0 Wildlife Conservation Research ALERT Internship Program 2018
1 What will I be doing? A critical part of ALERT s work is the research we undertake at all our project sites. Interns work closely with our technicians on the collection and analysis of data. Participants are also actively involved in the creation of new studies, monitoring existing ones, and creating reports that reflect the progress of each research program. Throughout their stay, interns will shadow and assist the projects Research Technicians in all aspects of their work. This could include: Lion Behavioural Observation The lions in the release phase of ALERT s African Lion Rehabilitation and Release into the Wild Program are studied to collect data on group dynamics and social interactions, territorial behaviours and hunting skills. As the program s ultimate goal is that offspring of released lions be put into the wild, the important question is, are these lions exhibiting behaviour comparable with wild lions? You will be trained on collecting data that helps us to address this question as part of our ex-situ reintroduction program. (LV, AP) Lion Play Behaviour Much of the practice needed for the development of successful hunting skills comes from the play in which younger cubs engage; ankle-tapping, stalking, chasing and fighting. Playing is also a social activity that helps to strengthen bonds between pride members. By observing our stage one lions engaging in various forms of play - social, object, locomotory and predatory - we can establish if these animals are behaving in a similar way to those growing up in the wild. (VF, AP)
2 Hyena Monitoring This study, to monitor spotted hyena populations, is the first of its kind to be conducted in this location. Working with our field biologist, you will learn more about this fascinating and ecologically significant species. In-the-field, research will include telemetry work in an effort to locate hyenas, visiting known locations to learn more about habitat usage, occupancy surveys to assess potential interactions between hyenas and other predators, and scat analysis to study diet. To date, two hyenas have been fitted with GPS collars, allowing their movements to be tracked online. Data analysis, using GIS software, is providing exciting insights into the different range sizes of these hyenas. (VF) Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) issues are widespread across Africa. With a lack of prey availability, lions roam into villages at night to attack livestock. Routinely destroyed in retaliation, the species is on the losing side of an intensifying conflict with people. To deter lions from approaching livestock bomas, this study uses flashing lighting systems combined with camera traps to monitor their effectiveness. The next stage of this project is to attempt to reduce attacks occurring during the day on livestock in open rangeland. To do so, we first need to establish where and when these attacks are taking place and the factors that make an attack more likely. (VF) Predator Surveys In order to inform conservation management plans for predator species, surveys to determine distribution and behaviour are carried out. Often this will be through the location and identification of tracts, signs and scat; an extensively used method in ecology and particularly effective for areas of low animal densities. (VF) The highlight of my internship was finally achieving my dreams of working with ALERT and its incredible lions. Jo Briffitt, Wildlife Conservation Research intern
3 Elephant Research Rural communities in Zambia are suffering the devastating effects of Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC), as elephants increasingly roam into community farmland, destroying crops, killing livestock, and attacking local people. As specific research on elephant populations in the region is sparse, and efforts to mitigate the conflict have largely been undertaken without rigorous planning or evaluation, ALERT s project to monitor migration and movement patterns aims to collect comprehensive data to assist in fully understanding the mechanisms behind HEC in this region. (LV) Wild Lion Research Covering a combined area of 4,704 square kilometres, ALERT s wild lion research project in Zimbabwe encompasses Chizarira National Park and three neighbouring safari areas. Very little research has been carried out in these areas for 25 years, so this study is providing much-needed data on resident lion populations and demographics. With human-lion conflict an issue for local communities, understanding how lions are utilising this environment, and identifying conflict hotspots, will allow appropriate mitigation methods to be designed. To date, one male lion has been fitted with a satellite radio collar, with plans to extend our research by collaring a further four individuals. As part of your internship, you will be involved in tracking, identifying, and collecting behavioural data on the wild lions that utilise these areas, as we seek to understand more about this little-known population. Accompanying ALERT s researcher on drives in the site, you may encounter elephant, leopard, spotted hyena, buffalo, hippo, and zebra, as well as numerous species of antelope. (CNP) The research staff were amazing to work with and such good mentors. I gained a tremendous amount of knowledge about lions and animal behaviour. Morgan Kirzinger, Wildlife Conservation Research intern
