Next summer, I'll be embarking on an adventure as an intern, working within Colchester Zoo's UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve which is situated in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.

Previously, the reserve had been used to carry out agricultural processes, causing a great loss of many natural inhabiting species, with the aim of Colchester Zoo's charity "Action For The Wild" to rehabilitate UmPhafa as an example of the region's past natural conditions.

Although many small mammal populations had remained since the establishment of the reserve, a vast range of species have been released, with UmPhafa now being home to white rhino, giraffe, kudu, impala, common reedbuck, mountain reedbuck, zebra, blesbock, red hartebeest, blue wildebeest, waterbuck, nyala, warthog, aardvark and porcupine. Leopard and spotted hyena have more recently returned to the area naturally, along with small to medium sized carnivores such as black-backed jackal, caracal, serval, genet, including several species of mongoose.

As an intern to UmPhafa's management, I will be playing a crucial role in the operation of the reserve by helping to collect vital data necessary to make key management decisions. This role includes behavioral observations on game populations which often involves stalking species such as rhino and giraffe through the bush at close quarters. I will also aid with other current research projects including small mammal trapping, setting up and checking carnivore tracking stations, and camera trapping of elusive nocturnal species providing me with a unique chance to learn crucial survey techniques. I may even have the opportunity to take part in animal releases and game captures!

This opportunity will allow me to gain valuable identification, navigation and tracking skills as well as a heightened understanding of conservation; a field I'm determined to be involved with. So, please help me in funding this internship, allowing me to contribute towards conservation.

Thank you!