SFS TANZANIA: WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT STUDIES (SEMESTER)

PROGRAM DETAILS

• Terms: Fall, Spring
• Credits: 18 semester-hour credits
• Prerequisites: One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental studies/science, 2.7 GPA, 18 years of age
• Application Deadline: Fall: May 1st. Spring: November 1st. Early applications encouraged
• Financial Aid: All accepted students can apply for need-based scholarships, grants, and loans

OVERVIEW

Step beyond a tourist experience in East Africa. Explore the iconic landscapes of Tanzania. Meet the country’s charismatic wildlife – from magnificent lions and elephants to thunderous herds of wildebeest and zebras – as you learn about their ecology and behavior. Experience the rich culture and traditions of Tanzania’s Maasai, Iraqw, and Hadzabe tribal communities while collaborating on issues of human-wildlife conflict and climate change. Finish the semester with an in-depth field research project. 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

• Embark on a multi-day camping expedition in Serengeti National Park, attending field lectures on the ecology and migratory patterns of the ecosystem’s teeming wildlife. 
• Learn the behavioral ecology of the African elephant and African lion within the Tarangire-Manyara ecosystem. 
• While camping in the Tarangire area, visit the community-managed wildlife management areas of Burunge and Randilen. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the importance of natural resource conservation towards rural community livelihood and development. 
• Experience Iraqw traditions and modern lifestyles during a short home stay with a nearby family and visit a Maasai boma to learn how cultural tourism is shaping local culture and traditions 
• Live and study surrounded by Tanzania’s world-famous protected areas and the magnificent fauna and flora of the African savannah. Spend free time at the Center’s campus, known locally as “Moyo Hill Camp”, relaxing in hammocks, catching a pickup game of volleyball or soccer, or taking an art class in the nearby friendly communities. 
• Conduct a comprehensive field research project: Develop a research question and write a proposal, collect and analyze data, write a paper, and present your findings.

SFS students live and study at the Center for Wildlife Management Studies. Known locally as “Moyo Hill Camp” and surrounded by Tanzania’s world-famous national parks and wildlife, it’s the perfect base camp for expeditions into the field. Campus is reminiscent of summer camp, with plenty of outdoor and communal spaces, while the small, friendly community of Rhotia is a short walk away.

RESEARCH THEMES

• Wildlife conservation
• Climate change impacts
• African large mammal behavior and ecology
• Field ornithology
• Human-wildlife conflict
• Habitat assessments
• Community-based conservation
• Reptile ecology and conservation

 

CORE SKILLS

• GIS
• Habitat and biodiversity assessment
• Species identification and wildlife census techniques
• Animal behavior observation
• Natural resource valuation
• Radio telemetry
• Bird species identification
• Basic Swahili language
• Research design and implementation
• Data collection and analysis
• Research presentation

 

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