VOLUNTEER PROJECT OUTLINE
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"The Waterberg Biosphere is now regarded as one of South Africa's last true wildernesses, yet there is still much to learn about the ecology of the area and the many endemic species that reside only here. It is only from learning might we understand this natural ecosystem, and by understanding it we can help protect it"
Kelly Abram, Volunteer and Research Director
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As there is a high biodiversity within the Waterberg Biosphere with many endemic species present only within this area, it is imperative that we both explore and record the biodiversity within all taxon groups. The volunteer project has been designed to both investigate the natural biodiversity and also help restore and understand the natural dynamics of this unique habitat. Volunteers will be involved with active reserve management and biological research. Volunteers will also participate in workshops that are designed to give them the opportunity to learn about many aspects of African ecology and will relate to the various elements of the research program. The project also contains organised excursions to allow the volunteers to see the majestic beauty of the Waterberg and its ancient heritage. For detailed information on the volunteer project visit the Project Brief page.
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Location and Area
| Leopard Creek Private Conservation Reserve is 45 minutes drive from its nearest towns (Lephalale and Vaalwater), some 250km north of Pretoria, within the Magnificent Waterberg Mountain Range in the Limpopo province of South Africa. This beautiful area is designated a Biosphere Reserve. A Biosphere is an internationally recognised area promoting sustainable usage and conservation of biodiversity. The Waterberg Biosphere is home to many endemic species of fauna and flora. It is an area comprised of low mountain ranges and escarpments that is now seen as one of the last wildernesses left in South Africa.
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About 80,000 people live within the Waterberg Biosphere reserve, which covers an area of approximately 400,000 hectares. The area has been inhabited for hundreds of thousands of years, evidence of which is the nationally important Rock Art. Tourism is a growing source of income with local people switching over from cattle farms and crop production to game farming and eco-tourism.
Habitats at Leopard Creek
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The main habitat is Bushveld, dominated by tree and bush species including Sickle Bush, Red Bushwillow, Silver Clusterbush, Tamboti, Cabbage Trees, and aloe and fig species. The topography and tree composition make the area unique, with the vegetation type being Waterberg Mountain Bushveld, occurring nowhere else in South Africa. There are aquatic habitats on the reserve, i.e. the Tamboti river and its tributaries, as well as a large dam that floods a 3Ha area in the wet season. |
Species at Leopard Creek
The reserve is home to a whole host of amazing antelope including; Impala, Kudu, Eland, Waterbuck, Blue Wildebeest, Red Hartebeest, Oryx, Mountain Reedbuck and Klipspringer. Predatory species include Leopard, Brown Hyena and Caracal as well as African species of mongoose, porcupine, baboons, zebra and warthogs. See our ever-expanding species list for more examples of the incredible range of wildlife we have here at Leopard Creek.
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In addition there are some specially protected species that occur on the reserve; Aardvark, Pangolin, Sharpe's Grysbok, Cape Clawless Otter and the Jameson's Red Rock Rabbit. There is also a great diversity of bird-life from Steppe Eagles to the Pygmy Kingfisher, and reptiles including the protected Giant Plated Lizard. |
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