This project is suitable for anyone who cares deeply about animals as well as students of zoology, environmental studies, or similar subjects. You'll complete tasks suited to your skill level and be working alongside our qualified conservationist.
You’ll volunteer with animals in the Community Forest of Chitwan National Park. This was created as a buffer zone between humans and animals, creating a safe space for both. You’ll enjoy this project if you love the idea of living in a beautiful natural setting, immersed in the rural communities of Nepal.
The aims and impact
The main goal of volunteering with animals in Nepal is to conduct research and collect data. You'll work with greater one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, vultures, and many other species. The data you collect will be compiled into an annual report to aid scientific research.
Second, this project involves hands-on preventative conservation and building tasks. You'll help create an area that meets the needs of wildlife while enhancing the visitor experience. This improves the lives of animals as well as the local community.
Finally, this Conservation Project is designed to raise awareness. We can only protect the environment if enough people understand the value of doing so. Help re-energise local people, encouraging them to take action to protect animals.
Where you'll work
Chitwan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Nepal. It encompasses a range of ecosystems, including grasslands, forests, and rivers. It has a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. You will be based next to the Seti Gandaki River and within the official buffer zone of Chitwan National Park, home to rhinos, tigers, crocodiles, and more. Though the Indian Rhino population in Chitwan is now increasing after continued success, they are still vulnerable. Your work helps protect the species.
What you'll do
Help protect the greater one-horned rhino
Nepal is home to some of the world’s most spectacular wildlife, not least the greater one-horned rhino. With the help of conservation experts, you’ll track these powerful creatures. Help preserve the Community Forest, which creates a safe space for rhinos to roam free.
You’ll collect data that supports the work of environmental scientists in Nepal. The last census reveals that just 694 rhinos remain in Chitwan. Their survival depends on the hard work of volunteers and local community members.
By spotting rhinos, tracking their footprints, and using camera traps, you’ll collect valuable data. This will be compiled into an annual report to be shared with local conservation organisations.
Conduct butterfly and bird surveys
Chitwan is a hotspot of biodiversity, meaning there’s a variety of wildlife to protect. In Nepal, you’ll discover the interconnectedness of all life, from the delicate butterfly to the mighty rhino.
By conducting butterfly and bird surveys, you’ll help monitor their populations. Learn to identify incredible birds that you may not have seen before. Marvel at the vibrant beauty of the great hornbill, enjoy the charisma of the lesser adjutant, and feel the power of the mighty vulture.
Contribute to Bengal tiger conservation work
The Bengal tiger: perhaps Nepal’s most mysterious and beloved animal. One of the world’s largest cats, it's a powerful symbol across the world. As an apex predator, its existence is crucial to the balance of the ecosystem.
With just 128 remaining in Chitwan National Park, you won’t spot any tigers in the flesh - nor should you want to! Instead, you’ll help maintain the buffer zone that protects tigers from unwanted human activity.
Although you won’t meet a tiger, your work will help ensure their protection. You’ll blaze a trail as you become among the first to place camera traps in Chitwan National Park. These will allow you to track tiger populations and study their behaviour.
Preserve the natural environment
You’ll be based at Chitwan’s Community Forest. This is a special area, designed for the benefit of both animals and humans. It acts as a buffer zone between the National Park and the surrounding villages. This means that animals remain undisturbed and humans have controlled access to local wildlife.
Maintaining the Community Forest means improving conditions for local people while protecting animals. Expect to engage in practical maintenance tasks, including:
- Controlling erosion
- Removing alien plants
- Clearing roads
- Creating educational signs
- Building viewing hides
- Renovating the visitor centre
- Joining local residents on anti-poaching patrols
We believe that protecting animals should benefit residents in rural areas. By preserving the habitat of vulnerable animals, you’re also improving the local community.
Develop wildlife education programmes
You’ll become part of a long-term strategy to protect the planet’s biodiversity. Help leave a lasting impact by raising awareness of environmental issues. Be part of leading a cultural shift towards a state of harmony between humans and animals in Nepal.
Help local children become passionate about wildlife protection. You can achieve this by:
- Creating a Nature Conservation syllabus for all schools
- Giving a presentation on wildlife protection
- Inventing conservation-focused games
- Leading classes on painting local wildlife
- Field trips into the Community Forest
- Inspire the next generation to continue the good work that you’ll complete while in Nepal.
