In June 2025 15 pupils from Waid Academy and 2 teachers were lucky enough to spend two weeks in Mexico with the Operation Wallacea. The team of volunteers were made up of pupils ranging in age from 16 to 17 and came from a diverse mix of backgrounds, including pupils with special educational needs and from economically deprived areas.

During the first week we station at Calakmul camp where we undertook field work. This included herpetology and habitat surveys, setting up mist nets to capture and monitor bat and bird populations, studying footage of herbivorous mammals from camera traps, and capturing and recording butterfly species. In the marine site 11 out of our 15 gained their PADI diving qualification, 4 other went snorkelling where they were able to monitor coral reef health (we witnessed quite extensive coral bleaching unfortunately), and monitor fish biodiversity. The green turtles were in abundance and very relaxed in our company. We also spotted octopus and sting rays. On the last day we explored the local mangrove ecosystem.

The grant from the Murray Trust enabled our pupils to buy kit such as rucksacks, boots, headtorches and sleeping bags, all of which were essential for our stay and comfort. The cost of these were in addition to the £3,300 they had to raise for Opwall so this additional fund was very gratefully received.

Our pupils have just held an assembly to recruit the next cohort of pupils to our Opwall trip in 2027 to South Africa. In was wonderful to hear the pupils describe to the younger years how worthwhile their experience had been. One girl said’ Don’t let fear hold you back’ when she described how frightened she was when asked to remove her demand valve from her mouth in dive training. Another described how being out in the rainforest was an experience he would never forget, and he couldn’t believe how many different types of bats there were. All the pupils gained confidence and resilience from the trip. They said that if they can stand using a bucket and cup shower and drop toilet in the wet mosquito ridden forests for a week, they can stand anything! Some are thinking of working in conservation, as they were very impressed by the enthusiasm and knowledge of the researchers in the field, other feel that the experience helped them find depths of courage and character they never knew were there.

The Murray Grant is given to the school groups who can demonstrate the most creative and impressive fundraising efforts. Sandwich Technology School was even more impressive as all of the effort came from just 1 student who went to Honduras with her teacher!

Before my biology expedition to Honduras, I had never been on a plane. We flew from Heathrow at 9am to Newark which was a long 7-hour flight, but I absolutely loved the experience of flying and it made the trip so exciting. We then had a very long gap before our 4-hour flight to San Pedro Sula. I was lucky enough to have a window seat for this flight so could already begin to see the beautiful scenery as we landed. Our travel had gone smoothly until now, but we did then get stuck at customs for another 3 hours! The Opwall team were amazing though and drove out to get us at what was around 2am in Honduran time. Stepping out of the airport was so surreal as even at this time it was the hottest climate I had ever felt! We finally got to our hotel after being up for over 30 hours and were very ready for our beds.
The next morning, we met the school from Texas before starting to make our way to base camp by both minibus and in the back of pick-up trucks up the mountain. We spent the first half of week 1 at base camp in tents and the scenery was amazing. We completed a combination of lectures, fieldwork and games as well as a walk down the mountain to a local’s house to learn how to make Honduran coffee. Our surveys included: habitat sampling, birds, bats, light traps and bugs. However, my favourite was the evening herps survey during which we walked up the river looking for frogs, lizards and snakes. We saw so many frogs and lizards and got to help mark them with the special fluorescent dye, take DNA samples and record this information before releasing them where we found them. I also took part in the canopy access experience, during which I climbed high into the tree canopy. This was very difficult, but the view was so rewarding. Halfway through week 1 we did a 6-hour hike to a higher satellite camp with all our supplies in backpacks. This was so much fun, and the satellite camp was my favourite location as it was so remote and I got to sleep in a hammock. Here we did many more of the same surveys to compare the results to those from base camp to see the effect of altitude. The food was amazing at both camps and I was so impressed at how the Honduran cooks prepared it in the middle of the rainforest.
We then made our way back to base camp for one night before starting our journey to Utila for week 2. We went back down the mountain in the pickup trucks and then got a minibus and a coach to the ferry port. The ferry crossing was only about an hour which we appreciated after our long journey. The climate difference after being up high all of week 1 was a shock as it was so much hotter and more humid. At the dive centre I stayed in shared dorms with the other school and the food was provided by the onsite restaurant. Throughout week 2 we usually had two snorkelling sessions a day, but this was weather dependent. The days started early with breakfast at 6 to allow us to get everything done. My favourite surveys included seeing eagle rays and tallying different fish species which we learnt about through lectures and quizzes. This was my first time snorkelling and I absolutely loved it; we went out to so many different locations on the boat and even learnt to duck dive.
The trip exceeded my expectations and as much as I was excited to see friends and family I didn’t want to leave. I would recommend doing an Opwall trip to anyone who gets the chance and I would love to travel more in the future. Everyone was so friendly throughout the whole trip and made me feel so welcome despite being the only student from my school. The jet lag, fundraising, early mornings and time away from home were 100% worth it.

