Exploring Kenya’s Living Landscape: Immersed in Nature

The Spring 2025 Origins Field School launched earlier this year with students from Stony Brook, University College London, the University of Helsinki and Kenya heading into the field with Professor Dino J. Martins to explore the world around them and uncover the connections between People and Nature.

How and why do we farm butterflies? What are invasive species, and why do they matter? More importantly, why is East Africa’s biodiversity important to the health of its ecosystems? Students from the Origins Spring Field School 2025 set out on an immersive journey to unravel these questions, diving into a rich tapestry of life and the intricate balance of savannah ecosystems. Renowned for its rich ecological diversity, East Africa serves as a living laboratory, offering invaluable lessons on conservation, species interactions, and environmental sustainability. Through hands-on learning in the field, students bridged the gap between academic theory and real-world environmental challenges, gaining firsthand experience in ecological research and conservation efforts. From studying native species to understanding the threats posed by invasive plants and animals, this journey provided a deeper appreciation of the dynamic forces shaping East Africa’s landscapes.

The Spring 2025 Field School explored and experienced a wide range of habitats, both terrestrial and marine including the Arabuko Sokoke Forest, the Mida Creek mangroves, the savannahs of Tsavo and the coral reefs. This breadth of habitats and species gave the students the chance to learn about the ecology and evolution in East Africa and understand the broader context of the landscape, animals and plants.

Butterfly Farming: A Model for Sustainable Livelihoods:

The students began their exploration by learning about butterfly farming. This practice involves rearing butterflies in controlled environments, such as netted enclosures or greenhouses, to protect them from predators and adverse weather. These carefully managed habitats provide essential resources like nectar-rich flowers and host plants, ensuring the butterflies’ lifecycle thrives. The pupae, once matured, are harvested and supplied to conservatories and collectors, creating a sustainable economic model. This visit highlighted the symbiotic relationship between conservation and local livelihoods, demonstrating how sustainable practices can incentivize forest preservation.

Invasive Species: A Threat to Ecological Balance:

The impact of invasive species was another key focus of the field study. Invasive species, non-native organisms that disrupt local ecosystems, pose a significant threat to biodiversity. In East Africa’s coastal regions, the House Crow serves as a prime example. These aggressive birds outcompete native species, damage crops, spread diseases, and disrupt tourism. At A Rocha, students learned about the biology and ecology of these crows and explored effective management strategies to mitigate their impact. Understanding the dynamics of invasive species is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and protecting native biodiversity.

East Africa’s Biodiversity

The journey continued with visits to several key biodiversity sites. In Nairobi, the National Museum offered insights into Kenya’s rich natural history, showcasing collections of fossils and artifacts. The Giraffe Centre provided an opportunity to observe and learn about giraffe conservation efforts.

Moving to Malindi, students explored the Arabuko Sokoke Forest, one of East Africa’s largest coastal forests. This unique ecosystem, home to rare species like the Golden-Rumped elephant shrew, underscored the importance of forest conservation in preserving regional biodiversity.

A visit to Mida Creek introduced the students to the vital role of mangrove ecosystems. They observed diverse marine life and learned how mangroves stabilize coastlines, provide breeding grounds for fish, and support local economies through ecotourism and sustainable harvesting.

Tsavo National Park: Unveiling Savannah Ecosystems:

The expedition culminated in Tsavo National Park, a vast savannah landscape characterized by acacia woodlands and open grasslands. Here, the students examined the interplay between physical traits of the landscape and habitat formation. They studied plant adaptations to drought, herbivory, and extreme heat, observing the intricate ecosystems supported by termite mounds and the distinctive red, iron-rich volcanic soil. Along the rivers, they noted the narrow fringe of woodland and thicket, dominated by Acacia elatior, Doum palm Hyphaene compressa and the shrub Suaeda monoica. This detailed examination of Tsavo’s ecosystems provided a comprehensive understanding of savannah ecology.

Connecting People and Nature:

Throughout the field study, students engaged in enriching discussions with ecologists, conservationists, and local communities. This firsthand experience fostered a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between environment, biodiversity, and human activity. The diverse landscapes encountered, from coastal forests to expansive savannahs, provided a holistic view of East Africa’s ecosystems.

The Origins Spring Field School 2025’s expedition into East Africa’s biodiversity hotspots offered invaluable insights into ecological research and conservation. By exploring butterfly farms, confronting invasive species, and delving into the intricacies of diverse ecosystems, students gained a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of life and the importance of sustainable practices. This experience underscores the critical role of field studies in fostering the next generation of environmental stewards.