap Nature Reserve
PO Box 1010
8240 Springbok
South Africa (Northern Cape)
Tel: N/A
Email: Succulent.karoo.research.station@kabelbw.de
Website: www.stripedmouse.com
Location: Springbok, South Africa
Average cost per day: $20
Focus: Zooological Research
Skills needed: Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and speak English
