GapGuru introduces Tiger conservation project
The beautiful big cat is on the verge of extinction with latest estimates showing that the Tiger numbers in India have reached an all time low with less than 1,400 remaining in India. GapGuru is working with a local conservation society to introduce a new Tiger and Wildlife Conservation project where you will have the opportunity to work alongside forest rangers to track the Tiger through the jungle and help in the conservation activities to preserve this majestic king of the jungle - the Royal Bengal Tiger!
Tigers worldwide are facing major population losses & extinction. They are killed for sport, skins & body parts and their habitat is continuously being encroached by humans. The 1950s saw extinction of the Caspian tiger. The Bali and Java tiger are also extinct. The last Bali tiger was killed in 1937; the last Javan tiger was seen in 1972. The South China tiger (20-30 are remaining), is nearly extinct in the wild. India today has the largest number of tigers, the Royal Bengal, with just between 1,300 to 1,400 remaining.
Working directly with the Chief Ranger and his forest guards you will be patrolling dense deciduous forest looking for signs of Tiger, Elephant, Sloth Bear and Wild Boar. There are around 10 Tigers in the forest where you will be working and the guards have assessed each territory of the male cats and monitor them on a daily basis to ensure they are still around. Other tasks include counting prey animals such as deer and monkey in defined research areas and monitoring water hole visitations.
While on the project your stay will be in an eco camp located on the banks of a beautiful lake in the midst of very rural Indian countryside. There are 6 static tents with thatched roofing that sleep 3 people each, there is also a table and chairs in each tent and a balcony and chairs in front of the tent. The camp has no electricity as it strives to be as close to nature as possible but paraffin lamps are used at night. There are good standard western style toilets and hot water is provided if needed for washing.
Programmes will be for 2 weeks onwards, with several departures through the year with the first group is scheduled for January 2008. There is only place for a maximum of 15 people on each programme. The 2 week programme, which includes 13 nights in the forest with all meals taken care of and 2 nights in Bangalore on a bed and breakfast basis, is currently being offered at an introductory price of £890. This is a limited period offer and also includes daily transport to and from the camp site to the conservation area in the forest.
GapGuru is a specialist company that organises work and volunteering projects exclusively in India for individuals taking a gap year or career break. They currently offer 30 projects providing opportunities for teaching, community development, working in a hospital or in a business and conservation. GapGuru excel in identifying worthwhile projects and in matching individuals to the placements where they can truly add value to the cause they support and to themselves.
For Further details about GapGuru and their programme, visit the website Gapguru.com.