The Team

The expedition team consisted of 17 Year 12 and Year 13 students from The Blue School, Wells, accompanied by two members of staff. The group was made up of both boys and girls, predominantly studying Biology, but also including students studying Geography and Physics.

The students came from a range of economic backgrounds, but shared a common enthusiasm for the natural world and a desire to experience environmental fieldwork first-hand. As a group, they worked incredibly hard to raise money towards the cost of the expedition, demonstrating considerable commitment and determination before they had even left the UK.

This was a diverse group of students, bringing different interests, experiences and perspectives. Over the course of the expedition, they developed into a supportive and cohesive team, embracing the challenges and opportunities presented by the unfamiliar environments in which they found themselves.

The Expedition

The expedition took place in Indonesia, with one week spent at each of two locations: Buton and Hoga. The two sites offered contrasting but complementary opportunities to explore and investigate terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

Buton – Tropical Rainforest

The first week was spent on Buton, where students undertook ecological sampling in the tropical rainforest. This provided an opportunity to experience an extraordinary and unfamiliar environment while developing practical fieldwork skills and a deeper understanding of rainforest ecology.

Students experienced first-hand the complexity of this ecosystem, learning about its biodiversity and the relationships between organisms and their environment. The physical demands of working in the rainforest also provided a significant challenge, requiring determination, resilience and teamwork. The students responded remarkably positively, embracing the difficulties as part of the experience.

Hoga – Marine Ecology and Diving

The second week was spent on Hoga Island, where students had the opportunity to learn to dive in the exceptionally beautiful and pristine coral reef environment surrounding the island.

Learning to dive was an exciting experience in itself, but it also provided a unique opportunity to explore the underwater world and learn about coral reef ecology first hand. Students were able to appreciate the complexity, biodiversity and interconnected nature of reef ecosystems in a way that would be impossible to replicate in a classroom.

The combination of rainforest ecological sampling and learning to dive on coral reefs gave students an invaluable opportunity to explore two very different but equally important ecosystems.

An additional and particularly memorable aspect of the Hoga experience was the opportunity to meet children from Sampela Village. Their visit, and the opportunity to see them again later that afternoon, gave students a fascinating insight into the lives of the Bajau people. Seeing how the community lived and gained its livelihood from the sea helped students appreciate the close relationship between people and their natural environment.

This was an important reminder that conservation cannot be considered in isolation from the communities who depend upon the ecosystems around them. Students began to appreciate the delicate balance between protecting the marine environment and sustaining the livelihoods of those who live from the sea.

Impact of the Grant

The grant was specifically used to fund transport to and from the UK airports, enabling the entire expedition team to travel together.

Although this might appear a relatively straightforward contribution, it made a significant difference to the accessibility and organisation of the expedition. By providing shared transport, the funding removed the need for individual families to arrange or provide transport to the airport. This was particularly important given the different economic circumstances of the students and ensured that no student was disadvantaged because their parents were unable to undertake this journey.

The students had already demonstrated considerable commitment by collectively raising money towards the expedition. The grant complemented these efforts by removing an additional practical and financial barrier to participation.

It also meant that the group could begin and end the expedition together, providing reassurance for students and families and helping to establish the sense of shared experience that became such an important part of the trip.

We are extremely grateful for this support. It helped ensure that the opportunity was genuinely accessible to the whole group, rather than being dependent on individual family circumstances.

Impact of the Expedition

Reading back through the students’ collective diary entries, several clear themes emerge which capture the impact of the expedition particularly well.

