Everyday Essentials for Conservation Work

Wildlife ACT's dedicated monitoring teams work across a number of protected areas in Zululand, as well as in and around the spectacular Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site. The Heritage Site is a vast protected area home to a great diversity of plants and animals, including two cliff-nesting species of Vulture - the Bearded Vulture and Cape Vulture.

Here, as part of our Southern Drakensberg Conservation Project, our team monitors nesting sites, manages and maintains Vulture feeding sites, conducts a long-term remote camera trapping survey, and responds to emergency events.

Made possible through a collaboration between Wildlife ACT, the Drakensberg Conservation Initiative and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, this project forms part of Wildlife ACT's ongoing efforts to monitor and protect Endangered and priority species and to assist in effective management of protected areas.

What's in a Wildlife Monitor's Toolkit?

Whether based in the Zululand bush or the Drakensberg mountains, there are certain things every conservationist and wildlife monitor needs in their toolkit. Here, our Southern Drakensberg Assistant, Malibongwe Sibiya, sheds light on some of these vital items:

"When I am out in the field, there are few tools I will never go without. Each one plays a special role in helping me to protect and study wildlife and the environment better.

GPS / Compass: These tools help me navigate remote areas safely and record accurate locations for future reference.

Field Notebook and Pencils: I use these to jot down all valuable observations during monitoring sessions — essential for effective conservation management.

Camera or Smartphone: Perfect for documenting species, habitats, and environmental changes over time.

Binoculars / Scope: Perhaps the most important tools for wildlife monitoring, allowing me to observe animals at a safe and respectful distance.

Measuring Tape: Useful for recording animal tracks and taking other field measurements with precision.

First Aid Kit: An absolute must-have: you never know what might happen in the field, and a well-stocked kit can make all the difference.

Sunscreen: Fieldwork often means long hours under the sun. Sunscreen protects against sunburn and skin damage caused by UV exposure.

Water: While not exactly a “tool,” staying hydrated is vital. Water helps prevent dehydration and keeps the body functioning well during long days outdoors."

Wildlife Monitoring for Conservation Impact

At Wildlife ACT, our team works tirelessly day and night to collect vital data, support reserve management teams, and protect Endangered species across South Africa. Every day in the field is an opportunity to contribute to meaningful conservation work.

The Southern Drakensberg Conservation Project, part of Wildlife ACT's Vulture Conservation Programme, operates in an area which is a stronghold for the Vulnerable Cape Vulture as well as the regionally Critically Endangered Bearded Vulture.

Despite being critically important to the environment, Vultures face a number of threats, and their numbers are in decline. By volunteering at our Southern Drakensberg Conservation Project, you will assist in daily on-the-ground conservation efforts and enable these efforts to continue in a sustainable manner.

Join us as a volunteer and experience first-hand what it takes to make a real impact for wildlife. Learn more about volunteering with Wildlife ACT.