KENYA CENTER FOR WILDLIFE AND WATER STUDIES LOCATION RESEARCH THEMES CORE SKILLS Kimana, Rift Valley, Southern Kenya Wildlife management & sanctuaries Climate change resilience Primate behavior Water conservation National parks management Community conservation GIS Species identification and wildlife census Animal behavior observation Water quality assessment Basic Swahili language Data collection and analysis Research design and implementation Research presentation WWW.FIELDSTUDIES.ORG/KENYA OVERVIEW BOTH HUMANS AND WILDLIFE DEPEND ON ONE OF EARTH’S MOST VITAL RESOURCES – WATER In the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Kenya’s grassy savannas, Rift Valley lakes, and mountain highlands provide habitats for an astounding diversity of life, including the Big Five – lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos. The deep-rooted communities of the pastoralist Maasai people call this region home, and Kenya’s famed national parks attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Kenya’s biodiversity and traditional cultures are under threat. Climate change, drought, ecosystem fragmentation, and human development are increasing competition for the region’s finite natural resources. Our research here focuses on sustainable conservation approaches that will address these issues and reduce conflict between humans and wildlife. LIFE AT THE CENTER The Center lies in the heart of Kenya’s Rift Valley, between three worldfamous 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 traditional thatched bandas (cabins) and a central chumba (main building), just down the road from the small town of Kimana. Dorm living with fourperson bandas Kitchen and dining hall, and on-site cooking staff One-mile running trail on campus Chumba contains classroom, computer lab, and study spaces Stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro from campus Volleyball, soccer, Frisbee, and fire pit 20 The School for Field Studies