[Teacher Name] presents: Conserving Leopards and Monkeys in South Africa

1. [Teacher Name] presents: Conserving Leopards and Monkeys in South Africa EarthwatchStudent Expeditions [Name of High School]

2. What is earthwatch? Since 1971, Earthwatch has made it possible for people from all walks of life to join leading scientists around the world to help with crucial environmental research.

3. The Mission of Student Expeditions To engage students worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment.

4. Earthwatch Around the Globe Earthwatch has 20 Student Expeditions in 16 countries.

5. Earthwatch Research Pillars Earthwatch offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to conserve and explore our planet while delving into one of four research areas.

6. Earthwatch By The Numbers Last year, Earthwatch: • Sent 3,150 participants aged 10 to 80 on research expeditions. • Supported 141,520 hours of research done by volunteers across our whole portfolio of expeditions. Research teams are typically composed of three to five staff members, plus one or more teacher chaperones—so your teen is in excellent hands!

7. Benefits of an Earthwatch Expedition • Learn experientially through scientific field research. • Work directly with environmental science experts. • Get a boost for university applications and résumés. • Explore career paths in the sciences. • Support local communities and local educational initiatives. • Grow personally and gain confidence.

8. Benefits of International Travel Students who travel internationally before the age of 18 do better. • In high school: more than 80% had a GPA of 3.0 or higher. • In college: more than 88% received a college degree. • At work: half of travelers surveyed reported a household income of more than $75,000 as adults. Source: The Student Youth & Travel Association, The Impact of Early Travel Experiences (2010 survey).  

9. A Typical Earthwatch Experience • Teams for run 7 to 15 days • Teams accommodate 7 to 20 volunteers • Students will take on 2 to 5 research tasks per team • Students stay in simple but comfortable accommodations in the field

10. Overview: Conserving Leopards and Monkeysin South Africa The Soutpansberg Mountains in South Africa are home to one of the densest leopard populations in Africa, as well as many hyenas, monkeys, and baboons. Help gather data on these animals that scientists will use to manage conflict between people and wildlife.

11. The research: Conserving Leopards and Monkeys in South Africa • Follow groups of monkeys from dawn to dusk to observe their behavior. • Set up cameras to take pictures of leopards, hyenas, baboons, warthogs, aardvarks and other animals. • Sort and analyze photos taken by these cameras. • Analyze scat to determine what animals are eating. • Visit schools and communities to meet local South Africans.

12. Meals & Accommodations: Conserving Leopards and Monkeys in South Africa • Stay in shared rooms in several small buildings at the LajumaResearch Centre, each with its own bathrooms and hot showers. • Eat withresearchers in a thatched dining area. Meals include hearty South African specialties, meat, pasta, potatoes, vegetables, and delicious seasonal fruits. • Enjoy a stunning view down the valley each day.

13. Lead Scientist: Conserving Leopards and Monkeys in South Africa Dr. Russell HillDepartment of Anthropology, Durham University, U.K. Dr. Hill has a Ph.D. in primate behavioral ecology from the University of Liverpool.His research focuses on the behavioral ecology of primates and other mammals, and he’s increasingly focusing on conserving mammals and helping solve conflict between humans and wildlife in South Africa. In addition to this research at Lajuma, he has managed projects in South Africa in the De Hoop Nature Reserve and the Kruger National Park.

14. Safety & Welfare: Conserving Leopards and Monkeys in South Africa • Earthwatch has a comprehensive emergency response plan for each project, with medical and evacuation insurance included. • Staff members Oldrich van Schalwijk and Judy van Schalwijkare trained in CPR and first aid, and are very experienced working in the South African wilderness. • Two doctors in the area, Dr. Badenhorst and Dr. Gaigher, have a close association with Lajuma and will visit the center to attend to injuries or illnesses. • All volunteers will have up-to-date immunizations.

15. Other considerations • Passports & Visas: Citizens of the U.S. and Europe DO need a passport, but DO NOT need tourist visas. Minors must also have a notarized letter from all parents or legal guardians stipulating that they may travel in the presence of an adult other than their parent or guardian. • Insurance: Your contribution to Earthwatch includes insurance and medical evacuation coverage. • Flights: The teacher leading the expedition will coordinate travel. • Language: All Earthwatch expeditions are led in English. • Packing Requirements: Earthwatch will provide an expedition briefing 90 days before the expedition with details of what to bring (and lots of other information).

16. Next Steps • Provide a $300 deposit and the complete Group Volunteer Registration Form by [Month, XX, 20XX]. • Call me with any questions or to enroll your teen. Contact info: [Ms./Mr. Teacher][Name of High School][email@schoolname.edu][(XXX) XXX-XXXX]