The first is simply how extraordinary they found the rainforest. The scale, richness and unfamiliarity of the environment clearly made a lasting impression. For students accustomed to learning about ecosystems through books, lessons and documentaries, being immersed in such an environment brought their studies to life.

A second recurring theme was just how physically demanding the environment could be. The conditions challenged the students, but what is particularly striking is how positively they responded. Rather than allowing the difficulties to detract from the experience, they embraced them, supporting one another and demonstrating resilience, adaptability and determination.

The encounter with the children from Sampela Village also stands out as a particularly significant experience. Meeting the children and then seeing them again later that afternoon provided a memorable personal connection. It gave students a glimpse into a way of life very different from their own and an opportunity to appreciate how the Bajau people live and sustain themselves through their relationship with the sea.

This experience arguably provided some of the most valuable learning of the entire expedition. It encouraged students to think beyond the biology and ecology of the environments they were studying and to consider the human relationships, livelihoods and cultural traditions that are intrinsically connected to them. “Very interesting to see how the way of life is different in Indonesia (it’s definitely made me want to go travelling in the future)”

Of course, learning to dive and experiencing the coral reefs around Hoga will also have been a highlight for many. For students, the opportunity to explore such a beautiful marine environment while learning about its ecology was extraordinary. It brought together practical skills, scientific learning and a sense of adventure in a way that few educational experiences can.

Ultimately, the expedition offered far more than an opportunity to undertake ecological fieldwork in two remarkable environments. It challenged students physically and mentally, broadened their understanding of the natural world and exposed them to different cultures and ways of life.

The students returned with a greater appreciation of the complexity of both terrestrial and marine ecosystems, but also with a better understanding of the relationship between people and the environment. They had developed confidence, independence and resilience, and had shared an experience that will undoubtedly remain with them long after their school studies have finished.

For The Blue School students, this was a genuinely exceptional educational opportunity. The grant helped make it possible for every member of the team to participate, and we are very grateful for the contribution it made to such a memorable and valuable expedition.

Our trip to South Africa was incredible, we had the best time! Our expedition lasted two weeks, with one week spent at a terrestrial site and the other at a marine site. Throughout the trip, we were supported by a wonderful team of staff who were knowledgeable, friendly, patient, and supportive. They shared their expertise, provided guidance and encouragement, whilst ensuring everyone felt comfortable taking part in new activities.

During our week at the terrestrial site, we took part in safaris and assisted with research activities, learning more about wildlife and conservation. We had the opportunity to see a range of animals in their natural habitats, with the highlights being seeing rhinos, zebras, giraffes and getting incredibly close to some elephants. Our evenings involved coming together, socialising and forming new friendships.

Our second week was spent at the marine site, where we developed our water-based skills. Some students learnt to scuba dive, while others snorkelled. Both activities allowed us to experience the amazing marine life. Highlights included snorkelling with manta rays and diving alongside turtles and sharks. It was fascinating, and an experience that will not be forgotten. We were lucky enough to integrate with the local community on a visit to a school, it was a fabulous experience to engage with local people and children and witness their lifestyle and culture.

The expedition had a significant impact on us both individually and as a group. We were divided into smaller teams, which encouraged us to interact with different people, make new friendships and develop our teamwork skills. Spending two weeks together gave us the opportunity to build stronger relationships and spend time making some core memories. We also developed greater independence, maturity and self-confidence by taking part in unfamiliar activities and overcoming personal challenges, whilst stepping outside our comfort zones. We learnt the importance of communication, supporting others and working together.

The grant funding aided our expedition. It helped to fund relevant equipment required to participate in the planned activities. The money helped towards purchasing essential items such as wetsuits and clothing, as well as binoculars which were beneficial to the trip.

Overall, the expedition was an incredibly valuable experience. We returned having gained new skills, increased confidence, and new friendships. The opportunity to challenge ourselves, work as a team and experience a different part of the world and culture made the expedition thoroughly worthwhile. It was a truly unforgettable experience and has grown a desire to travel.

We would like to thank The Murray Foundation for their support in helping us to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity. It was a truly amazing and unforgettable experience!

