South Africa

What is Operation Wallacea? Tropical scientific expeditions in 15countriesTropical scientific expeditions in 15countries 200+ academics running more than 120 projects200+ academics running more than 120 projects Results published in peer-reviewed journalsResults published in peer-reviewed journals

What is Operation Wallacea? 30 new vertebrate species to science discovered 30 new vertebrate species to science discovered Large temporal and spatial data sets obtained from tuition fee funded model Large temporal and spatial data sets obtained from tuition fee funded model Data used to assess the performance of conservation management programs Data used to assess the performance of conservation management programs

Global Research and Conservation Strategy Stage 1 - Assessing ecosystem diversity and function Stage 1 - Assessing ecosystem diversity and function Stage 2 - Monitoring ecosystem change Stage 2 - Monitoring ecosystem change Stage 3 - Monitoring socio-economic change Stage 3 - Monitoring socio-economic change Stage 4 - Establishing & monitoring the effectiveness of conservation management programs Stage 4 - Establishing & monitoring the effectiveness of conservation management programs

Team Members Principal Researchers Assistant Researchers Visiting Academics Dissertation Students Research Assistants General Surveyors Operations Staff

Transfers from Johannesburg

Greater Kruger

Main Camp

Bush Camp

Research objectives

Week 1 in Balule Reserve African wildlife conservation course and bush skills training in camp Half days in the bush each day completing bush survival skills, biodiversity and elephant impact surveys

African Wildlife Conservation course lectures Introduction to African biodiversity Naming identifying and surveying birds Adaptation: herbivores of southern Africa Predators of southern Africa Africas iconic animal: elephants Managing game reserves Conservation synthesis

Bush training and African Wildlife Conservation course

Traveling by vehicle

Bush training and African Wildlife Conservation course

Working on Foot

Skills Training

Biodiversity surveys – bird point counts

Biodiversity surveys – pitline surveys

Elephant impact surveys

Night vehicle drives

Week 2 in Sodwana Bay

Sodwana Bay Tented Camp

Sodwana Bay –dive training

Sodwana Bay

Launching

Landing

Megafauna

Dive training

Indian Ocean Reef Ecology lectures Coral reef ecosystems Coral species Whale sharks and sea mammals Ecologically important invertebrates Mangroves and seagress ecosystems Reef fish families Reef survey techniques Reef conservation and management Sand dune ecology

Health and Safety

Training Risk assessments Medical cover Communications Emergency evacuation plans BS8848 Auditing Medical statistics

Links to Exams, Course Work, and University Entry Relevant practicals and lectures for IB, AP, A level or Highers IB – extended essay, CAS, PSOW Stand alone extended project EPQ UK universities – University Award or CoPE US universities – course credit University applications and interviews

Example questions for IB, EPQ or CoPE How are elephant herds structured? What methods can be used to control elephant populations? Contrast the social structure and niche separation of the main cat species Should reserves be fenced or not? How is herbivore carrying capacity calculated for a reserve? What are the pros and cons for controlled burning of savannah? Can trophy hunting be justified on conservation grounds? Can nature tourism provide a significant financial incentive for conservation?

Fundraising support Fundraising planning meeting; identify groups, targets, raffle, activities, grants & sponsorship Action plan meeting; each group produces fundraising plan with financial targets Progress review meeting

£1150 ($1850) for expedition costs International flights and in-country travel

Questions

Feedback from the 2012 expeditions Unparalled, it has been a wonderful experience for all. A trip of a lifetime. Stephen Miller, Teacher, Kingham Hill School, UK: South Africa Expedition A life changing experience bringing knowledge and appreciation of our wildlife, the need for conservation, and how we can achieve this. Anita Craig, Teacher, Newcastle-under-Lyme College, UK: South Africa Expedition Outstanding! I have had the time of my life. Academic content was great - I have learnt a great deal and hungry for more... if you get the opportunity you should grab it! It is truly a life changing experience. Fantastic! Bob Gerrard, Teacher, Newcastle-under-Lyme College, UK: South Africa Expedition I have learnt lots and had a great eye-opener to the rest of the world, thanks to both the wilderness and the excellence of the staff and I was very impressed.... Opwall is easily one of the most amazing things that I've ever done. Iain Price, Student, Harris City Academy, UK: South Africa Expedition This trip didn't just teach us scientific facts about elephants or the savannah, you also learn about worldwide conservation, and how we can all live differently to change the world for the better. Rebecca Leo, Student, Harris City Academy, UK: South Africa Expedition

South Africa