Class of 2023 with Black Mambas APU after snare sweeping
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Kaci Stokes , Natural Resources and Environmental Management major, 2023.
The three weeks I spent in South Africa with my fellow classmates and newly made friends at the bush camp was surreal. We were so lucky to have seen all of the Big 5, snare sweep with the Black Mambas, and even interact with the kids at the Bush Babies camp. Living in the bush was - to my surprise - comfortable. I fell into the daily rhythm of watching the silhouettes of trees turn into a shimmering gold in the sun's rising rays, hearing elephants break branches in the distance, watching the sun set in its blazing red flame, and cutting firewood as the stars fell all around us and painted pictures in the night sky. I met people from so many places around the world, and in such a short amount of time we grew so close. It made saying goodbye hard, but I am grateful for the connections and experiences. Going into this program, I knew I wanted to pursue conservation, but I only knew of problems specific to Hawaiʻi. This study abroad exposed me to conservation issues, strategies, and management related to a completely different biome, community, and species than I was familiar with. However, throughout discussions with the staff from Transfrontier Africa, I began to see that the problems I always thought of as confined to small areas are not always the case. The problem with poaching for rhino horns, for instance, comes from the demand market in another part of the world. A shift in people's consumer behavior is necessary, but that takes time - which seems to hardly be in our favor. Yet, something has to be done. That something is exactly what those at the bush camp were doing, and despite a situation that seemed hopeless at times, there has been significant and impressive progress in their program to protect rhinos. These people I was so lucky to call my friends at the end of the three weeks are making real differences in our world. This experience not only grew my knowledge of conservation in another location, but also grew the limits of my perceived capabilities. I would encourage anyone interested in conservation to apply for this meaningful and exciting program! |
Snoozing hyena
Chynna Chun, Tropical Agriculture and Environment major, CTAHR (2022)
Throughout my college journey, I always entertained the thought of studying abroad to experience different conservation projects around the world, but never thought it was possible until I met Dr. Mark Wright and his lab. Working with Transfrontier Africa at the Balule Nature Reserve in South Africa was a life changing experience to do hands-on African conservation and ecology work such as alien vegetation management on sweet prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica). I learned how prickly pear devastated the natural environments and landscapes of South Africa due to its high seed and cladode dispersal. It was also fascinating to learn about South Africa’s success story using two biological control agents to target O. ficus-indica and how effective and precise this control method can be, despite public misconceptions - a problem we also face in Hawai‘i biological control. Further, it was humbling and enlightening to draw parallels between South Africa and Hawaiʻi as both nations are heavily impacted by socio-economic imbalances, colonization, invasive species, land ownership issues, water conservation and usage, etc. This study abroad experience truly galvanized one of my passions in conservation and made me more appreciative of those on the front lines who dedicate their lives in preserving native wildlife and biodiversity in the most remote areas. ʻAʻohe pau ka ʻike i ka hālau hoʻokahi #203 (All knowledge is not taught in the same school. One can learn from many sources). For prospective students looking to do a study abroad experience in South Africa, I find this ōlelo noʻeau or Hawaiian proverb to be most fitting because it shows that every opportunity is a learning experience. Sometimes the best places to learn are not confined to a four walled classroom and paper textbooks. Immersing yourself in a different environment and culture can be one of the most life changing and liberating learning experiences you may ever come across. Don’t be afraid to travel outside of your comfort zone because you never know what you’ll learn! |
Laura Doucette, Natural Resources and Environmental Management major, CTAHR (2021)
It's difficult to describe how incredible the experiences during study abroad in South Africa were. There were many favorite encounters and points of interest during the program and adventures in-between. From hands-on fieldwork of being involved in a wildlife darting/tracking collar project; predator-prey research; controlled burns of invasive species; weekend excursions; and doing full-moon night patrols with an all-female anti-poaching unit; this program opened my eyes to the extraordinary diversity of careers in conservation and ecology.
Bush camp is a beautiful, open setting in the greater Kruger Park reserve. Looking out from the new deck, over the expansive reserve where zebra, giraffe, lions, wild dogs, and all kinds of African wildlife are free to roam, the sunrise and sunset blew my mind every day. The rush of the potential to see a leopard, herd of impala, or elephants running across your path in camp or around the next corner of the bumpy, dusty, dirt road, is unlike any other.
