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| Conservation |
Our beautiful planet earth is undergoing changes and it is our duty to save her from destruction by conserving her animal and forest resources. Many animal species have become extinct while several others are on the verge of extinction. During your gap year it would be worthwhile to travel to various places around the world and engage yourself in conservation of flora and fauna typical to that region.
For example you could live and work in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest in Peru, and help the conservationists turn the area into a reserve for species like monkeys, macaws, butterflies and many others.
In the mountains Transylvania in Romania one can find some interesting species of life including wild carnations and lynx, Europe’s only big cat, besides deer populations and some rare plants.
Try your luck at the Bundala National Park, southern Sri Lanka, and help to conserve varied wildlife including monkeys, crocodiles, leopards, monitor lizards, turtles and elephants.
On the Pacific Coast of Mexico many wildlife project are undertaken for turtles and crocodiles local lagoon wildlife. Experience the magic of turtles laying their eggs at night. Protect endangered sea turtles; conduct research into endangered species of crocodiles and so forth.
Panda Conservation near Xi'an, China
The region that you will be located in lies at the northern foot of Mount Zhongnan, 15 kilometers southeast of Zhouzhi County, Shaanxi Province. The area is backed by mountains and overlooks a river. The surrounding forests are very lush and beautiful and are great for walking and full of bamboo, pine and juniper trees The project is underway in a remote location, which is 1½ - 2 hours away from Xi'an city centre. The volunteers must know that there is no nightlife, restaurants or shops. There is very limited public transport but you may be able to ride with project staff into Xi'an at weekends for shopping and sightseeing.
You will be involved with a wide variety of tasks including general maintenance activities at the park, besides cleaning enclosures. You could participate in research and data collection on the Pandas and other animals in the park. There will also be tasks of plant control and fencing. You may also help to keep the project website updated, design pamphlets for foreign tourists besides leading tours. There is an age limit of 21 and you need to be a mature and responsible person, with good communication skills. You need to be quite independent and confident, as the project is in a remote location with limited facilities and you will attract attention as a foreigner.You will be involved with a wide variety of tasks including general maintenance activities at the park, besides cleaning enclosures. You could participate in research and data collection on the Pandas and other animals in the park. There will also be tasks of plant control and fencing. You may also help to keep the project website updated, design pamphlets for foreign tourists besides leading tours. There is an age limit of 21 and you need to be a mature and responsible person, with good communication skills. You need to be quite independent and confident, as the project is in a remote location with limited facilities and you will attract attention as a foreigner.
The Nature Conservation Society of South Australia is a voluntary body with members drawn from all parts the country and all walks of life. The Society's primary objective and activities include:
- Protecting and managing of diverse habitats and native vegetation
- Conducting research on threatened species and habitats
- Educating the community and all levels of government
- Cooperating with other similar conservation groups
In many cases it has been necessary to carry out field studies in the areas in question. For the last 40 years there has been a major biological survey carried out by members and other volunteers.As a matter of fact volunteers is the backbone of the Nature Conservation Society. For you during your gap year, volunteering for this society will provide numerous benefits such as; meeting like minded people, learning new skills in conservation and environmental management, gaining valuable work experience, working with learned and dedicated environmentalists, and lastly contributing to the conservation of South Australia's wildlife and habitats. |
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