A Taste of my Future Career

A Taste of my Future Career

Gaining experience for future career plans and being a full-time university student are usually two aspirations which are difficult to obtain simultaneously or find a balance. However, the Life Science 152 Camp was extremely helpful in identifying and understanding what my passion truly is, as well as the aspects or activities I am Most likely to enjoy as a biodiversity student.

Waking up every morning to such a green environment, filled with life, was extremely pleasing. My passion for nature and processes that govern the natural environment was just amplified when having the privilege to observe and experience it first hand. The calming effect of nature, together with the understanding and knowledge that even in such calms, there are numerous processes and animal activity at work, is just awesome. For myself, this was the greatest relaxation experience, that even in rest, there was so much to observe and understand.

Being the hand on person that I am, the activity that I most enjoyed, which also applies to my future career, was the active catching of insect species. I really enjoyed going out into the environment, and discovering for myself where these specimens are most likely to be found, as well as the microscopic observation of them.

In future, i hope to pursue a career in the field of conservation that requires me to actively work with various animals, aquatic and terrestrial. the activities completed on this camp has just fueled my passion to work in the field of conservation, and be a lifelong learner on the processes and components of the natural world.

Wildlife in SA

The natural beauty of South Africa

South Africa, nicknamed the “rainbow nation”, as it possesses such diversity amongst its people in various ways. Culture, tradition, language, all attributes in which we are broadly diverse, but included within this diversity, is the abundance of natural life our country plays home to. Beautiful landscapes, mountainous areas, ocean sites, plants and animals which make up the many amazing ecosystems, all of which contributes to the overall beauty of our magnificent country. However, the raging impact of human activity has drastically declined the number of species within our country, and more importantly, on the planet as a whole, driving many to extinction, with only memories and visuals of their existence.

To many, the idea of conserving the natural environment, in all its forms, is of no or very little importance. The rate at which species are dying out, the collapse of food chains, the over exploitation of natural resources seems to not be alarming enough to create a great uproar for dramatic change.

The nature our country harnesses is one of the main reasons why many tourists visit this dynamic country. The various forms of life is a major tourist attraction, as well as the amazing site seeing opportunities, and is of great economic benefit to the country. Rather than the degradation of our natural environments to generate synthetic income generation, it would be of greater benefit and require less strain by allowing the nature of our country to persist and flounder, which can then be used as a long term source of economic sustainability, by providing jobs and being an even greater tourist attraction.

I firmly believe in the implementation of strict policies which prevent the degradation of the environment. These protection measure help ensure that we use our natural resources in a sustainable way, rather than continuing in activities that will eventually lead to our own collapse, such as fishing species of the ocean to such an extent, resulting in the collapse of the fishing industry. Rather than enjoying the benefits of nature for the moment, we need to come up with solution that will not only be beneficial to ourselves, but also to those of the future generations.

Personally, I do not care about economic or financial benefit, but rather, I have a natural love for all forms of natural beauty. The diversity of life in our country is what makes South Africa such a beautiful country. We need to do our best to conserve this natural beauty in order for our future generations to indulge in all that this country has to offer. It helps us understand how certain phenomena and natural events came to be, as there are many discoveries to be made, by using the various landscapes and organisms available to us.

The natural diversity of this country is of the most beautiful on Earth, and makes me proud to be a part of such a beautiful place. I believe that beauty is to be conserved and taken care of, much like that of our country, so as to be appreciated by the future inhabitants of this land, which we know to be “the rainbow nation”.

African Penguin population

Factors affecting the African Penguin population

Penguins are quite sensitive to environmental changes and are considered to be an indicator species, meaning that the survival of these species can be related to the overall health of the ocean (R. Webber).


Figure 1: African Penguins being released back into the wild

The African penguin has been drawing closer to extinction since industrial fishing has started in the Cape. These ever-increasing fishing practices has resulted in increased competition for food sources between commercial fisheries and the African Penguins, as smaller fish such as sardine and anchovy are becoming scarce with the large masses of fish caught out of the oceans (R. Crawford).

