Christine Johnson is a final-year Ecology and Conservation student who was awarded the Employability Bursary during the summer of 2022.
Christine used the fund to carry out an expedition in the Warapoka village in Guyana with Operation Wallacea and reflects on her experience below:
The first week of the expedition was quite intensive, as we regularly carried out six-hour long transects, observing mammals, herptiles and insects. Our group consisted of 12 students, and we were also accompanied by several locals who became our tour guides during the trip. We went on some memorable transects by boat, as well as on foot, encountering plenty of wildlife along the way. The highlights included seeing anacondas, kingfishers, baby caiman in the water and a red howler monkey.
Herptile survey
The mammal surveys we conducted were great fun as I learnt how to find tracks and set up camera traps. On our herptile surveys, the aim was to find as many species as possible, so through this, my species identification skills greatly improved, and we also attended a few engaging lectures on this area to supplement our learning in the field.
For the insects, we were each given our own nets to collect different species which we would later identify when we returned to the lodge. To do this, I learned how to use various trapping techniques such as pitfall traps, butterfly traps and light traps. Although the transects were long and the days were hot, they were so enjoyable, even if I ended up waist-deep in the bog several times…
In the second week, we incorporated bird surveys into our programme. We carried out opportunistic surveys, meaning that instead of using the standard mist netting technique, we would simply head out early in the morning to spot birds through binoculars and telescopes. I had a limited knowledge of bird identification prior to this trip and these surveys improved this significantly, as well as increasing my general enjoyment for birdwatching.
Insect survey
By the third week we were also conducting bat surveys. These observations had a more scientific focus as they involved more notetaking and analysis than the others. We collected the bats from mist nets that we had set up near the lodge and were able to weigh and measure the bats ourselves, identifying the species and sex before releasing them back into the wild.
Overall, the locals and staff members were so knowledgeable about their area of research and did such a great job of looking after us and making sure we were comfortable during the expedition. I learnt a great deal from everyone at Warapoka and feel I have gained such valuable life and research experience that will surely benefit me in the future.
Light trap
I would advise anyone who is considering applying to ensure that they know what they want to achieve through their project and what they hope to gain from applying for this bursary. It is important to convey your intention clearly through your statement about how this bursary will directly help you to follow your career path. Show passion and determination but also understand the logistics involved and highlight exactly where the funding will go.
The Employability Bursary made a massive difference to me because it made this trip possible in the first place, allowing me to travel to a beautiful part of the world and gain so many valuable skills and experiences. By undertaking this expedition, I have developed my independence and confidence when it comes to travelling which is crucial if you want to work in the conservation sector. In addition, by contributing to the many surveys and transects we conducted during the trip, I have now also demonstrated the key skills which many employers in this sector value so highly and feel much more prepared to take the next step in my career.
We are delighted to hear that Christine has had such a positive experience through this expedition, and that the Employability Bursary has helped her to make the most out of it. To find out more, please visit our Employability Bursary page.
