The Purpose of Wildlife Monitoring

The Purpose of Wildlife Monitoring

Posted by Sam Hopkins on 29th May 2014

Why is 'Wildlife Monitoring' such an important part of the volunteer projects that we offer? Here Charlotte, who works at the Shamwari Game Reserve in South Africa (the location base of the 'Shamwari Conservation Experience'), lets us know:

"When you volunteer at Shamwari Game Reserve you will spend many afternoons monitoring the various animals on the reserve. As well as general monitoring, there are dedicated sessions for the elephant and rhino population, as well one for predators. These sessions are designed to locate and check up on the health and well-being of the population on the reserve whilst observing their behaviour and recording other useful data. With 25,000 hectares to cover and a huge number of animals to keep an eye on, this is an important part of the conservation programme and is an integral part of the reserve ecosystem management.

On many occasions, during these monitoring sessions, injuries or complications have been spotted and as a result the wildlife team has been brought in to formulate a treatment plan where necessary. In the last few months the volunteers have spotted an elephant with wire wrapped around one of its legs, a baby rhino with an open wound on its leg, a buffalo with a deep wound on its knee and a lioness with a very bad gash on her cheek. All of these injuries needed veterinary treatment, either administered out in the bush or by bringing the animal into the rehabilitation centre. Either way the volunteers are involved and assist with capture, transport, treatment and release.

It is during this time that groups learn so much about animal management and what processes Shamwari has in place to keep their animal population in harmony with their environment. Not only can you be up close to the animals but you can inspect the smallest things, like touching claws, seeing the texture of the tongue, feeling the muscles in tails which you don't have an opportunity to do in the wild. There are not many people who can say they have touched a lioness's teeth! It is hard to describe what impact this has on our volunteers, it is without doubt a privilege to be this close to wild animals and play a part in managing their welfare.

All of the aforementioned animals have been stitched up, treated and released back into their natural habitat and are all recovering well. A job well done – and one that will remain with our volunteers for life. What better experience to have on your gap year or during a sabbatical!"

If you would like to take part in a volunteer project in South Africa to take part in many activities such as wildlife monitoring, then please click here.


Share this Article...

Share this article with your friends and followers by using the social media buttons below.


Leave a Comment...

Wanting to add something to this story or just let us know your thoughts? Just leave your comments below. Please be aware that all comments will be moderated: abusive behaviour or self-promotion will not be allowed.

500 characters remaining

Has this blog inspired you to volunteer? If so, why not enquire today? Simply fill out an enquiry form, and allow a member of our travel team to assist with your query! Please note that blog comments are not monitored by the travel team, so any questions related to bookings may be missed.


Featured Videos


Experience The Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary

See what you could get up to as a volunteer at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary! This volunteer project offers you the chance to get up close and personal with some of the country's most iconic species.

Discover The Great White Shark Project

Come face to face with one of the world’s most misunderstood predators whilst aiding great white shark conservation. As a volunteer, not only will you get the incredible opportunity to dive with sharks, but you will also assist the team in raising awareness of the great white as you work alongside tourists and local school children to provide them with knowledge of the local environment and the importance of living in harmony with South Africa’s marine life.

Volunteers Review Their Experience at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Volunteers talk about their recent experience at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary in Borneo.

Latest Blog Arcticles


It’s Orangutan Release Time!

It’s Orangutan Release Time!

12 more orangutans have been successfully released back...

Meet 12 orangutan candidates up for release!

Meet 12 orangutan candidates up for release!

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Borneo...

Linda's Samboja Lestari Orangutan Adventure

Linda's Samboja Lestari Orangutan Adventure

Linda Duchin volunteered at the Samboja Lestari Orangutan...

Two Rewilded Cheetahs, Two Years On - A Remarkable Rewilding Story

Two Rewilded Cheetahs, Two Years On - A Remarkable Rewilding Story

Join us on a remarkable rewilding journey as we revisit the...

Janet & Mick's Unforgettable Gorilla Adventure

Janet & Mick's Unforgettable Gorilla Adventure

Janet and Mick joined The Great Gorilla Project last year...

The Team Returns - James & Lauren's South Africa Experience

The Team Returns - James & Lauren's South Africa Experience

Lauren and James have returned and are ready to relay tales...

The Great Projects On Tour: Upcoming Staff Trips

The Great Projects On Tour: Upcoming Staff Trips

Team members Lauren and James, joined colleague Georgia to...

Lynne's Top Tips For Volunteering at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Lynne's Top Tips For Volunteering at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Volunteer Lynne Coe shares her valuable tips on what to...


Where you can go
Contact Info
UK Office
The Great Traveller Ltd,
3 Dairy Yard
Star Street
Ware, Hertfordshire
SG12 7DX
United Kingdom

Opening hours:
   Mon-Fri 8:30am–5:30pm
   Sat 10am-4pm

T: +44(0) 208 885 4987