4 Biodiversity Studies To maintain a healthy ecosystem, the diversity of wildlife within Africa s national parks needs to be monitored. Data is collected to help calculate species density and abundance, so that sound conservation management plans can be developed and implemented to safeguard biodiversity loss. (VF) Of course, all this data needs to be carefully and accurately inputted, so some data entry is a necessary part of a researcher s role. Research programs vary from site to site, some operate at certain times of the year only, and all are subject to change. We offer four locations for your internship: Livingstone in Zambia (LV) Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe (VF) Antelope Park in Gweru, Zimbabwe (AP) Chizarira National Park in Zimbabwe (CNP) In Victoria Falls, we operate in partnership with our commercial partner Lion Encounter and with Antelope Park in Gweru. NOTE: If you are looking to use data collected during your stay at the program for a university course or thesis, please refer to our Facilitated Research Program instead. I have gained the Africa Addiction that I m sure will never go away. I will be back! Helen Mylne, Wildlife Conservation Research intern
5 What are we looking for? When choosing a Wildlife Conservation Research intern, we are ideally looking for a post-graduate, although we are able to accept sufficiently motivated current students in selected project locations. You must clearly have an interest in animals/wildlife and their conservation. Prior in-the-field research experience is preferable. On a personal level, you need to be extremely focussed as the majority of research you will carry out is, by nature, painstaking. Attention to detail is vital in this field. To reward your patience and dedication you will get to spend every day in the company of some of Africa s most magnificent species. I love this Program! I was particularly interested in it because I wanted to have research experience before applying to graduate schools. The type of research I assisted with is exactly the experience I needed. I feel very fortunate to have been welcomed here to do it. I gained research experience with some amazing animals, made new friends, and had six weeks of my life I will never forget. I am so grateful to ALERT for giving me some of the best days of my life. Until next time! Emily Drewry, Wildlife Conservation Research intern Shelby Matevich, Wildlife Conservation Research intern
6 What are people saying? An internship with ALERT is an experience too good to miss, but don t take our word for it. Here s what some of our previous interns have to say about taking part in the Program... I felt very much at home every time I was out doing research. I always had a role in what was going on and I was able to still feel confident in my abilities, even if I had to ask a million questions. Being able to do the research that I did was incredible, and it s something I ll be able to use in my schooling and future career. The staff were incredible as well, they make you feel part of the family immediately, and I loved being able to create lifelong bonds with the people I met! I ve gained skills I can use in my university degree and hopefully later on when I start looking at professions and careers. This opportunity is something I ll be able to rely on and use for the rest of my life. I ve gained so many new memories, and built on friendships I made in Livingstone as a volunteer last year. Easily the best time of my life, so thank you! Baylea Brauner, Wildlife Conservation Research intern I am very thankful for all the patience showed by the staff while I was learning. It was one of the best experiences in my life, both professional and personal. The team was extremely friendly and welcoming from the beginning, the learning process was so enjoyable and easy, and the activities were so much fun and rewarding. I have nothing but appreciation for everyone in the project. I also feel nothing but the biggest respect for what ALERT is doing. I now have a better view of the issues and know how challenging it is. Keep working so hard, you are definitely changing things for the better! Jaime Galan Elvira, Wildlife Conservation Research intern I was able to gain a lot of hands on knowledge, which has encouraged me to pursue a degree in zoology and hopefully a career in behavioral research. Everyone I worked with was so warm and welcoming. This internship has definitely opened my eyes to the human conflict that faces, not only lions, but many other African mammals. I think ALERT is doing an amazing job with the book clubs and the conservation education program, I truly believe that education is the only way to solve these conflicts. Becky Mayer, Wildlife Conservation Research intern Read more testimonials from Wildlife Conservation Research interns here.
7 How to Apply Contact us at intern@lionalert.org to discuss your internship placement. Your application should be accompanied by: A covering letter detailing your motivation for applying and the skills and experience you have to offer A copy of your curriculum vitae A letter of reference from an appropriate academic or business source that confirms your experience Details of your preferred location, length of stay, and arrival month/year Only applicants with skills appropriate to the project and its aims and objectives will be accepted. The minimum age is 21. Please note that you may be onsite at the same time as other Wildlife Conservation Research interns. All interns are subject to a Police Check prior to their arrival. 2018 PROGRAM FEES: GB 1,795 / US$ 3,310 per four weeks with a minimum stay of eight weeks. Maximum stays depend upon prevailing visa conditions; as a guide, this will be seven months, using a combination of a 30-day Business Visa on arrival and a Temporary Employment Permit (TEP) to cover you for up to an additional six months. Your fee includes collection from the nearest airport to the project, shared accommodation, and three meals a day - plus memories to last a lifetime. Please note that the invoice amount is charged on a per day basis.
