About Us

The Udzungwa Mountains National Park (UMNP) has a high level of species endemism and richness and is therefore recognized as a crucial site for conservation in East Africa. However, one of the most important issues in conserving the UMNP is maintaining its connectivity with other protected areas as it is central to the network of protected areas in southern Tanzania, which include the Selous Game Reserve (SGR). Between the UNMP and the SGR is the Kilombero Valley.

The Kilombero Valley, which covers an area of 6,650 km², consists of a seasonally inundated floodplain fringed by miombo woodland and fragments of Eastern Arc evergreen forest. It is of considerable biological interest in its own right; it was designated as a Ramsar site in 2002 in recognition of its internationally important wetland habitats, and is recognized by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area (IBA). The valley is home to sizable populations of large mammals and much of the inner area of the valley is designated as a Game Control Area.

Kilombero Valley Ornithological Center (K.V.O.C) is a Non-Profit Conservation Organization works together with local community for Sustainable Biodiversity Action in order to preserve and protect the endemic, threatened and near threatened bird species and natural features of the Kilombero Valley for the benefit of the public including future generations. 

Please also visit http://kilomberoornithology.wix.com/kvoc2#!about_us/c14e3

Currently Project

Encouraging local community participation and engagement in the protection of endemic threatened and near threatened species in Kilombero valley.


The Kilombero Valley in south-eastern Tanzania has seen a recent increase in the rate of development owing mainly to a rapid population expansion. This has led to a number of threats to the wildlife of the area, including endemic Kilombero weaver (Ploceus burnieri) bird species and mammals, such as the endemic Puku antelope (Kobus vardonii), and localized populations of the endemic Udzungwa Red Colobus (Procolobus gordonorum) , predominately through habitat loss and the depletion of natural resources, In the past the area has been an important corridor for elephants between the Selous Game Reserve (SGR) and the Udzungwa Mountains National Park (UMNP), and continues to hold some elephant populations.   

       

Through an increase in commercial and subsistence farming, illegal tree cutting and overfishing there has been a significant loss of reeds and tall trees and grasses in the area leaving many dependent species vulnerable. It is identified that these main issues stem from a lack of conservation education as well as a conflict between protecting natural areas and the resource requirements of the growing local population, such as the need for firewood and grasses for thatched housing.

                

This project aims to increase conservation awareness and engage local communities in discussions regarding the protection of wildlife, and particularly endangered species in the area. We hope that through visits to schools and village meetings to improve conservation education we are able to boost the understanding of the key issues affecting local wildlife and natural areas as well as developing potential small scale management strategies, shown to be effective in rural communities’ previously. With this area currently having very little active conservation activities we believe that this work will be extremely important in slowing the current rates of habitat destruction and resource exhaustion.

In the long term we aim to increase the standing of the Kilombero Valley Ornithological Center in the area with the purpose of having a sustainable and lasting impact on local attitudes towards the environment and conservation in the area, along with the protection of endemic, threatened and near-threatened species of the valley.

Please also visit:  http://kilomberoornithology.wix.com/kvoc2#!project/c10d6

Volunteer Oppoturnities

               

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERING.

 

Volunteer Opportunity description
Due to human encroachment and illegal practices such as poaching, habitats and wildlife in Kilombero Valley are under serious threat. Wildlife conservation programmes are vitally important in the effort to keep species and habitats protected and healthy. Volunteers are key in this effort, and can help enormously by mapping habitats and working with local communities to ensure conservation efforts are put in place.

By producing baseline data and monitoring the changes in biodiversity in different areas of the world, volunteers have the opportunity to contribute to the protection of threatened ecosystems, and will have the privilege of observing wildlife in its natural habitat. This vital work can help shape environmental politics, educate local communities and have a real positive impact on conservation globally.

Duties of Volunteers

(1)Assist the research officer with the development and implementation of the research programme
(2)Volunteers are responsible for collecting and documenting data about local animals and their environments
(3)Surveying different animal populations and recording human/animal interactions.
(4)Work with local teams to patrol different areas and animal tracking.
 

Project Highlights

• Gain skills and knowledge required for a sure start in a conservation career

• Help to monitor & conserve rare African wildlife

•  Work closely with local villagers

• Make lifelong friends

 

Location
Kilombero Valley, Southeastern Tanzania

Accommodation

Communal camp

Cost
Prices from US$1500
Country: Tanzania
Activity: Wildlife Volunteering
Duration: 3 months

These costs will cover services like;-
Camp accommodation
Three meals per day provided on project site, 7 days per week
Airport pickup
First night hostel accommodation
Internal ground transfer to project camp
Local orientation
Project training
Project equipment& materials
In-country emergency support 24 hrs
one trip to National Park.(Udzungwa/ Mikumi National Park, Tanzania)
Kilombero Valley Ornithological Center t-shirt.

How to apply
All application must be sent via e-mail address to: kilomberov.ornithologicalcenter@yahoo.com

Location
P.O.BOX 258, Ifakara, Morogoro, TZA, Tanzania
This volunteer opportunity can be performed from a remote location.
 

Skills needed

• Graduate in an environmental or biological science discipline.

• Excellent written/oral communication and presentation skills.

Appropriate for
Groups
Families
 

Extra details
Training provided
 

International volunteer options
International volunteers welcome
Housing available
Language/cultural support available
 

Owner's areas of focus
Environment , Environmental Conservation , Research , Education.
 

Start and end dates   

Volunteer opportunity is open throughout the Year.

 

 

 

Please for teacher volunteering and more also visit: http://kilomberoornithology.wix.com/kvoc2#!volunteer-opportunity/cf6u