The Soutpansberg Mountains support a distinctive assemblage of reptile species shaped by past climate stability and geographic isolation. Cool rocky slopes, summit grasslands, and diverse forest systems create refuges for many endemic species. At the Lajuma Research Centre, interns assist in long-term reptile monitoring while gaining practical experience in species identification, habitat assessment, and ecological field methods.

Internship Focus

Interns participate in reptile surveys and habitat evaluations across a range of environments. The project aims to document species distribution, abundance, and ecological requirements to support ongoing conservation and biodiversity research.

Activities may include:

• Conducting visual encounter surveys and habitat assessments
• Recording species presence, abundance, and behaviour
• Supporting data entry, management, and reporting

Fieldwork Requirements