The anchovy and sardine population, which make up the bulk of the African Penguin’s diet, are also decreasing due to rising sea temperatures linked to climate change (R. Webber). The abundance of these prey species are known to influence success, and may be too low to stimulate population equilibrium.

Figure 2: oiled penguins

Oil spills are another cause of death for the African Penguin in the Cape. Once covered in oil, the feathers of penguins are no longer waterproof so they do not survive (R. Webber).

Older causes of the decline in penguin numbers can be attributed to egg collecting, as well as to guano scrapping.

The role of the African Penguin in its environment

As with any other ecosystem or food chain, a change in the penguin population will result in an upset in the functionality of that ecosystem. The African penguin helps control the population of smaller fish and is a source of food for larger predators. The decreasing population of the African penguin will thus result in the over population of small fish, assuming there will be no excess human fishing practices, and also the death of larger predators which prey on the penguins.

Economic benefits of the African Penguin

There is a lack of public understanding of the social and economic benefits provided by the natural environment. African Penguins encourage tourism in South Africa as these penguins are endemic to South Africa. Tourism can provide many benefits ranging from conservation to reducing poverty in rural communities. Tourism also has a direct impact on the community as tourists spend money buying various African souvenirs as well as supporting surrounding businesses, whether it is food, clothes or toy shops etc. when the overall economy is proceeding well, foreign investors will also invest their money in South Africa, as it will be identified as a profitable market.

EXPERIENCING THE CAPE

Experiencing the Cape

South Africa, a nation filled with such diversity and natural beauty, among both its people and natural environment. Home to many of the world’s living organisms, amazing landscapes, beautiful oceans and breath-taking site seeing opportunities. However, though being a part of such a beautiful country, many of its inhabitants have yet to discover the true beauty this country has to offer, just as I dd.

The excursion to Cape Point Nature Reserve was an amazing opportunity, and was awesomely exiting, as it was my first time visiting the reserve. On arrival, most of what was observed was the abundant flora in the reserve, famous for its Fynbos. Although I am not really interested in studying plant life, it was fairly interesting to observe how the various plant species covered and completed the patterned landscape. I also realise that understanding the various plant types and to which organisms they are essentially important to, it is easy to understand and track the habits of certain species of animals.

 

The first physical activity we had to participate in was the long and strenuous climb up the mountain to the first light house constructed in the reserve at a peak which is located 283 metres above sea level. Being me, I enjoyed the physical strain of the climb, feeling the weight of gravity pulling me down with each step. During the climb, I observed and enjoyed the amazing scenery along the way, especially the baboons, who were not even phased by our presents (not natural). A true sense of fulfilment and accomplishment came when I reached the lighthouse at the mountain top. The thought of being so high above sea level was really amazing, and the view from above was truly breath-taking, literally, as the wind speeds were extremely intense. After enjoying the beautiful scenery at the top, it was again time for the down-hill trip, and if you think going downhill was easier, you’re wildly mistaken.

 

The next stop was “The Cape of Good Hope”, where we went down to the sea-shore and enjoyed the beautiful ocean currents as well as the rocky terrain. Once again I felt the urge to climb the mountain site and make my way to the top of the peak, knowing the great sense of accomplishment I would feel upon reaching the top. This uphill hike was definitely more vigorous than the first, dealing with not only the pull of gravity, or as Einstein would say, the push of gravity, but also with the gusting winds and the unpredictable footpaths, often throwing me off balance and straining my body. However, as expected, reaching the top with some good friends was truly amazing, feeling like a scene out of a movie. The view was exceptional and the clean, fresh air almost renewing my energy. If I had it my way, I’d probably stay up their all day, but eventually the constrictions of time and varsity rules kicked in and we had to track down.

 

 

This excursion was really awesome and exiting, and in some way, tested my appreciation and desire to observe the natural beauty this planet has to offer. Although difficult, the strain of the day was definitely worth it and made me realise how passionate and intrigued I am about studying the beauties of nature, as well as conserving the natural environment for future generations. Synthetic material and man-made landscapes do not come close to what nature has to offer. The experience of being out in an open environment and absorbing nature with all your senses is an almost renewing feeling and has the ability to breath new life and excitement into you.

Nature is beauty, and beauty should be conserved for all to see and appreciate.