The people you meet at bush camp and beyond are warm, funny, and welcoming. From the reserve warden and doctorate researchers to land managers, staff, veterinarians, and assistants, all sharing and passing along their knowledge, it was one of the most valuable experiences I’ve had in my entire education. The opportunity to work with and learn from people with vastly different backgrounds and skillsets, listening to their stories and wisdom is something I’ll never forget. Walking through the bush, sitting fireside together, sharing meals, exploring South Africa, and laughing until it hurts…frankly, I had some of the most amazing adventures of my life with my fellow UH colleagues and all the people we met.
I’ve known I wanted to live in Africa, working in wildlife research and conservation, combining science with my love for photography for as long as I can remember. Yet, this study abroad experience, creating connections, and seeing people who are doing the same things I’ve dreamed about, have solidified that my dreams and goals can be a reality. Not only did I learn a great deal about methods, systems, regulations, and logistics of wildlife and conservation fieldwork, I learned an incredible amount about myself and my career direction.
It's difficult to describe how incredible the experiences during study abroad in South Africa were. There were many favorite encounters and points of interest during the program and adventures in-between. From hands-on fieldwork of being involved in a wildlife darting/tracking collar project; predator-prey research; controlled burns of invasive species; weekend excursions; and doing full-moon night patrols with an all-female anti-poaching unit; this program opened my eyes to the extraordinary diversity of careers in conservation and ecology.
Bush camp is a beautiful, open setting in the greater Kruger Park reserve. Looking out from the new deck, over the expansive reserve where zebra, giraffe, lions, wild dogs, and all kinds of African wildlife are free to roam, the sunrise and sunset blew my mind every day. The rush of the potential to see a leopard, herd of impala, or elephants running across your path in camp or around the next corner of the bumpy, dusty, dirt road, is unlike any other.
The people you meet at bush camp and beyond are warm, funny, and welcoming. From the reserve warden and doctorate researchers to land managers, staff, veterinarians, and assistants, all sharing and passing along their knowledge, it was one of the most valuable experiences I’ve had in my entire education. The opportunity to work with and learn from people with vastly different backgrounds and skillsets, listening to their stories and wisdom is something I’ll never forget. Walking through the bush, sitting fireside together, sharing meals, exploring South Africa, and laughing until it hurts…frankly, I had some of the most amazing adventures of my life with my fellow UH colleagues and all the people we met.
I’ve known I wanted to live in Africa, working in wildlife research and conservation, combining science with my love for photography for as long as I can remember. Yet, this study abroad experience, creating connections, and seeing people who are doing the same things I’ve dreamed about, have solidified that my dreams and goals can be a reality. Not only did I learn a great deal about methods, systems, regulations, and logistics of wildlife and conservation fieldwork, I learned an incredible amount about myself and my career direction.
Christian Rice, Natural Resources and Environmental management major, CTAHR (2021)
Though not entirely over, my time in South Africa has been a very enriching experience for me, on a number of levels. In my career goals for research and field-study, this course allowed me to implement my ideas and take a stab at investigating the relationship(s) between microbial ecology and vegetation succession in savannah ecosystems. This has been a validating and learning experience, which is helping me to gain realism in methodological planning. This was part of a suite of experiences, and just so happens to be at the core of my experience.
Other takeaways from this course are the hands-on and up-close encounters with mammals and other wildlife. We were able to participate in the capture and release of an impala, the identification of predator scat and quantification of their prey items, snare dismantling, anti-poaching protocols and patrols, as well as community outreach with community youths living in tribally managed lands - building gardenbeds in the schoolyard and taking the children to the river to conduct macroinertebrate sampling assays of water quality.
This course is a well rounded and intensive introduction to African wildlife ecology, and is suitable to all students interested in working with ecological management, as it shows firsthand what many practical methods look and feel like, and also introduces students to the history of wildlife management and the many ways that management has improved over decades passed. It is an opportunity to experience megafauna for the first time, and a privilege to spend 3 weeks in the life of a park ranger out in the African Bush.
Though not entirely over, my time in South Africa has been a very enriching experience for me, on a number of levels. In my career goals for research and field-study, this course allowed me to implement my ideas and take a stab at investigating the relationship(s) between microbial ecology and vegetation succession in savannah ecosystems. This has been a validating and learning experience, which is helping me to gain realism in methodological planning. This was part of a suite of experiences, and just so happens to be at the core of my experience.
Other takeaways from this course are the hands-on and up-close encounters with mammals and other wildlife. We were able to participate in the capture and release of an impala, the identification of predator scat and quantification of their prey items, snare dismantling, anti-poaching protocols and patrols, as well as community outreach with community youths living in tribally managed lands - building gardenbeds in the schoolyard and taking the children to the river to conduct macroinertebrate sampling assays of water quality.