I left the UK in June 2025 unable to scuba dive and with little knowledge of marine eco-systems. During four profound weeks as a research assistant with Operation Wallacea, I helped conduct benthic and fish surveys & assisted in the capture and dissection of over 50 invasive lionfish. I also gained a deep appreciation for the complexity and fragility of coral reef ecosystems & a passion for this area of study and research.
In Honduras, the marine site is in the Bay of Tela – home to a uniquely resilient coral reef that, despite heavy freshwater runoff and pollution, remained one of the healthiest in the Caribbean until the bleaching event of 2023. Opwall has monitored this reef since 2014, collecting benthic and fish survey data at multiple sites annually, along with lionfish samples to better understand their impact. Lionfish, an invasive species with no natural predators in the region, pose a significant threat to reef biodiversity. This season’s project focused on how their diet may have shifted following the 2023 bleaching event.
During my first two weeks, I completed both my PADI Open Water diving certification and a Caribbean reef ecology qualification. This involved daily lectures on coral ID, reef threats, and conservation practices, paired with hands-on training in key research techniques – from laying transects and quadrats to using underwater video rigs for benthic and fish surveys.
In the final two weeks, I applied these skills across two research teams. With the reef surveillance team, I helped to lay 50m transects and filmed benthic surveys using GoPros along these transects. I also assisted with fish surveys using stereo video surveillance (SVS) and assisted in daily data analysis. Benthic data involved coral, algae, and invertebrate ID, while fish survey footage was used to calculate biomass of identified fish, offering a more accurate ecological picture than traditional ID methods. SVS techniques for fish surveying are being pioneered by Opwall in their Honduran sites (Tela and Utila). With the lionfish team, I took part in daily dives to locate and capture lionfish. Post-dive, we recorded measurements, dissected the fish for sex and maturity, and analysed stomach contents – typically filled with small fish and crustaceans.
Throughout the month, I gained not only technical skills in scientific diving and data collection, but also a deeper understanding of how conservation science must integrate both ecological knowledge and local context. Tela’s reef is considered an ecological anomaly – it thrives despite conditions that should prevent healthy coral growth. Until the 2023 bleaching event, it was one of the healthiest reefs in the Caribbean, with high coral cover and low levels of algae. Scientists still don’t fully understand why it was able to flourish, which makes ongoing monitoring crucial. At the same time, local interest in marine life is limited, largely due to a lack of education and economic reliance on industries like fishing. This makes the work of Opwall and Tela Marine (Opwall’s local contact) especially important – not just for research, but for engaging local communities
through outreach, education, and ecotourism. Sustainable conservation here depends on both scientific data and community involvement.
Now continuing my studies at the University of Edinburgh, I’m excited to carry this experience into my academic work – particularly in sustainability and environmental chemistry. This placement confirmed my passion for marine science and I’m incredibly grateful the Murray award for making this opportunity possible. I grew so much – as a researcher and as a person – and I would love to return to similar work in the future.

At the end of July, I travelled to Honduras to embark on a two-week terrestrial and marine expedition with Operation Wallacea. From trekking through the cloud forests of Cusuco National Park to conducting marine surveys around the island of Utila, the expedition gave me the opportunity to take part in hands-on ecological research across two completely different environments. More significantly, it has had a lasting impact on my interests, career aspirations and plans for the future.

Our expedition began at the Cusuco National Park Base Camp, from where we immediately set off on a long and challenging uphill trek to the Jungle Training Camp. I absolutely loved clambering through the forest and being surrounded by such incredible biodiversity. At the training camp, we spent several days learning key animal-tracking and fieldwork skills and becoming accustomed to the extraordinary range of wildlife around us – including some very large insects!

We then returned to Base Camp, where we began working alongside researchers on a variety of biodiversity surveys. These included surveys of bats, birds and frogs, giving us an insight into the different methods scientists use to monitor tropical ecosystems. Outside of the surveys, there was always wildlife to discover around camp. One evening, while playing cards, we were joined by a curious snake that decided to sit beside us – a very memorable reminder that we were living right in the middle of the rainforest.

After a week in Cusuco, we travelled to Utila, a beautiful island off the coast of Honduras. Having previously completed my scuba diving qualification, I was particularly excited for the marine component of the expedition. During this week, I was able to combine my interest in diving with ecological research, joining scientists on a range of marine projects. These included sea urchin counts, filming coral reefs and completing benthic surveys. Being able to contribute directly to ongoing research while diving in these ecosystems was an incredibly exciting experience.

