Conservation in South Africa 2010

Biology Conservation Expedition to South Africa: 28 July – 15 August 2010

This conservation expedition to South Africa is being organised with Operation Wallacea, one of the largest biodiversity research organisations on the world. We have had two highly successful expeditions in the past to the rainforests of Honduras and the bush of Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa.

The group going to South Africa this year will consist of four members of staff and 14 pupils from 6.1 and 6.2.

The expedition starts in Kwazulu-Natal at the Intibane and Thanda reserves. The first few days will be spent completing a bush training course followed by field work which will contribute towards various research projects such as elephant and hyena behaviour in Pongolo reserve and observing the effects of removing fences between two reserves one of which had the 'big 5'. The effect on these animals needs to be known as the fences between Kruger National Park and Mozambique are due to be removed over the next few years, with a mass influx of large animals into new areas. We are expected to walk for at least five hours each day.

In the second week the group will move to South Western Kruger National Park (the Park is the size of Israel) to an area reserved for on-foot research. Here we will be helping to gather data on the effect of big grazers (like elephants) on the biodiversity of the area. We will also observe a number of other research projects. This is a unique opportunity as we are the only non-South African research groups allowed to work and walk in the Park (with armed guards of course!).

A number of the group will also be involved in a scheme in which they can gain 70 UCAS points (an A grade at AS level) by observing and reporting on scientific work in the field. They have to write up and deliver a presentation to the University researchers while in South Africa. The CoPE (Certificate of Personal Effectiveness) scheme starts now at King's by them organising and showing an effective business plan for raising money for the expedition: we hope to raise £5000 towards this important academic expedition.

The cost of the trip is £700 for the flights and £975 for the expedition while in South Africa.

 

Dr RCH Poland OA
Head of Science

19.11.09