8 The Fine Print 1. Your program fee: Your fee includes shared accommodation with communal shower and bathroom facilities, three meals a day, and collection from the nearest airport to your project location. The cost of flights, travel insurance, optional trips/activities and items of a personal nature are not included. 2. Payment schedule: An administration fee of GB 300/US$ 540 must be paid on acceptance into the Internship Program, and is strictly non-refundable. The administration fee will be deducted from your final program fee payment. The balance of your program fee is payable no later than 90 days prior to arrival. ALERT reserves the right to cancel the internship if there is non-payment without prior arrangement. If booking less than 90 days before arrival, payment should be made within ten days of receipt of invoice. 3. Cancellation: Refunds exclude all travel and/or extraneous expenses of your trip plan. Cancellation up to 90 days prior to commencement will be 100% refunded for cost of program. Cancellation between 61-90 days of commencement will be 75% refunded. Cancellation between 31-60 days of commencement will be 50% refunded. Cancellation within 30 days of scheduled arrival cannot be refunded. Any refunds due will be less the administration fees. In most cases ALERT will permit the deferment of your arrival date to an alternative agreed upon arrival date. However, should any costs be incurred by ALERT as a result of deferment these will be passed onto you for payment. In the unlikely event of ALERT cancelling your internship (due to circumstances beyond our control) we will, if possible, offer an alternative location. If this is not acceptable to you, all program fees will be refunded. If your internship is terminated by ALERT during your placement due to circumstances beyond our control, and alternative arrangements are not acceptable to you, all fees from the date your internship is terminated will be refunded. If your internship is terminated by ALERT as a result of infringement of the code of conduct, you will not be entitled to claim any refund. If you terminate your internship at any time during your placement, you will not be entitled to claim any refund. You will not be entitled to claim any other costs applicable to your internship, and/or any charges relating to change in travel plans. All travel expenses are for your account. 4. Police Check: You will need to obtain a police check prior to arrival. As a visitor to our project, you may be working closely with children or vulnerable adults to some extent during your stay; therefore, it is our responsibility to ensure these people are adequately safeguarded. For interns from the UK, we will arrange the check for you at a cost of 20 (added to your invoice and payable with your deposit). Applicants from all other countries will be responsible for obtaining their own check. All participants on all of our programs are required to undertake a police check before their placement commences. 5. General Terms: a. ALERT will not be held liable for any incidental expenses incurred as a result of your internship, such as vaccinations, visas, non-refundable flights. b. Travel insurance is a pre-requisite and should include adequate cover for baggage, medical expenses, the cost of repatriation and a cancellation clause. c. Should you not have adequate cover prior to the commencement of your internship, you may not be allowed to continue on the program and will have no right to a refund. d. Any claims concerning insurance matters must be directed to your insurers. e. Any information provided by ALERT on matters such as visas, vaccinations, climate, clothing, baggage, for example, is given in good faith. We CANNOT take responsibility for obtaining any necessary visas and travel documentation required for your placement, unless otherwise agreed and confirmed in writing as part of our service agreement to you. f. Your booking is accepted on the understanding that you realise potential hazards may arise in this kind of travel, including injury, disease, loss of or damage to property, inconvenience or discomfort. Please allow for flexibility in this kind of travel. Changes in itinerary may be caused by circumstances beyond our control. No refunds will be issued on services not utilised. g. When booking your flights, you might consider booking a changeable return ticket. If circumstances arise which lead to extra expenses because you have purchased a non-changeable ticket, you will be solely responsible for the expense.
9 African Lion & Environmental Research Trust (UK) c/o LJ Capital Limited 9 Clifford Street London W1S 2FT United Kingdom UK Charity Commission Number: 1120572 African Lion & Environmental Research Trust (USA) c/o Frank, Rimerman + Co. LLP P.O. Box 1707 Los Altos CA 94023 United States of America 501 (c)3 status with EIN: 45-3782687 Public charity status: 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) African Lion & Environmental Research Trust (Zambia) Melrose Farm 1134 Nakatindi Road P.O. Box 60701 Livingstone Zambia Zambia Charity Registration Number: ORS/102/35/3583 African Lion & Environmental Research Trust (Zimbabwe) Shop 8, Bata Building Livingstone Way Victoria Falls Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Protocol No 68: MA82/2008