Two Prezewalskis interacting with each other in the wild

Volunteer Abroad France: Przewalski Horse Conservation

France 2 to 4 weeks From 2,350 €

Standing on the vast plains of the Causse Méjean, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder as you watch a herd of wild Przewalski horses gallop across the horizon. The rugged terrain and rolling hills add to the breathtaking scenery surrounding you. Are you ready to join a team of biologists and educators to support species conservation abroad? Whether you choose a 2- or 4-week stay, our small and intimate group setting allows for personal interaction with your instructor as you embark on a journey of conservation volunteering and learning. With each start date having its own unique focus, you’ll delve into topics such as species monitoring, data collection, the creation of educational tools, biodiversity studies, as well as health and behavioural monitoring of the wild horses, all while immersed in the beauty of nature. Are you ready for the adventure? Book your place now and get ready to discover the wild heart of France!

Your trip at a glance

Highlights

Observe the rare and majestic Przewalski horses in their natural living conditions on France’s Causse Méjean high plateau
Contribute to scientific research aiding the preservation of an endangered species
Learn all about the fascinating Przewalski horses under the guidance of experienced conservationists, scientists, and biologists
Gain a wide range of new skills, including wildlife observation and identification, photo trap survey techniques, and data analysis
Develop teamwork and problem-solving techniques as you work closely with your fellow volunteers and instructors
Make meaningful connections with people who share your passion for conservation
Experience a new culture and the natural beauty of the French high plains in a way that is not accessible to most tourists
For amateur or professional photographers: Use your wildlife photography skills to make a positive impact by taking photos for a good cause

Locations

Causse Méjean

A Przewalski herd in a white snowy landscape

A wild bird sits on a post surrounded by the open expanse of the plateau

A single, wild Prezewalski horse looks into the distance in France

The Mongolian yurt, which serves as a summer shop, under construction

The summer shop of the Prezewalki Horse Protection Organisation, for example, sells stuffed animals such as camels, handmade mobiles and traditional clothing.

A small group of four Prezewalski's horses stands close together on the grassed area

Several European badgers were spotted in the wild and captured by a camera trap

An exhibition stand of the research project

A bird of prey recorded via a camera trap

Conservation Volunteering in France

This volunteer programme offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the conservation of Przewalski horses while learning about biodiversity and ecology in the beautiful and remote region of Causse Méjean.

Two Prezewalski horses stand close together. The one in front is looking at the viewer while the other is grazing.

Arrival and orientation in France

Upon arrival, you will be picked up from either Montpellier-Méditerranée or Nîmes-Alès-Camargue-Cévennes airport, or the Montpellier Saint-Roch or Nîmes train station. A project representative will welcome you and drive you to your accommodations. The following day, you will head over to the conservation site, where you will be provided with a comprehensive orientation, including an introduction to the project, its goals, and methodologies, as well as an overview of the local area.

Volunteer activities in Przewalski horse conservation

Volunteer activities revolve around different themes throughout the year. In June, volunteers will work in conjunction with biologists and naturalists from the bordering Cevennes National Park to locate and observe species unique to the region. In July, the programme focuses on horse behaviour under the guidance of a renowned French ethologist. You will create educational tools and presentations about the Przewalski horse to be used in schools based on what you have learned. September’s programme is all about species-related scientific research, data analysis, and dissemination. In October, volunteers will work primarily with camera traps and data sorting. Regardless of the month, all volunteers will have the chance to observe the Przewalski horses in the wild and experience the local culture through organized activities.

A Prezewalski foal stands close to the mother-mare in a flower meadow

Accommodation in the Causse Méjean

Volunteers are provided basic accommodation in rented apartments with single and/or double rooms. While food is provided, volunteers are expected to prepare their own meals in a communal kitchen. Lunch is served at the conservation site on weekdays. Please note that you will live and work in a remote area without any means of transportation. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in unspoiled nature and breathtaking scenery.

An aerial view of the open expanse of the limestone plateau at Causse Méjean in the south of France under a blue sky.

