Safari of the week

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Wildlife & Conservation Volunteering

Bradt Publishing

The complete guide - Published by Bradt - Written by Peter Lynch

Conservation was invented sometime in the last 50-60 years, but in the last decade or so has become a driving force behind much of what happens in the world, though still not nearly enough. At the same time, eco volunteering, or voluntourism, has taken off in a big way. No longer is it just a matter of repairing a few stone walls in Derbyshire or counting ducks for the RSPB (Or England cricket team); and no longer is it the preserve of the bearded open toed sandal type. In fact the main market is sending our dearly beloved teenagers off into the world as a final thrill before the alleged grind of university, and it has become an important way of funding great swathes of conservation around the world; Come and stay with us and help us dart some rhinos, and pay us for the privilege; Help us set up our eco camp in the jungle, and we'll charge you a few quid for board and lodgings.

But how do you chose which project to go for? Or, even more importantly, how do you know that the 'elephant faeces sampling' in Sri Lanka or the 'snake weighing project' in Guyana are bona fide, well run, worthwhile and safe pastimes for young Johnty & Jemima to undertake?

The answer, or the first part of it anyway, is this book. Do J & J want to go to a specific part of the world, or do they just want to weigh snakes, regardless of where it happens? Maybe they don't care what they do, or where they do it, as long is it only costs less than £10 per day (always check what is and isn't included, hidden extras can catch the unwary unawares.).