Academic News

It is over one week since students arrived in Kenya. Judging from student comments, the first week has been very satisfying.  We introduced the case study with elaboration of conservation issues in the Tsavo – Amboseli ecosystem and demonstrated how the five year research plan has been designed to address these conservation issues. We put up a slide show that pictorially displayed major threats to wildlife and environment in the region in which we are operating.

Students have had a lecture which examined the status of biodiversity in Kenya, conservation challenges and strategies that have been put in place in order to promote holistic biodiversity conservation. During this first week, we went on a traveling lecture which explored linkages between various land tenure systems of the region and their implications to natural resources conservation, environment and land use practices, including the underlying influencing factors. This lecture was conducted from a hilltop where the students could see a large portion of the Tsavo – Amboseli ecosystem and the resources found in it including wetlands, cultivation, wildlife and livestock. On their way to Olosoito Hill where the lecture was given, students saw giraffes, lion prints, zebra, dik dik's and wildebeest. For some of the students, this was the first time they had ever seen these animals.

On Wednesday students took their first trip to Amboseli National Park which is famous for its elephants that have long been studied by scientists such as Cynthia Moss and Joyce Poole; and famous for its large mammal concentrations with the imposing Mt. Kilimanjaro in the background. Before proceeding to the park, students received a comprehensive lecture on various animal counting techniques. During this visit, students conducted a field exercise involving identifying animals and observing their field social organization, grouping patterns, hierarchical systems and differences among sexes.  Since this was their first national park visit, they remained in awe of the high concentration of wildebeests, zebra, buffalo, Grants and Thomson's gazelles and above all, elephants.  They thought it was so unreal to have such a high density and diversity of large mammals ranging freely in their natural environment.  Although carnivores were not seen frequently, black backed jackal and hyenas were seen and students are hopeful that during the remaining three trips to the park they will see more carnivores.  They classified the day as awesome!  Dr. Simon K. ole Seno, Center Director

Student Reflections

Life at SFS-Kenya has taught me how to appreciate and embrace simplicity. This past week has been filled with new friends, laughter, exploring, letters from those I find comfort in, learning a new language and using it, nourishing meals, sunsets over Kilimanjaro, a feeling of belonging and of course, the breathtaking sights of large African animals. Visiting a Maasai Boma was one of the most humbling events thus far. Although we had a language barrier, the Maasai people educated me about how uncomplicated life can be through their actions and way of living. I am creating an irreplaceable and truly amazing piece of my life I would never take back; there is no price to match this.  Ashley Bennett, Elon University

We've only been here for a week, but it feels like so much longer.  Our camp is full of laughter, volleyball tournaments, big bugs and hungry students!  Somehow we can never eat enough.  It's nice to feel like we're becoming this family, that we will spend the next 13 weeks with each other and get to know each other so well.  It's so different than most of us are used to, yet it's starting to feel so real and extraordinary.  Bring it on, Kenya.  Amy Cahill, Denison University

On our fourth day here we had class on Olosoito Hill. In order to get to our desired site, we had a difficult ten minute climb, but the view from the top made everything worth it! We all took in the breathtaking scenery for a few minutes and then we sat down for a class on Environmental Policy and Socioeconomic Values. It was helpful having our classroom in a place that helped us to visualize exactly what we were being taught. We all love it here and we can't wait for our next field experience!  Sarah Jenkins, University of Redlands

MEET THE STUDENTS!

SFS is happy to announce that Student Affairs Manager E. Ross Colgate gave birth to a 9.7 lb. baby boy, Soitmatua Alexander ole Musa, on Christmas day.  Congratulations!

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