Leisure time as a volunteer

During your stay, weekends are free to relax or explore the surrounding area. Optional excursions are available on Saturdays for an added fee. One such excursion is the Five Senses Walk, which engages all your senses as you see, hear, touch, taste, smell, feel, discover, and experience the beautiful countryside. Sundays are completely free and can be used to enjoy one of the many hiking trails in the Causse Méjean region.

Arrival

How to get to the Causse Méjean

If you wish to travel by air, there are two nearby airports: Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport and Nîmes-Alès-Camargue-Cévennes Airport.

Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport is a medium-sized airport located in the south of France. It is well connected to other major international airports, such as Paris Charles de Gaulle and London Heathrow, with frequent direct flights (often with budget-friendly airlines).

Nîmes-Alès-Camargue-Cévennes airport is a smaller airport in the south of France with fewer direct flights than Montpellier. However, it is still well connected.

Travelling by train is also an option. If you come from outside France, you can take a high-speed train or a night train to Montpellier or Nîmes. Both Montpellier Saint-Roch and Nîmes stations are well connected to major European cities. For example, you can take a direct high-speed train from Paris, Lyon, or Marseille or a night train from cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, Milan, or Zurich.

At each arrival point (Montpellier-Méditerranée airport, Nîmes-Alès-Camargue-Cévennes airport, Montpellier Saint-Roch station, or Nîmes station), you will be met by a staff member and taken to your accommodation, where you can settle in and meet the other participants. It takes approximately 2.5 hours to drive from the airport or train station to the accommodation.
Orientation

Getting to know the Przewalski horse conservation project

On the first full day of the programme, participants will meet the team and visit the charming hamlet of Villaret. In Villaret, there are two offices: that of our partner and that of the National Park of the Cevennes. During this visit, participants will get to know the team, the site, and the project.

After the visit, participants will get started right away with conservation work once they are back on site. Activities may include heading out into the field to monitor the behaviour and health of the horses, working with naturalists in species identification, or data collection and analysis.
Project

Practical field work alongside passionate biologists and researchers

At the project, you will be shadowing the conservation team and have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about the day-to-day running of the project. High value is placed on the volunteer and team’s goals and accomplishments, and at the end of each week, you will reflect on what you have done and learned so far. Your programmed activities for each week will vary depending on the month that you choose to join the project:

The June programme focuses not only on the Przewalski horses but also on a variety of bird and caterpillar species found on the Causse. You will be working with naturalists from the neighbouring Cévennes National Park to identify and monitor, in particular, two bird species (the iberian grey shrik and the thick stone), as well as the apollo caterpillar. Learn from the team of experts as you help develop and implement a monitoring protocol. Observe individuals of the species close-up by using a camera and binoculars, and help integrate the collected information (photos, maps) into our partner's extensive data base. Another activity is the annual construction of the Mongolian yurt, which marks the beginning of the summer season and will function as a craft store for visitors. To round off this experience, you will take part in a guided tour of the field each week, which is open to the public, and if you would like, take photographs of the horses to be used by the project for communication purposes.

Join us in July to help us develop educational tools to raise awareness of Przewalski conservation. The first few days will be spent looking for horse and wild animal dung to study for pathogens and evaluate the health of the animals. You will also use the dried-out dung to make crafts to be employed as an educational tool in schools as well as to be sold at the shop as a fun souvenir. You will attend a horse behaviour course led by a widely known horse ethologist to learn about the nature of these wild horses. It will also prepare you with the knowledge set to be able to design an educational presentation that will later be translated into French and imparted in local schools to raise awareness.

September’s programme is dedicated to science and its application. In the first half, you will gather data related to the Przewalski horses and explore creative ways to make this information accessible and interactive to a larger public. You will carry out various field surveys to gain insight into the behaviour of the horses. After optional weekend activities, the second half of the programme will continue with field surveys using camera traps and analysing the data collected. You will also spend a day helping with the inventory of the Mongolian yurt to prepare for the closing of the summer shop.

