Hello All!
My name is Erin and I am a rising junior majoring Animal Science and Biology. I am so excited for this trip but I still have so much to do! Living out in the bush for a month and getting PADI certified requires a lot of materials to pack! Plus being advised not to bring suitcases makes it even more difficult. Hopefully TSA won't worry about the massive body bag duffel bags I'll be flying with!
While in South Africa I will be learning about the ecology of the preserve along with the behavior of the animals in the reserve, primarily the Big 5 (lions, rhinos, buffalo, elephants, and leopards). I've been told that our base camp is right on the edge of a river that groups of elephants frequently visit, so I look forward to getting up close and personal with them!
The goal of the research expedition I am taking part in is to better understand the migration patterns of elephants and how their ecological impact influences the communities and villages in surrounding areas. The information we gather and tabulate will be taken to the local government to try to create and more habitual environment for both the elephants and humans.
I am hoping that this experience will give me a better understanding of large real world research projects and allow me to figure out if it is a path I want to pursue as a career.
I'm interested to see how I'll fair with no reception and no wifi to stay connected to the outside world. I'm sure it will be a humbling and relaxing experience.
Thus all of my posts regarding my trip will be posted upon my return in late August. You can read about my adventures while you procrastinate on getting ready to go back to school!
- Erin
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