Conservation
Conservation can be defined as "an ethic of use, protection, and management of the environment and natural resources"
Conservation is not only about protecting and monitoring the animals within the reserve; conservation also includes the protection and preservation of the environment. Without a healthy environment, wildlife and humans could not thrive.
LEO volunteers have the opportunity to learn and directly contribute towards real conservation work within the reserve and see what it really takes to work in this field while making a difference. Moreover, volunteers are encouraged to continue a sustainable lifestyle once back at home. For us, it is important to know that an experience at LEO Africa can really make a change also in your daily approach to life, also once back home. We have one planet, and it is our responsibility to keep it pristine!
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Check out some of the reserve work that we do.
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Rubble Removal
"Only a healthy environment can carry life". Based on this, we stop and collect every item in the bush that is not natural, from old infrastructure, fences, rubble, plastic and anything else that doesn't belong to nature. We are extremely committed in making a difference and to keep the environment pristine. For wildlife, for our future!
Invasive Species Removal
Invasive plant species are a major threat to local biodiversity. They often have no natural enemies such as insects, diseases and animals. They can displace indigenous plants by taking up space, water and sunlight. Moreover, they are sometimes poisonous to wildlife and if not removed, they can cause long term health problems to the wildlife.
Controlled Fires
Controlled fires are a planned way to manage weeds, old non-palatable grass , to create a firebreak against wildfires. to control parasites and to restore nutrients back into the ground. This is done at the end of winter when the vegetation is very dry.
Game Capture
Game (Wildlife) capture is conducted in assistance with the reserve management.
This creates a source of income to the reserve as part of the need to remove the excess of some animal species who are sold to other reserves/parks.
This helps spreading genetic diversity and reducing the impact on the environment and population.
Data capture
ID Kits
We observe, collect data and take identification photos of the key species, in particular regarding their behaviour, location, movements, food preferences, health, reproduction and interactions with each other in their natural habitat. ID kits for each monitored species are constantly updated.
A monthly report is compiled every month and given to the reserve management.
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Part of our work is to help restoring nature at its origin and to remove any alien plant, alien object that could injure wildlife. Some of the activities we conduct include erosion control, bush clearing, road maintenance, old fence removal, alien plant control, road verge clearing and much more.!