The marine week had a particularly significant impact on me. Before the expedition, I was interested in marine biology, but experiencing marine research first-hand confirmed how much I wanted to pursue this area further. Taking part in fieldwork reinforced my enjoyment of working outdoors and collecting data in natural environments, and has subsequently influenced the direction I am considering for my future career. I am now actively exploring PhD opportunities in marine biology and animal movement and navigation as a result of this experience. I have also applied for further dive training and aim to work towards my Divemaster qualification, which would allow me to develop the practical skills needed to support a future career in marine research and conservation.

One of the biggest highlights of the expedition came on our final day in Utila. During one of our last dives, we had an unexpected encounter with a pod of dolphins. As we surfaced, they were swimming and jumping around us, turning what was already an incredible expedition into an unforgettable experience. Seeing these animals in their natural environment was something I will never forget and further consolidated my passion for working in marine environments.

The Murray Grant was used to support the cost of my flights to and from Honduras and was therefore critical in making the expedition financially feasible. Without this support, taking part in the expedition would have been considerably more difficult. The funding enabled me to access an experience that provided both practical research experience and a much clearer sense of the direction I would like my future career to take.

I am extremely grateful for the support of the Murray Grant. The expedition developed my confidence in fieldwork, strengthened my practical ecological skills and helped me realise how strongly I want to pursue a career involving marine biology, field research and conservation. I returned from Honduras not only with incredible memories, but with a much clearer idea of the kind of scientist I hope to become.

My expedition to Akumal gave me the opportunity to combine my passion for marine life with hands-on conservation research. Spending two weeks working on coral reefs, seagrass habitats and turtle research gave me a much better understanding of what marine conservation looks like in the field. I had never done anything like this before so it was a completely new experience for me.

During the first week we developed our identification skills. We started with lectures where we learnt about the different species and the methods we would be using. We then put this into practice while snorkelling on the reef. We used identification cards to help us identify fish and coral. We used quadrats and swam along transect lines as part of the reef surveys.

If we were unsure about an identification we could work together and discuss what we thought we had seen. This helped me develop species identification, scientific data collection and teamwork skills.

The second week focused mainly on turtle research. We swam along transect lines and recorded the coordinates of the areas we were surveying. We recorded the number of turtles and tourists we saw. This information was then linked with the seagrass surveys to help understand the areas being used. We collected data on seagrass density, length and species.

One of my favourite parts of the expedition was seeing the turtles. Seeing juvenile turtles feeding and coming up for air was amazing. I also really enjoyed being able to snorkel every day. I love swimming so being able to spend so much time in the water was a highlight. It was also quite fitting to finally see coral, as my name is Coral.

Outside of the research there was lots of wildlife around the camp that I had never seen before including geckos, tarantulas and scorpions. Living with so many people was also something I had not experienced before. It took some getting used to, it helped me become more confident and adaptable.

The Murray Grant had a huge impact on my ability to take part in the expedition. Without the grants I received I would not have been able to go. Overall, the grants I received covered most of my trip including the expedition and flights. This meant I did not have to spend as much time fundraising and could focus on my university work while preparing for the expedition.

I also contacted companies whose values aligned with mine and was fortunate to receive products that were useful during the expedition. I tried to choose products that I would genuinely use and focused on sustainable brands where possible. For example, I was gifted a solid conditioner bar and a reusable water bottle. I also created social media and blog content as part of these collaborations. This gave me experience in professional communication and working with brands.

The expedition has made me much more interested in fieldwork. I really enjoyed being able to work in the water and be part of the environment while also contributing to research. I would definitely like to do something similar again in the future.

I am incredibly grateful to Opwall, the Murray Grant and everyone who supported my expedition. The experience gave me surveying skills, increased my confidence in fieldwork and strengthened my interest in pursuing a future in conservation.

I am a third-year BSc geography student at Royal Holloway university of London. Over the past year, my academic studies have deepened my interest in fieldwork and conservation. This inspired me to take part in a research expedition with Operation Wallacea, where I had the opportunity to apply my knowledge in a meaningful environment. During the summer, I spent 4 weeks in Croatia, Krka National Park as a research assistant. This was my first-time conducting fieldwork abroad which was both challenging and extremely rewarding. The site was incredible, full of rich biodiversity and amazing views which surpassed my expectations.

