When it comes to wildlife conservation gap year projects, unfortunately, there is no shortage of animal species’ in need of help. These days the subject is becoming more and more high profile and our collective social consciences are being pinged by the desire to do our part. Many people are choosing gap year projects in wildlife conservation as a way of helping out and having an adventure in a foreign country at the same time.

Although we shouldn’t play favourites, sometimes we just can’t help having a soft spot for a particular animal. Depending on your temperament, you’ll probably have some strong ideas about which ones you’d like to get to know a little better on your gap year projects.

Elephants

If you’ve always wanted to learn more about the gentle giants of the jungle then gap year projects working with elephants will allow you to really get to know these fascinating creatures.

The Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa is a fantastic location to volunteer as it is a very hands-on project (and it’s not just elephants!). You will undertake a diverse range of tasks ranging from monitoring herd numbers and collating data, to walking-trail management and community liaison. But the best part about working in the Addo Elephant Park is, of course, the opportunity to study and interact with the residents themselves.

Turtles

When considering wildlife conservation gap year projects, turtles probably don’t spring to mind as readily as some other animals. However, the sad truth is that these delightfully quirky creatures are at risk due to the growing presence of tourism, and the development of their habitats. Only about 1 in 1000 turtles make it to adulthood; a staggering number when put in context. In Goa, Southern India, the Turtle Preservation Program offers the opportunity not only to help out in various roles within the conservation project, but to experience life in one of the most beautiful places in the world. You may become involved in beach protection, community awareness campaigns, and research and data collection. It is a magical and rewarding experience seeing the fruits of your labours as your tiny charges make their way to maturity.

Monkeys

If you’re more inclined to the cheekier members of the animal kingdom then perhaps gap year projects working with monkeys would suit you. It’s not all fun and games in the monkey world and there are many opportunities in projects focused on their conservation. One of the most interesting is the Colobus Trust in Kenya. Volunteers work in areas of research, maintenance, education and rehabilitation of the mischievous monkeys. It is hard not to fall in love with these fun-loving creatures and you will learn the characteristics and behaviours of each species.

Sharks

For a gap year project with a difference how about volunteering for a shark conservation program? Sharks are an often misunderstood animal; but just because they’re not cute and cuddly doesn’t mean they don’t need our help in their conservation. The Tiger Shark Volunteer Research Programme is ideal if you aren’t scared of getting up close and personal with these marine monsters, and you will be able to gain valuable insight into their behaviour. Tasks on the Shark Programme will include tagging and practical field experience as well as various research projects.

Author Bio: Mark Bottell is the General Manager for Worldwide Experience, an online tour operator offering extended breaks on gap year projects and other adventurous holidays for adults.

Category: Travel
Keywords: gap year projects