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Academic News

The highlights of the last two weeks have been an expedition to the world famous Tsavo West National Park. Prior to leaving for Tsavo, faculty took the students through the expected academic activities and made a comprehensive overview on the ecological characteristics of Tsavo National Park, and its influence on the ecology and dynamics of the system. On the way to the park, the group made various stops to observe and receive lectures on the effects of the expanding agriculture on the hydrology and wildlife resources in the area. Immediately after entering Tsavo West, we stopped at a recent lava flow where we observed and discussed the process of primary succession. A second stop was made at Mzima Springs where we observed and discussed the role of hippos in the ecology of the pools created by the springs. We observed hippos defecating and splashing dung, which fertilized the pools and created a very rich ecosystem.

During the Tsavo expedition one of the academic activities lined up for the students was a visit to scenic Chyulu Hills whose ownership and resource use is contested by the different stakeholders. They were taken through the history of the dispute, the importance of the resources within hills to the local community, and finally some of the initiatives being implemented insofar as ameliorating the existing ownership and resource use conflicts. Students had a wonderful time exploring the Chyulu Hills which are particularly scenic at this time of the year when large assemblages of water independent mammals such as giraffes, hartebeests, and elands congregate as they wait out the dry spell which will soon end with the coming of the short rains in November.

On a different perspective but closely linked to the proprietorship of natural resource, was the issue of modern and traditional institutional arrangement. The objective of this course was to identify and examine, in general terms, modern and local institutional arrangements in natural resource management. They were also exposed to new initiatives that are being implemented insofar as involving local communities in natural resource management such as community conservation. Over the past two decades there has been a gradual shift in the conservation narrative, from models which espoused purely biocentric values to those which favored a combination with the needs of local communities. And in line with SFS' model of promoting experiential learning, students were exposed to the reality of having wildlife in the midst of competing land uses. They were taken to farms on the foot slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro and with the help of local guides talked with the affected members of local community on the nature and extent of conflict between them and wildlife and their managers.

On the final day of expedition we visited the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, which is situated within Tsavo West National Park. The sanctuary was setup to ensure efficient management of the black rhino which is very threatened by massive poaching for its horn. During this visit, faculty elaborated on the rationale and the necessary prerequisites of establishing such sanctuaries for the conservation of specific species. Dr. Simon K. ole Seno, Center Director

Student Reflections

We've just arrived back at Kilimanjaro Bush Camp (KBC) from another field exercise; performing interviews in surrounding communities on their thoughts about wildlife. It was only a few short days ago when we returned from our first expedition in Tsavo West National Park, which was a great success and an interesting adventure. We enjoyed the wardens of Tsavo West and Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary within the park as guest speakers. During game drives, the “man eaters” of Tsavo and the rare wild dog were spotted, along with a few black rhinos while we were in the sanctuary. Now back at camp, we are wrapping up a few assignments while preparing for exams next week. Abby Taylor, University of Southern California

Just a few days ago we returned from our first expedition where we spent five days camping amongst the “man eaters” and the elephants of Tsavo National Park. Our first expedition was a nice mini-vacation away from our Kilimanjaro Bush Camp. The wildlife and the scenery of Tsavo was spectacular, although sightings of wildlife required more diligent eyes since the park is so big and the landscape can be very dense. But we were definitely rewarded. We had a number of close encounters with elephants not next to, but actually on, the roads, as well as a few sightings of the infamous “man eaters” (also known as lions), relaxing under the shade. I was lucky enough to be in the car that came across a group of wild dogs lounging along the road. According to our driver, some people who live in Kenya their entire lives may never have the chance to see this endangered species up close. I was lucky enough to see them twice in the same day!  I have to say that these first five weeks have really flown by. Over a month has passed and I am still completely blown away by the wonders that this land has to offer. My most pressing question now is how in the world I will carry the impressions of Africa and this experience home with me. Laura Knudson University of Redlands

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