Hi,
I’m Hollie Saunders and I’ve spent the past 10 days volunteering at the
Namib Carnivore Conservation Centre. The programme allowed me to
witness and contribute to the rehabilitation and soft release method of
cheetah conservation. In my time at the NCCC I was able to take part in
the daily activities such as wild cheetah tracking within the soft
release camp and aiding Laura, the current student intern with her
research, which in this case was investigating the bush preferences of
specific cheetahs. Once their preferred habitat has been identified it
can help indicate how ready the cheetahs are for release and then be
compared to their preferred habitat after release. Other activities
included exploration and placing of camera traps in the surrounding area
so that the carnivore population can be established, game drives and
nature tours, data entry, and feeding the cheetahs.
There
is a relaxed and positive atmosphere which makes the whole experience
unique. Working with Kate and Matt was fantastic as you feel instantly
part of the team and on top of that Walter and Simone are gracious
enough to allow the use of the guest farm's facilities including the
swimming pool, and they make you feel at home straight away. It has
been a great experience living in a fixed tent adding to the feeling of
adventure and the great outdoors. A highlight was definitely the trip
to Sossusvlei where we climbed the sand dunes and saw some fantastic
views.
The
Namib Carnivore Conservation Centre shows the reality of conservation
instead of an attempt to domesticate the naturally wild cheetahs and the
fact that it is set in such a beautiful place completes the whole
experience. Taking part in the programme actually feels like you are
contributing something significant to wildlife conservation, therefore I
strongly recommend volunteering at the NCCC for anyone interested in
conservation.
Hollie Saunders
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