ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH EXPEDITIONS
Kenya is one country with very high wildlife diversity. This is emanates from the fact that the Equator straddles the country, which results in many different types of habitats which also supports many species. I will give you an example; in Kakamega Forests, a Guinea-Congolian Forest, alone there more than 300 bird species and butterflies in a single forest. About the same number of bird species occurs in the entire United Kingdom, but in Kenya they are found in one single site. Many countries in temperate regions have few species, because of the low habitat diversity and climatic conditions (very cold weather), as a result most of their species have been well studied. In Kenya and in Africa in particular, it is the ‘undiscovered continent’, pure and with species with myriads of interactions with environment and behavioral traits which have not been documented. There are many plant species, with many medicinal properties which can be a panacea to the chronic or incurable diseases such as cancer, Aids/Hiv etc; and many invertebrates which could be biological agents to fight invasive species or pests to crops; the list is endless. But these marvels of Mother Nature are tucked in the complexity of the biodiversity in Kenya, just waiting to be unveiled by enthusiastic and serious upcoming ecologists. As a young PhD holder who must built up a publications in your field of interest such that you eventually become the ‘renowned scientist’ in your university; Kenya is calling on you to establish a long-term research project where you can train Kenyans and students from your country and follow your interests for more than half a century!. As a young nature enthusiast, just completed a college degree but are undecided about what you want to pursue for lifetime career in conservation biology-Kenya is also calling you to immerse you deep in environment, such that you can eventually identify the path of your future. The purpose of ecological expeditions is the following;
Guidance and advice on where to do research in Kenya by providing information on taxonomic groups (birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, invertebrates, plants, fish etc), archeology, anthropology and sociological studies:
Providing guidance to students on accommodation, security, accessibility and communication at the study areas and orientation of the students to local field conditions and integration with the local habitats
Advising students interested in finding attachment in Kenya in a specific project or to undertake a short or long-term postgraduate (Masters and PhD study)
Organizing educational student’s expeditions to selected sites defined by the students research interests, study themes and length of stay.
Training students on methods of identification (how to identify), surveying (capture and sampling techniques) and preparing specimens for plants, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians in the field.