I thoroughly enjoyed participating in every survey, but I was particular fascinated by bird mist netting, bat harp trapping, mammal and habitat surveys. During my final two weeks, I chose to specialise in habitat surveys, although having enjoyed data collection with other taxon teams, I continued to join a few other surveys to broaden my understanding on the site’s biodiversity. A highlight of my experience was leading a habitat survey to a group of school students, which allowed me to share what I had learnt in the field and develop my confidence in communicating scientific information. I was also keen to assist with data entry, so in my final two weeks I worked on data entry across multiple research teams including watching camera trap footage with the mammal team.

The month I spent in Croatia provided me with an invaluable set of both practical and personal skills. Through fieldwork surveys, I strengthened my abilities in ecological data collection and monitoring, species identification and working efficiently in different settings. Collaborating with research assistants and staff enhanced my teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills as we often had to adapt to field conditions. Working in this collaborative environment enabled me to grow in confidence, particularly when contributing ideas within a group. This experience has deepened my enthusiasm for conservation research and has equipped me with a strong foundation for a future in this field of work.

I made countless amazing memories during my time in Croatia. A highlight from a bird mist netting survey was when it started raining on our way back, we had been longing for some rain,. Habitat surveys were always great fun, bush whacking, crawling and climbing over plants and trees. Beyond the surveys, socialising with research assistants and staff during mealtimes and throughout the day was memorable, playing card games and chatting, it created a strong sense of community. Days away from surveys were also very enjoyable, I got to explore areas of Croatia outside of Krka Park, including several waterfalls and Sibenik town. Croatia was an unforgettable experience, and I am incredibly grateful to have been awarded the Guy Poland Grant, which made this opportunity possible.

1. Academic Context and Expedition Objectives

As an undergraduate reading Zoology (BSc Hons) at Bangor University, my academic focus centres on behavioural ecology, wildlife monitoring, and evidence-based conservation. Having achieved First-Class performance in my first two years of study (including 94% in Ecology & Evolution and 87.5% in Ecology: Interactions in the Natural World), undertaking independent dissertation fieldwork represented a crucial step in my development as a researcher.

To support this fieldwork, I was awarded the £1,500 Guy Poland Grant alongside a £1,000 University Bursary and a £250 Santander Career Support Award. My objective was to spend six weeks in the Mahamavo dry deciduous forest of north-western Madagascar with Operation Wallacea gathering the primary empirical dataset for my undergraduate dissertation.

2. Study Site: The Mahamavo Forest

Fieldwork was conducted in the Mariarano region of north-western Madagascar (15°29′34″ S, 46°41′45″ E). Madagascar’s dry deciduous forests harbour high levels of micro-endemism yet face severe fragmentation due to slash-and-burn agriculture (tavy), cattle grazing (zebu), and charcoal production. We were based in the Mariarano camp, situated adjacent to Mariarano village. Even in camp alone, we were surrounded by a varied array of endemic chameleons, geckos, lemurs and invertebrates – imagine not even having to leave your tent to see such unique species!

3. Dissertation Research: Spatial and Behavioural Plasticity in Coquerel’s Sifaka

My dissertation investigated the behavioural and spatial plasticity of Coquerel’s sifaka (Propithecus coquereli), a critically endangered strepsirrhine primate listed on the IUCN Red List. While edge avoidance is documented in large, protected areas like Ankarafantsika National Park (where we stopped on our return journey, spotting a Madagascar kingfisher, Corythornis vintsioides and a pair of critically endangered Madagascar fish eagles, Haliaeetus vociferoides, in flight within a minutes), populations in Mariarano inhabit a gradient of anthropogenic disturbance, frequently utilising degraded fragments and introduced flora including mango (Mangifera indica) and kapok (Ceiba pentandra) trees.

To evaluate whether this utilisation reflects adaptive flexibility or an ecological trap under the ‘landscape of fear’ framework, I conducted standardized behavioural observations across three habituated social groups representing low (intact forest, n=5), intermediate (fragmented forest, n=5), and high (village matrix, n=4) anthropogenic disturbance.