This course is a well rounded and intensive introduction to African wildlife ecology, and is suitable to all students interested in working with ecological management, as it shows firsthand what many practical methods look and feel like, and also introduces students to the history of wildlife management and the many ways that management has improved over decades passed. It is an opportunity to experience megafauna for the first time, and a privilege to spend 3 weeks in the life of a park ranger out in the African Bush.
Haley Lambert, Animal Science Major, CTAHR (2021)
Growing up I always watched nature documentaries and read as many books on wildlife as I could. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that I would get to live and work alongside such natural beauty. The bush shocked me and took me by surprise, I wasn't expecting to fall in love so quickly and so hard. This experience was one that changed my perspective and shifted my career. I've wanted to be a large animal veterinarian since I was a girl, but now I know that what I am meant to do is work with the absolute largest creatures that walk the Earth. I've been humbled, scared, inquisitive, cautious, and so eager to learn everyday on this trip. I can not wait to come back and make a difference the way the inspiring staff has. Thank you Mark, CTAHR, Study Abroad, and Transfrontier Africa for allowing us to experience something so incredible.
Growing up I always watched nature documentaries and read as many books on wildlife as I could. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that I would get to live and work alongside such natural beauty. The bush shocked me and took me by surprise, I wasn't expecting to fall in love so quickly and so hard. This experience was one that changed my perspective and shifted my career. I've wanted to be a large animal veterinarian since I was a girl, but now I know that what I am meant to do is work with the absolute largest creatures that walk the Earth. I've been humbled, scared, inquisitive, cautious, and so eager to learn everyday on this trip. I can not wait to come back and make a difference the way the inspiring staff has. Thank you Mark, CTAHR, Study Abroad, and Transfrontier Africa for allowing us to experience something so incredible.
Cody Ching, Animal Sciences major, CTAHR (2019):
Living on a nature reserve in South Africa has been a life changing experience for me. As soon as I got to camp, I instantly felt like the smallest thing on the planet. There was no ocean in the horizon, and the sound of animals were all around me. My favorite experience at camp was when a herd of elephants walked through the first night we were there. The elephants moved through silently and slowly, almost peaceful, yet I could feel their power. I have always been a lover of animals, but this experience has made me feel a newfound respect towards them.
Living on a nature reserve in South Africa has been a life changing experience for me. As soon as I got to camp, I instantly felt like the smallest thing on the planet. There was no ocean in the horizon, and the sound of animals were all around me. My favorite experience at camp was when a herd of elephants walked through the first night we were there. The elephants moved through silently and slowly, almost peaceful, yet I could feel their power. I have always been a lover of animals, but this experience has made me feel a newfound respect towards them.
Logan Taylor Motras, Natural Resources and Environmental Management major, CTAHR (2019):
I had always wanted to study abroad, but didn't think I would do well with a whole semester away from home. So when I heard about a study abroad program that was going to a continent I'd never visited and was only going to be two weeks long, I was sold. My experiences in South Africa are unlike any I've ever had before, and I doubt I would be able to replicate. While we were there we shadowed the internationally recognized "Black Mambas," helped field technicians with research, and helped Dr. Mark Wright with his own research, all while learning about African Conservation Biology. It was interesting to see the differences in species and diversity in a savanna landscape, since I've only ever done environmental work in the tropics.
My favorite part about this trip was that our camp wasn't in a fenced enclosure, so we'd run into elephants, hyenas, impalas, and zebras almost everyday. We also got to see buffalo, giraffes, and even drive alongside a leopard. Ending all of our workdays around the campfire to cook dinner and talk story allowed me to build relationships with other students and the people who ran the camp. I now have people I'm lucky enough to call friends living in another continent!
I had always wanted to study abroad, but didn't think I would do well with a whole semester away from home. So when I heard about a study abroad program that was going to a continent I'd never visited and was only going to be two weeks long, I was sold. My experiences in South Africa are unlike any I've ever had before, and I doubt I would be able to replicate. While we were there we shadowed the internationally recognized "Black Mambas," helped field technicians with research, and helped Dr. Mark Wright with his own research, all while learning about African Conservation Biology. It was interesting to see the differences in species and diversity in a savanna landscape, since I've only ever done environmental work in the tropics.
My favorite part about this trip was that our camp wasn't in a fenced enclosure, so we'd run into elephants, hyenas, impalas, and zebras almost everyday. We also got to see buffalo, giraffes, and even drive alongside a leopard. Ending all of our workdays around the campfire to cook dinner and talk story allowed me to build relationships with other students and the people who ran the camp. I now have people I'm lucky enough to call friends living in another continent!
Reflections from previous students (2017)