Wildlife conservation

What does wildlife conservation involve?

Wildlife conservation can cover a wide range of activities. The main areas are:

  • Habitat conservation - eg planting trees
  • Marine conservation - eg learning to dive and carrying out research on coral reefs
  • Animal conservation - eg looking after elephants in a sanctuary
  • Big game reserves - eg helping to protect animals from hunters
  • Research - eg photographing birds in the rainforest
  • Education - eg teaching people how to use the land sustainably

Wildlife conservation can be very hands-on, for example, assisting vets at a wildlife sanctuary. But conservation projects also need administrators and managers to help run them, and of course people to help raise awareness and funds for the project.

Where can I do wildlife conservation?

Most wildlife conservation jobs are in the developing world. South and Central America, South and South-East Asia, and Africa all have a variety of conservation projects. If you want to work with a particular animal, for example turtles, you will be restricted to a certain area, eg Mexico.

What will I get out of it?

The capacity for learning on a wildlife conservation placement is immense. Volunteers work alongside game wardens, vets, guides, scientists and other conservation professionals, plus you will get first-hand experience of the way conservation works. It can be a great opportunity for a career breaker who wants to get into conservation as a full-time job.

And of course, you know that you will be helping to ensure the future of some of our planet's most impressive animals, beautiful habitats or precious coral reefs.

What does it cost or pay?

Career breakers on wildlife conservation projects are almost all volunteers, and you will usually pay for your placement. Because the majority of the projects are in developing countries, it is important that you, as a volunteer, are not a burden on the country. The cost of the placement almost always includes a contribution to the project as well, helping to pay for materials, resources, your accommodation and food, and so on.

Finding a wildlife conservation opportunity