2027 Research Projects
Join a herpetological survey team and contribute data used in the management of South African protected areas.
Research funded by participation
ABRE conducts both once-off biodiversity assessments and research projects, as well as continuous and annual monitoring programs that volunteers can apply to join. The fees from volunteer participation finance these projects.
Project data is provided to wildlife and protected area management authorities to inform conservation management actions and policies. Data from specific projects may also be used for academic research with our academic partners.
Manyeleti Game Reserve Herpetological Survey 2027
Manyeleti Game Reserve is a 47 000 ha protected area situated in the South African Lowveld. Manyeleti forms part of the Greater Kruger area and houses a variety of wildlife, including the Big Five.
ABRE will be conducting herpetological surveys as part of an annual reptile and amphibian monitoring program. The 2025 survey took place over three weeks between 27 January and 17 February. The 2027 survey will run for three weeks, from 1 to 21 February.
The survey centres around the daily checking, removal and processing of reptiles and amphibians captured in a series of pitfall and funnel trap arrays placed throughout Manyeleti Game Reserve. Active searches to document additional herpetofauna may also be performed.
Due to the presence of potentially dangerous wildlife on the site, an armed escort will accompany volunteers in the field.
Volunteer places per week
| Week | Dates | Places | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 1–7 Feb 2027 | 3 | Open |
| Week 2 | 8–14 Feb 2027 | 3 | Open |
| Week 3 | 15–21 Feb 2027 | 3 | Open |
Volunteers may apply for one or more weeks. Equipment is installed by ABRE staff in the week before the survey begins.
Pongola Game Reserve and Pongola Nature Reserve Herpetological Monitoring Program
This program is conducted once every month between the Pongola Game Reserve and Pongola Nature Reserve. These protected areas are both situated around the Pongolapoort Dam.
The program entails both the monthly monitoring of the Nile crocodile Crocodylus niloticus population using boat-based daytime and night-time spotlight counts, and of herpetofaunal diversity using pitfall and funnel trap arrays.
Active searches may also be conducted, as well as conservation management activities such as alien invasive plant removal to ensure habitat integrity. This is a physically challenging project and volunteers applying for this project need to be relatively fit.
Applications temporarily closed
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply?
Our projects are aimed at volunteers, including early-career ecologists, zoologists and conservationists, who want practical experience in surveying reptiles and amphibians. International participants are welcome.
What is included in the fee?
Accommodation and food are included for the duration of your stay. Please contact us for full fee details and information about travel arrangements.
How much does it cost?
Fees are available on request. Submit an application or send us an email and we will reply with the current rates for your chosen project and weeks.
Can I join for more than one week?
Yes. For the Manyeleti survey you can apply for one, two or all three weeks. Each week has three volunteer places.
How fit do I need to be?
Fieldwork takes place outdoors every day, in summer heat and on uneven ground. The Pongola program in particular is physically challenging, and volunteers need to be relatively fit.
Is the fieldwork safe?
Manyeleti is home to potentially dangerous wildlife, including the Big Five. An armed escort accompanies volunteers in the field at all times during the survey.
What happens to the data we collect?
Project data is provided to wildlife and protected area management authorities to inform conservation management actions and policies. Data from some projects is also used in academic research with our partners.
How do I apply?
Complete the application form with your details and preferred weeks. We will reply by email with fees and next steps.
Ready to join the 2027 field season?
Three volunteer places are available each week at Manyeleti. Send your application and we will be in touch.