Overview of Project
Lion Extinction to Re-Introduction will be one of the most historical, notable and memorable wildlife volunteer projects ever undertaken in South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho . Local conservation organizations have spent months searching the archives and libraries in Lesotho for any record of major wildlife activity, including predators in this kingdom. Time and time again, research have turned up records of many species; however all are now extinct in this particular area. The numerous San Bushman paintings found throughout the mountainous region of Lesotho tell stories of an abundance of wildlife. Also: the existence of lions (Tau- the Sotho name) in the 1830's is well documented. One of the wives of King Moshoeshoe was apparently eaten by a lion. One of the last documented appearance of lions in Lesotho appear to be of a lion hunt led by Missionary Arbousset in Butha-Buthe in 1840. Presently, Global Crossroad is helping to make a historical difference in this beautiful country. Together with the QWDT and our 'Born to Be Wild' Lion Breeding program in South Africa, this partnership will help to re-introduce the lion population back into Lesotho - as well as many other wildlife species currently extinct in this area.
Location
This project is located approximately 200kms south of Maseru.
Project/Volunteers' Life
This project works closely with the "Born to Be Wild" Lion Re-Introduction Project - encouraging volunteers to be effectively and actively involved in the activities of both projects.
Prior to the start of project, volunteers will be briefed on what to do and, more importantly, what not to do. The entire project will also be a stimulating learning experience. Working as a volunteer, you will be involved in many aspects of conservation and lion care. This project can a ccommodate a maximum of 10 volunteers.
Duties Include:
• Volunteers will assist 10 scientists with the gathering of information to compile the EIA report. This would include recording numbers of insects, reptiles, amphibians, mammals (if any), as well as identifying flora which can sustain wildlife, etc.
• Preparing the area for the re-introduction program by removing all alien vegetation, repairing roads.
• Preparing hide-a-ways to monitor wildlife non-intrusively.
• Volunteers will also assist local conservation organizations and other interested parties in establishing community tourism projects in the area allowing the local communities to benefit fully from the tourism influx as a result of the wildlife re-introduction project (e.g. river rafting, pony-trekking, cave exploration, abseiling/rappelling, etc.).
• Assist with relocation of wildlife into the area (when ready) and assist with the daily monitoring of the wildlife, especially the lions.
Benefit to volunteers
The Lion Extinction to Re-Introduction in Lesotho is in great need of volunteer assistance. By volunteering on this project, you will take part in a fantastic experience of African wildlife, with the knowledge that you are giving back to the environment. This project is a really rewarding volunteer experience, which is why it is such a popular project. In this project, you will experience the African bush in a very special way - immersing yourself in the local culture while making life-lasting friends with other international volunteers participating in the program.
Fees and Dates
Start Dates (for 2007): Jan 3rd, Feb 1st, Mar 1st, Apr 2nd, May 2nd, Jun 1st, Jul 2nd, Aug 1st, Sep 3rd, Oct 1st, Nov 1st, Dec 3rd
Project |
2 weeks |
3 weeks |
4 weeks |
5 weeks |
6 weeks |
7 weeks |
Each Add Week |
Lion Conservation Lesotho |
$1949 |
$2474 |
$2982 |
$3490 |
$3998 |
$4506 |
$700 |
Please note that you can join any project for any length of time, however, we recommend (from experience) that you should not stay longer than 4-6 weeks at a project. Should you wish to stay for 8 weeks or longer, we suggest selecting a few projects and possibly trying different regions in Africa ( Kenya , South Africa and Namibia ). This allows you to enjoy the different cultures and people in these areas.
What the program fee DOES cover:
• Airport reception/pick-up
• First night in backpackers' lodge (if necessary)
• Transfer to project (mostly by city liner and project vehicle)
• Introductory training prior to the start of project
• Accommodations
• Food
• Transfer back to/drop off at airport
Additional costs to participants:
• All room/food before and after program
• Personal expenses
• International airfare
• Visa
• Insurance
• Immunization
• Laundry
• Communications |