In October, you will study the data that our partner has collected over the years relating to the park’s biodiversity. Working as a team, you will review the extensive collection of 500,000 snaps from the camera traps and explore ways to effectively utilise and transmit this valuable information. You will contribute to discussions regarding the types of data used and why they are essential to communication strategies. Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of biodiversity research and explore the possibilities of using this data for conservation efforts.
Departure

Your last day at the Przewalski horse conservation site

On the last day of the programme, volunteers will reflect on what they have learned and achieved during their stay. In the morning, they will have the chance to review and organise their notes, photos, and other collected materials. After a special final lunch, you will participate in a formal session, during which you will share your experiences and insights with the TAKH horse conservation team. This will include presentations, group discussions, and a Q&A session.

In the afternoon, volunteers will have time to visit the boutique to purchase souvenirs if they would like. Later in the evening, volunteers will be invited to join the local team for dinner. After the celebrations, they will return to their volunteer accommodation for their final night. The next day, after breakfast, you will be driven to the airport or train station for your onward journey.

FAQ – Learn more about this trip

Prior to departure to France

You must be at least 18 years old and have sufficient knowledge of English to both understand the safety instructions and be able to contribute meaningfully to the project and group discussions.

No professional skills are required to join the Przewalski horse conservation project in France. Anyone who loves the outdoors and is interested in conservation is welcome and can get involved. If you want to make a positive impact on the environment and learn about the reintroduction of an endangered species, this project is the right fit for you! A passion for science, data collection, and biodiversity studies is a very welcome asset!

Additionally, our partner is looking for one person with a passion for photography for each start date. They may be asked to take photos and videos of Przewalski horses in their natural habitat, the team at work, the events, or receptions, and the property. If you are interested in taking on this role, please let the Natucate team know. If you have your own professional equipment, you are invited to bring it with you! Otherwise, our partner will provide you with everything you need (e.g., a camera and laptop). The footage would be used for communication purposes, and you will always be credited for your work.
The price includes a range of services both before and during the program. Natucate will take care of your placement in the program and assist you with travel arrangements, such as selecting travel insurance, booking flights, and providing a risk coverage certificate. We will also provide a pre-departure information pack to help you prepare for the program.

You will be picked up at an agreed-upon meeting point (e.g., the airport or train station in Montpellier or Nîmes). On-site, you will be provided with accommodation, all groceries for you to prepare your meals, and a host of educational activities five days per week. The experienced team in France will always be available to provide English-speaking support on the ground. In addition, Natucate provides 24/7 support throughout the programme to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
You must be aware of the latest health advice for France and discuss any concerns with your doctor before joining the programme. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are up-to-date with all necessary vaccinations. You can check the Foreign Office website for reliable health advice.

In general, there are no compulsory vaccinations for entry into France, and no specific medical precautions are required for this programme. However, please inform staff of any allergies, dietary restrictions, or medical conditions requiring attention.

When working with the Przewalski horses and other wildlife, it is crucial to be aware of health regulations to prevent the spread of disease (e.g., no clothes should be worn that have been in contact with domestic horses).

Travel insurance is necessary for this programme, and Natucate will be happy to help you find the right policy.
You should dress comfortably for fieldwork in all weather conditions. We recommend bringing reliable walking shoes, comfortable clothing, a water bottle, a sun hat, and plenty of sunscreen. Please avoid wearing clothing that has been in contact with domestic horses. It’s also important to bring warm layers such as a winter jacket, scarf, and woolen hat, as the nights can be cold in the Causse Méjean. Even in the summer, temperatures can drop to 10 °C at night. It is also a good idea to bring your own sleeping bag, as the accommodation may not provide sheets.

