Experiential Learning - Study Abroad
Alyssa Latargia - Study Abroad in Kenya
In July 2023, we traveled to Kenya for the Primatology, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Field School! We landed in Nairobi, and from there, traveled to three different campsites in vastly different ecosystems. We traveled with Kenyan students and faculty from the Institute of Primate Research and University of Nairobi.
The first campsite was in Laikipia county, Kenya, a typical African savannah. Here, we went on game drives to learn how to survey wild animals, and we got to see giraffes, elephants, antelope, and even lions in the wild! We traveled to Ol Pejeta Conservancy for the day, and got to see the last two Northern White Rhinos left on Earth.
Our next campsite was at Twala-Tenebo Cultural Manyatta,a cooperative living and educational center for women of six different Masai groups who make their living off of beadwork, beekeeping, tourism, and farming within the cooperative. Here, we got a tour of the area and spoke with representatives. We also worked with students and faculty from Iowa State University who were studying habituated baboons. They gave us a tour of their study site where we got within just feet of the habituated Olive Baboons!
Our last campsite was at Matthew's Range, a savannah mountain system with a riverine ecosystem. A majority of our independent research project was completed here, with some free time to swim in the river and visit a local school. We were greeted by the Samburu people that lived in the region by a cultural ceremony, where we engaged in the tradition of painting our necks red with a goat fat-clay paste.
Overall, this trip was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will never forget. It completely changed my perspective on human-wildlife conflict and helped me understand diverse points of view from multiple people about effective conservation strategies. I made new long-lasting friendships and had the opportunity to engage in conservation work in one of the coolest ecosystems in the world!
All photos courtesy of Alyssa Latargia.