winter session

Kenya

Foundations of Wildlife Management and Conservation

At A Glance

03 Weeks | 03 Credits
Winter 2021

Dec 28 - Jan 15

Open

Prerequisites

None

Sample Itinerary
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Foundations of Wildlife Management and Conservation

Kimana, Southern Kenya near Amboseli National Park

Spend your winter break exploring the rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes of Kenya where world-famous national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and protected areas are your classroom. Explore the complexity of sustainable wildlife conservation including learning how the Maasai and other communities interact with wildlife and nature. Conduct animal behavior observations on safari drives where you’ll see a range of iconic African species.

  • Embark on multi-day camping expeditions to both Amboseli National Park and Chyulu Hills and Tsavo West, attend field lectures, and hone your wildlife observation skills on species such as elephants, lions, hippos, and other wildlife.

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‌Academics

This academically rigorous program follows a six-day/week schedule. The interdisciplinary curriculum is designed to help students actively discover and understand the complexities of environmental, social, and economic issues in Kenya.

Major academic themes include:

  • Wildlife management
  • African mammal behavior and ecology
  • Field ornithology
  • Human-wildlife conflict
  • Community governance of protected areas
  • Natural resource conservation

Courses

On the Foundations of Wildlife Management and Conservation program, you will take one 3-credit course. This course is participatory in nature and is designed to foster inquiry and active learning combining lectures, field exercises, assignments, and tests. This course is taught in English.

Click on the course to view a description

SFS 3500 Wildlife Management and Conservation 3 credits

Core Skills

You will gain practical skills in the field such as: terrestrial biodiversity assessments and survey techniques, species ID and population monitoring, animal behavior observation, conservation strategy assessments, protected areas assessments, human development impact assessments, scientific writing and communication.

Field Sites

You will visit different ecosystems and communities which may include the vast savannas at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro, national parks and other wildlife conservation areas (community sanctuaries, Maasai ranches) in the Amboseli-Tsavo ecosystem, Maasai communities, rugged wilderness and peaks of the Chyulu Hills, and wildlife migratory corridors.

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Life in the Field

The Center lies in the heart of Kenya’s Rift Valley, between three world-famous national parks. The snow-capped peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro towers over miles of savanna, replete with a diversity of wildlife. Our sprawling, grassy campus includes thatched bandas (cabins) and a central chumba (main building), just down the road from the small town of Kimana.

  • Dorm living with four-person bandas
  • Classroom, library, and study spaces
  • Kitchen and dining hall, and on-site cooking staff
  • Stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro from campus
  • Nature trails and tree garden on campus
  • Volleyball, soccer, Frisbee, and fire pit

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