Arrival in France

To get to the Przewalski horse conservation project in France, you will need to organise your travel to the nearest airport or train station in Montpellier or Nîmes. Once there, a staff member will meet you and take you to the reserve in the Causse Méjean. Although you are responsible for arranging your travel to the region, you can relax knowing that someone from the team will welcome you and drive you to the project site.
Upon arrival, you will be picked up from either Montpellier-Méditerranée or Nîmes-Alès-Camargue-Cévennes airport, or the Montpellier Saint-Roch or Nîmes train station. A project representative will welcome you and drive you to your accommodations. The following day, you will head over to the conservation site, where you will be provided with a comprehensive orientation, including an introduction to the project, its goals, and methodologies, as well as an overview of the local area.

During the project in France

During a typical week, you will be busy with planned volunteer activities from 10:00 to 16:00 Monday through Friday, with the weekends free. Occasionally the programme times deviate, e.g., for bird watching. Twice a week, volunteers will go into the field to carry out health monitoring on Przewalski horses and collect photos from camera traps.

The activities and focus of the programme vary depending on the time and length of your stay. For example, in June, the focus is on species identification and monitoring, while in July, volunteers will focus on the social behaviour of horses and the creation of educational materials. In September, the goal is data collection and analysis, while in October, volunteers spend four weeks studying the biodiversity collected by our partner over the years and making that information accessible.

The final days of each stay are the same for all programmes, you will present what you have learned and experienced during your stay, join a big final lunch, and enjoy a farewell dinner with the team.

Life on site in France

The accommodation is rented apartments with single or double rooms and a shared bathroom, located near the Przewaslki horse conservation project on the Causse Méjean.

There is a kitchen for preparing your meals and a common area for socialising and relaxing after a day’s work. Please note that the accommodation is simple but comfortable, surrounded by beautiful nature in a very remote area with no means of public transport.
Yes, maintaining a vegetarian or vegan diet during your stay is absolutely possible. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at both the accommodation and the conservation centre (lunch on weekdays). Our partner is happy to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences as long as they are informed in advance. Please also let your Natucate consultant know if you have any allergies or health issues that we should know about.
During your stay, there will be a clear separation between working hours and leisure time. On weekdays, you will participate in conservation work approximately between 10:00 and 16:00. Please note that some observations or monitoring can be best achieved at sunset (i.e., bird watching). Weekends will be free for you to do as you please. On Saturdays, there are optional excursions offered to you at an extra cost, to discover the heritage and nature of the Causse Méjean. Sundays will be entirely free with no agenda.
During your leisure time, there are several options available to you. On Saturdays, you can participate in optional excursions that our partners offer for an additional fee. These excursions will allow you to discover the heritage and nature of the Causse Méjean. You may visit "Aven Armand", a large cave in the Causse Méjean; an old, restored flour windmill; a traditional working farm; and other beautiful heritage sites. On three of the four start dates, our partner will offer a day trip focusing on sharpening all your senses, such as hearing the water drops in a cave and focusing on the incredible, subtle scents of nature. The cost of this "5 senses visit on the Causse Méjean" is around 100 euros.

Alternatively, if you prefer to stay at the accommodation, you can relax, rest, recharge your batteries, and enjoy the natural surroundings.

On Sundays, you will have free time as no excursions are planned. You can choose to unwind, visit different tourist sites, or go for a walk and discover the nature of the Causse and the Cevennes. Please note that there is no access to any form of public transportation on Sundays.
The Euro is the local currency in France. You can check the exchange rate online or at an exchange office.

The closest ATM is about 30 kilometres from the conservation site, so it is recommended to withdraw money upon arrival at the airport or train station. We recommend that you bring at least 100 euros as spending money.

At the end of your stay, you will be asked to pay a tourist tax at the accommodation. This local tax levied by the city is used to fund local services and amenities. The amount of the tax varies depending on the location and length of stay, but for a two-week stay, you can expect to pay around 20–30 euros. Make sure that you can pay this tax in cash (credit card will not be accepted).

