A group of university students will this summer shadow scientists in South Africa to learn the art of conservation, in a bid to help save vulnerable local flora and fauna.
The expedition is being organised by Operation Wallacea, a network of academics who organise conservation management research programmes around the globe – from Cuba to Greece and from Honduras to Transylvania.
These scientists are joined by undergraduate research assistants who apply hands-on what they have learnt from behind their university desks.
[attach id=509167 size="medium"]Students Nicholai Xuereb and Jacqueline Grech Licari. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier[/attach]
The local group of undergraduate assistants is being coordinated by young scientist Nathan Adams, who manages the Mediterranean Operation Wallacea office based in Malta. Each students needs to raise €4,000.
Two of the 10 students who will be heading south in July told this newspaper that the tips they learnt throughout the expedition would come in handy for local conservation projects relating to species with dwindling populations, such as the fresh-water crab (qabru).
Jacqueline Grech Licari and Nicholai Xuereb are headed to the Thanda Game Reserve, where scientists are studying the impact of elephant overbreeding on vegetation and other species.
Although there are no elephants in Malta, the observation methods can be adapted to different environments, according to Ms Grech Licari.
We have a different ecosystem, but the scientific methods used to study vegetation and birds, for example, can be applied locally
“We have a different ecosystem, but the scientific methods used to study vegetation and birds, for example, can be applied locally. We will also be trained in underwater research, so that we can help out with marine observations on corals and fish in Malta.”
She added that the space for such training in Malta is limited, while researchers are often interrupted in their work because of its proximity to the local urban and rural populations.
Mr Xuereb stressed the importance of preserving diversity. The populations of endemic species are declining rapidly because of climate change and urban development, among other factors, and more efforts are needed to control and conserve local flora and fauna.
*More information about the Operation Wallacea office in Malta is available from nathan.adams@opwall.com or 9948 4075.
*The link for funding is https://www.fundmytravel.com/campaign/sNy7yk45ta
*The website for information for interested students is www.opwall.com