5:30 am: Breakfast
6:00-12:00 pm: Bovine Tuberculosis Testing in Pastoralist Cattle & Feedback
Leader(s): Harrison Sadiki, Salehe Muhidinn - HALI Project and PREDICT, SUA
We joined HALI project researchers in testing cattle for bovine tuberculosis in a Maasai boma with the help of pastoralists. Biological samples (blood, milk and feces) were collected from cattle. Risk factors for transmission of bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis were highlighted the visit and challenges with administration and interpretation of intradermal skin testing for tuberculosis in African conditions were discussed. After testing we had additional time with the Maasai families for discussions about cultural and livelihood issues. At one point I was offered several head of cattle for some of the women in our group. I politely declined the offer. They thought that the relationship that we (westerners) have with small animals was quite strange.
12:30 pm: Lunch
2:00 – 6:00 pm: Walking Transect to Assess Presence and Density of Wildlife Species
Leader(s): Rogassian Mtana, Ecologist, WCS Ruaha Landscape Program, & MBOMIPA game scouts
We learned how to identify tracks and other signs of various wildlife species. Methods for estimating wildlife population presence/absence and density on foot were discussed. The use of how wildlife density data for conservation and health studies with mapping and ArcGIS was also demonstrated. The best part was learning how to differentiate a male giraffe from a female by the shape of its droppings.
7:00 pm: Dinner
8:00-9:30 pm: Night game drive in the Wildlife Management Area
Leaders: WCS and HALI staff
We had the chance to look for nocturnal wildlife in the Pawaga Idodi WMA. It was a long drive and we saw a giraffe and a bush baby and that was about it. At one point I had to ask to driver to pull over so I could pee!
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