Data collection ran daily from 06:00 to 12:00 or 12:00 to 18:00. Activity budgets were quantified using 15-minute point sampling, while vigilance (social, environmental, and anthropogenic) was recorded continuously. Concurrently, GPS coordinates were collected at 15-minute intervals for spatial analysis in QGIS 3.44, using Kernel Density Estimation (95% home range / 50% core area) to measure spatial overlap with anthropogenic features. Statistical analyses are to be conducted in RStudio (R 4.3) using Generalized Linear Models (GLMs).

4. Avian Biodiversity Monitoring & Mist-Netting Fieldwork

Alongside my primatological research, I participated in Operation Wallacea’s long-term avian monitoring programme. My most memorable fieldwork experience was participating in mist-netting and bird ringing alongside Malagasy ornithologist Solohery. As an lifelong enthusiastic birdwatcher, contributing to standardised ringing protocols provided a rigorous field methodology context.

This project forms part of a capture-mark-recapture study spanning over a decade and more than 2,000 individual birds. Biometric measurements, including body mass, wing length, tail length, and tarsus dimensions, were recorded for each captured individual prior to ringing and release. Blood samples had also been collected during previous studies to examine the genetic consequences of forest fragmentation.

Handling endemic species close-up offered an intimate appreciation for avian anatomy. Among the species measured were the Souimanga Sunbird (Cinnyris sovimanga), Malagasy Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone mutata), Crested Drongo (Dicrurus forficatus), Common Newtonia (Newtonia brunneicauda), Long-billed Bernieria (Bernieria madagascariensis), and Madagascar Magpie-Robin (Copsychus albospecularis). Working alongside Solohery, in contribution to his PhD, emphasised the crucial role of long-term empirical datasets in guiding regional conservation management.

5. Community Integration and Cultural Immersion in Mariarano

A central component of the Mariarano expedition was engaging directly with the local community. Upon our arrival, we had the opportunity to participate in Madagascar’s Independence Day celebrations in Mariarano village following related festivities the night before. These provided an immediate introduction to local traditions, music, and community cohesion.

Throughout the six weeks, integration into village life continued through regular visits to the local markets and active communication with community members. Learning basic Malagasy phrases proved essential for daily interactions, establishing mutual respect with local guides, camp staff, and villagers.

Recreationally, participating in and watching football matches on the Mariarano village pitch served as an effective bridge between visiting researchers and the local community. Shared sports provided an informal space for connection, reinforcing that successful conservation in human-modified landscapes depends entirely on positive, respectful relationships with local populations.

6. Skills Gained and Professional Trajectory

The six weeks in Mahamavo consolidated both technical and personal competencies critical for my career progression. Key professional outcomes include:

• Field Methodologies: Mastery of standardised primate ethograms, focal point sampling, continuous vigilance recording, and avian mist-netting/ringing protocols.
• Scientific Communication & Media: Photographic documentation of wildlife and field habitats; several of my images will be credited in forthcoming scientific publications regarding newly identified species in the area (including undescribed arachnid species photographed with Dr Brogan Pett).
• Cross-Cultural Collaboration & Resilience: Experience working in off-grid field conditions, communicating in basic Malagasy, and navigating complex human-ecological conservation matrices.

7. Conclusion and Recommendation for Future Scholars

The Guy Poland Grant provided an essential foundation for my research on Coquerel’s sifaka and allowed me to gain invaluable experience across multiple ecological disciplines. Operation Wallacea’s field model, combining rigorous scientific monitoring with genuine community participation, offers an exceptional opportunity for undergraduate researchers looking to challenge themselves and develop field autonomy.

Beyond the scientific research, one of the most meaningful aspects of the season was the incredible teamwork and camaraderie amongst my fellow researchers and volunteers. Operating in a remote, off-grid field environment naturally presented challenging moments for everyone at times, but the team remained remarkably kind, resilient, and mutually supportive throughout the entire expedition. I am immensely grateful for the lifelong friendships and connections formed in Mariarano; the experience truly would not have been the same without every single member of the group.

I express my deepest thanks once again to the Poland family, Operation Wallacea and the community of Mariarano for making this expedition possible.