Written by: Tony Xiutong Jiang, fourth-year Urban Forestry student
In my culture, there is a saying: “Reading thousands of books should be accompanied by travelling thousands of miles.” This encourages scholars to not only learn from books but also to gain knowledge and experience from the real world. The CONS 454 South Africa field trip was the perfect opportunity for me to go for those “thousands of miles” to immerse in South African nature, culture, conservation, and research.
Over nearly a month, we enjoyed the beauty of the local ecosystem, engaged directly with conservation issues, and learned from those on the frontline, providing us with a new perspective on the complexities of the savanna ecosystem.
This hands-on experience, combined with our involvement in research projects enriched our understanding of ecological research and the intricate balance required for effective conservation. Our group also experienced the vibrant community in South Africa while staying with local families, interacting with NGOs like the Black Mambas, or just speaking to all the lovely individuals who supported our journey along the way.
Conservation in Action
One of the most eye-opening aspects of the trip was definitely going on game drives to try our luck to watch animals, as well as to witness wildlife conservation efforts up close. Sometimes, we would wake up at 5 am, shaking off the fatigue from the previous day’s adventures to go on early drives.
The excitement of catching the sunrise and witnessing the animals at their active time easily outweighed the chill of the morning air. Bundled up in our sleeping bags, we would snuggle into the game drive vehicle to face the cold winter wind in the park.
Our efforts were rewarded as we spotted the “Big Five” (a historical term referring to the five most difficult animals in South Africa to hunt on foot): lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo. Though we only captured rhinos on our camera traps, the thrill of the search still made it unforgettable.
We also had the unique opportunity to visit the Black Mambas, the famous all-female, unarmed anti-poaching unit. Their dedication and courage in protecting wildlife species, despite the challenges they face, was both inspiring and humbling.
Practicing Research Methodologies
Another cool aspect of this trip is that we were participating in research such as setting up camera traps to monitor wildlife behaviours and conducting field surveys for NASA GEDI imaging.
Compared to BC’s coniferous forest, the savanna ecosystem presented challenges for satellite imaging because of its relatively flat vegetation structure. To address these challenges, we were tasked to gather on-site data, aiding in the validation of GEDI imaging data. This practice of field surveys was particularly useful for me because we would conduct similar surveys in my major, Urban Forestry, and the skills were transferable.
Visiting research bases and interacting with leading scientists enriched our understanding of ecological research and its practical applications. In conversation with the researchers, we were amazed that the savanna ecosystem attracted worldwide scientists to study, and it was a land full of potential in knowledge and wisdom from nature and community. We practiced our research skills by exploring the camera trap data to answer our own hypothesis regarding animal behaviours and interviewing local community members through a photovoice method to discuss climate resilience.
Cultural Immersion
Staying in local homestays offered us an authentic experience of rural South African daily life. We immersed ourselves in their routines, cutting firewood, sweeping floors, and making pap, a traditional local food.
Much of our time and energy was joyfully spent playing games, singing, and dancing with the local children.
As we travelled, we saw various political campaign posters leading up to the election and encountered communities, both urban and rural, gaining insight into the post-apartheid social dynamics through the explanations of Dr. David Bunn.
Throughout our journey, we felt warmly welcomed by the amazing people we met, including the supportive and lovely individuals who facilitated our trip.
Conservation Realities and Moving Forward
I find the intricate interconnectedness of the savanna ecosystem and human participation interesting. Through lectures on catena sequences, we understood how each component of the ecosystem, whether biotic or abiotic, is intricately linked, forming a complex web of interactions in an area of as little as one slope. Witnessing this dynamic interplay in the field showed the complexity of conservation efforts; altering one element invariably impacts others, creating a cascade of changes that make conservation both challenging and fascinating.
Every component, from small insects like termites to large mammals like elephants, plays a crucial role in maintaining balance, and of course, humans are an integral part of this equation. Our actions influence and are influenced by the ecosystem, a realization that was pivotal in understanding the challenges and opportunities in conservation. From our lectures on water resources in the context of the HaMakuya region and fire management in Kruger National Park, we learned about the delicate balance required to maintain water availability in the savanna, and how local politics and other social dynamics impact water availability.
Fire is a natural part of the ecosystem, and the National Park is still trying to find the best practices and human intervention to prevent destructive wildfires while promoting regeneration and biodiversity. These lessons highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to conservation, where understanding and managing one element requires considering its impacts on the entire ecosystem.
Opportunities and Potential
Our South Africa field course was a trip of discovery, filled with cultural insights, research curiosity, and conservation lessons. Despite the unknowns and challenges, the field of conservation in Kruger National Park presents opportunities and potential.
As humans, we are an integral part of nature, and it is our responsibility to play a positive role in managing and preserving our ecosystems. Being immersed in the savanna, local communities, and wildlife habitats has inspired me to continue exploring the delicate balance between human activity and conservation.
Learn more about UBC Forestry undergraduate programs and field school here.