Participation in optional weekend activities organised by our partner will incur additional costs, which should therefore be budgeted for separately.
The best way to keep in touch with friends and family during your stay is to use your mobile phone, although the signal in this area is not particularly strong. If you have an EU provider, you can use your phone anywhere in the EU without incurring extra charges. Please note that mobile internet access is not available everywhere in the Causse Méjean, and some accommodations may not have service at all (neither mobile nor Wi-Fi). As a result, it’s a good idea to let your loved ones know when you’ve arrived safely at the airport or train station and consider using the rest of your stay as an opportunity for a digital detox. In case of an emergency, there is a landline in our partner’s office that you can use.
The climate in the Causses and Cévennes is Mediterranean, and the site is situated at an altitude of 1000 metres, in a hilly area.

The summer months reach temperatures of around 30-35 °C. In midsummer, between July and August, the temperature can peak at 40 °C. Although the days are hot and dry, summer nights are comfortably cool, with temperatures between 10-15 °C.
Light, breathable clothing is recommended for the summer months, but do not forget to bring a jacket or warm sweater for potentially cooler nights. It is also essential to carry a reusable water bottle to fill up during your work days.

There can be significant rainfall in autumn, with some rainy days called “Cevenol episodes”. These episodes usually occur between September and November and can bring large amounts of rain over several days, potentially causing flooding and landslides. It is important to check the weather forecast and dress accordingly, with waterproof clothing and footwear at this time of year.
The consumption of alcohol during working hours is prohibited. However, if you are of legal age, drinking after work or on off days is permitted. That being said, we ask that you drink responsibly and always in moderation. Smoking is permitted in designated areas. Improperly disposing of cigarette butts is extremely dangerous and will not be tolerated.

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1. Causse Méjean

The Causse Méjean is a high limestone plateau in the south of France, in the Lozère region. It is part of the Cévennes National Park and is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity. The plateau is surrounded by steep cliffs and deep gorges, including the Tarn and the Jonte. The landscape is characterised by vast open fields and rocky outcrops, with scattered beech and oak woods, but mostly pine forests. A variety of wildlife can be found in the Causse Méjean, including birds of prey such as vultures, as well as wild boar, deer and other mammals. The area is popular with hikers who come to explore the many paths that wind through the plateau and surrounding valleys.

The Causse Méjean is a high limestone plateau in the south of France, in the Lozère region. It is part of the Cévennes National Park and is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity. The plateau is surrounded by steep cliffs and deep gorges, including the Tarn and the Jonte. The landscape is characterised by vast open fields and rocky outcrops, with scattered beech and oak woods, but mostly pine forests. A variety of wildlife can be found in the Causse Méjean, including birds of prey such as vultures, as well as wild boar, deer and other mammals. The area is popular with hikers who come to explore the many paths that wind through the plateau and surrounding valleys.

Background of the TAKH Przewalski horse conservation project in France

The Przewalski horse is the last truly wild horse species, once running freely in incredible numbers across the grasslands of central Asia. However, their population declined immensely in the last century due to habitat loss, hunting, and competition with domestic livestock. By the mid-1900s, Przewalski horses were extinct in the wild, and the remaining few were only to be found in captivity in zoos around the world.

Our French partner organisation, TAKH (which means "wild horse" and "spirit" in Mongolian), was created in 1990 under the initiative of biologist Claudia Feh and further supported by passionate conservationists. In 1993, the first 11 Przewalski horses arrived on the Causse Méjean. The Causse Méjean was initially selected as an acclimatisation platform that offers Przewalski horses the most natural living conditions possible and helps them rediscover a natural social behaviour that had been lost in a captive setting.

A significant milestone in the contribution to the conservation of Przewalski horses was reached in 2004 when TAKH released the first group of captive-bred Przewalski horses from a breeding centre in the French town of Le Villaret into Mongolia. A second group followed in 2005. In total, 22 individuals were reintroduced in Mongolia at Khomyn Tal, which was declared a national park in 2020. Our partners have played an integral role in the triumphant return of the Przewalski to the wild and its native land in Central Asia, under the protection of the state.

The non-profit organisation has been successful in other translocations of the Przewalski horse, notably in France and Russia. Furthermore, our partner works on scientific research, education, and public awareness campaigns to promote the conservation of this endangered species.

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