Natural History and Conservation Biology of Tanzania - East AfricaUMAIE Course Number: T3917
SAU Course Equivalency: BIOL 321 Special Topics in Field Biology and Ecology (4 credit hours)
Instructor: Dr. Cindy Johnson, Department of Biology, Gustavus Adolphus College, Minnesota
Prerequisites: One semester of college-level Biology or permission of instructor.
Dates: December 31, 2013- January 22, 2014. (NOTE: SAU classes begin January 15)
Location: Arusha and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Field work in several national parks and conservation areas throughout the country.
Price: $7,535-$7,835 (tentative)
East Africa's reputation for spectacular, abundant and diverse wildlife is well deserved. Nowhere else in the world can you see such a diversity and abundance of wild animals in a natural setting alongside indigenous people living traditional lifestyles. Tanzania is home to the world's greatest game reserves including Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire. We explore these and other remote wilderness areas of this wonderfully diverse country.
Tanzania is a mosaic of landscapes, ranging from dry, almost desert-like areas, to the lush Serengeti grasslands, to high volcanic mountains, to deep African rift lakes. As we encounter new ecosystems we learn to identify the major components that allow that ecosystem to function, including animals, plants, ecology and geology. Students have ample opportunity to view and learn about African "big game" animals as well as lesser known animals and plants.
While studying the African ecosystems we also learn about the people of Tanzania. Visits to Hadza, Akie and Maasai villages along with discussions with these hunter-gatherers and pastoral people, fuel our own discoveries and discussions on the viability of pastoralism and nomadism as a lifestyle in modern times. Contrasting these traditional lifestyles with the increasing spread of agriculturalism and the concentration of people living in urban areas, emphasize the enormity and complexity of the problems.
Preserving wildlife populations in the context of mounting human populations and land-use pressures poses a significant dilemma for conservation officials worldwide, but is no more evident than in Tanzania. Here the juxtaposition of international bioreserves, tourism, and rapid growth provide a perfect setting for exploring the interface between conservation of wildlife and human development. Community conservation will form the basis of numerous campfire discussions.
Throughout this trip, there are opportunities to hike in remote portions of Africa's Rift Valley and Serengeti and to swim in the Indian Ocean. Throughout this trip there are opportunities to hike in remote portions of Africa's Rift Valley and Serengeti and to swim in the Indian Ocean. Students will follow Hadza hunters, gather roots with Hadza women, talk with Maasai about community rights, and observe lions, elephants and giraffe up close. This class is for students interested in East African ecosystems, conservation and culture, and who have a sense of adventure.
Priority Deadline: April 13, 2012
Complete the online study abroad application and submit a $500 application deposit to the Center for International Education (300 Ambrose Hall).
Applications will be accepted until October 1.
Students that apply after the April 13 Priority Deadline may find that their desired program is full.
