Our project aims to reduce human-hyena conflict at Lake Eyasi by understanding hyena population dynamics and their impact on local livelihoods addressing the needs of both communities and hyenas. Effective conservation relies on educating and informing the public to foster a shared commitment. Rabies vaccination campaigns protect both humans and animals, fostering a holistic approach to conservation medicine. Additionally, we seek to study striped hyenas, a near-threatened species, to contribute to conservation efforts.
What will I be doing?
This is a hands-on experiential internship. As an intern, you'll actively participate in conducting field work, conservation efforts, and education activities.
A typical week may include:
trekking the bush for signs and activities with our Datoga trekker, identify active den site, set-up and maintenance of trial cameras, processing data, photo ID and add information to our ID cards, mapping and data analyzing, boma interviews, participation on community meetings and educational training at the school
as with all field work, weather and local conditions as well as the project dynamic and needs play a role in the schedule and can lead to last minute changes in the planned activities
What will I learn?
We aim to give our interns a comprehensive overview of a community-based conservation project while letting them be an active part of the field research team. They have the opportunity to learn how to handle field research equipment and how to analyze the data. Their advantage is the close contact to local communities guided by a professional team consisting of Field Research Assistants and a veterinarian. Interns gain skills and confidence while living in the bush and immersing themselves in hyena conservation.
Below, are the methods and focus areas that are currently a priority at the project.
Methods:
Track Surveys
Set up transects for detection of activity patterns of wildlife
Scat collection
Habituation
Identify tracks: Learn to identify wildlife
Camera Trapping: set-up, maintenance
Interviews with herder and livestock owners/ boma
Identification of hotspot conflict areas of Human/Hyena
Analyzing data via R-studio
Mapping via ArcGIS / QGIS
Photo-analysis and ID
Data recording tools such as Avenza or Epicollect5
Community and ranger meetings to provide education, awareness, and project results
Focus Areas:
Determination of spotted hyena density, their geographical distribution and clan-sizes via our monitoring program
Understanding the dynamic of hyena population density, distribution, and home ranges of clans to determine the overlap of land usage by human and hyena
To carry out a feasibility study on the rare striped hyena
To gain a greater understanding of the species, particularly in Lake Eyasi, to benefit the species conservation
Protection of domestic animals, livestock and wildlife due to Rabies Eradication Program
Education and awareness program at the Secondary School of Mangola and on community-level via workshops and meetings
What previous experience or skills do I need?
General interest in wildlife, especially in carnivores. It is a plus to have previous field work experiences and to handle the stay in a rural area. Interns need to show enthusiasm, positivity, maturity, and independence, adaptability, and willingness to work in a team.
You will be living in a bush camp located about 1,5 hours from the town of Karatu, Arusha Region, Tanzania. The bush camp is self-contained behind fences and employees a watchman, it has free roaming wild game. Only other interns and staff are at the facility.
How does housing and food work?
The interns stay in shared Safari tents with an attached bathroom. Cleaning and laundry services by our camp staff is included in the internship as well as three meals and unlimited drinking water. We have an amazing open kitchen under a roof of palm leaves, that is used for meals, work, leisure time and other activities. Dietary requirements like vegetarian, vegan, or other allergies can be accommodated.
What’s included?
Transfer to the project, meals at the project, housing, wifi, laundry, cleaning, all the research, and educational activities, experts talking with the group, pre-departure support, a field study abroad t-shirt, and logistic support at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) at your arrival and for your return flight home.
How can I get academic credit?
If you need academic credit, we will work with your university advisor or study abroad office. Generally, this internship will satisfy any field course or experiential learning requirement you might have. There is also an option to take a course through Michigan State University for credit.
You will also receive a certificate of completion from Field Study Abroad and post-trip resume help.
What did previous interns say?
“Working with United Tansania became a turning point in my life. I, who always loved animals, even the most dangerous ones seemed lovable to me; always wanted a chance to work or write about them. Coming across United Tansania helped me achieve that wish. While working with them, I unlearnt a great deal about hyenas, a species of animal that is misunderstood. It has been an incredible experience.“
- Rik -
“So far my time out here at United Tansania has been an eye opener and a way for me to get out my comfort zone and get stuck in with some amazing work. Ive met great people, made new friendships and experienced life outside of my own. This is an experience of a lifetime that i will remember forever and hold very dear to my heart. I wish all the best of luck for the team and I'll make sure to keep in touch.”
- Spencer -
“This location is a paradise for a scientist and a magnet to all other adventure seekers. You practically are surrounded by abundant wildlife, yes it does include the local villages but also surrounded by the lush wilderness. The experience is unique as you will be exposed to the local way of living and using all the resources you have available in this sort of environment. The list can go on however I will just highlight the Famous Ngorongoro and Serengeti which are near by for you to visit at your leisurely. Overall great experience and love the effort of this project to help the wildlife and the communities that live with it.”
Methods:
Focus Areas:
