A night in the Namib Desert
In September, a group of BSc Wildlife Conservation students packed their bags and headed off on a trip they’d never forget - exploring and researching Namibia’s astonishing wildlife.
Accompanied by Senior Lecturer in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Miriam Thavarajah, and Senior Lecturer in Zoology, Ralph Thompson, the students spent two weeks visiting a range of conservation and research organisations, immersing themselves in Namibia’s wildlife and culture.
The trip culminated at the Gobabeb Namib Desert Research Institute, located in the Namib Naukluft National Park between the gravel desert and the sand-sea dunes. BSc Wildlife Conservation student Victoria Hawes spoke to us about her experience on the trip...
Our final destination was the Gobabeb Institute. Situated in the Namib Desert, it was an eye-opening and mind-expanding experience.
The journey was an experience in itself. We reached the station on a single dirt road, surrounded by nothing but open skies and desert. That night, we were lucky enough to meet Dr Eugene Marais of the Gobabeb Institute, who led us around the surrounding dunes.
We used UV lights to look for scorpions, scientifically known as Uroplectes otjimbinguensis. Before the trip, I’d never seen a wild scorpion, and setting out in the dark with nothing but a small torch and my own wits was thrilling. I learned that the scorpions are endemic to Namibia and discovered that very little research has been done on this species.
I've always assumed that thanks to the vast expanse of science and modern technology, research on scorpions such as Uroplectes otjimbinguensis was well-established. I was mistaken. Dr. Marais highlighted the surprising lack of scientific study in this area, prompting me to wonder what other subjects remain unexplored. Are there fields I’m passionate about that still hold unanswered questions? Could I be the one to answer those questions?
I've never been particularly fond of creepy crawlies, and while my feelings haven't changed, I now have a newfound appreciation for them. After spending two hours in the heart of the Namib Desert, I’ve come away with a sense of hope. Hope that someone like me could pursue those questions and find answers.
Being so far removed from my usual surroundings, with only the endless dunes in sight, put a lot into perspective. The world is much larger than I’d realised, filled with nature that little old England lacks. Observing these small invertebrates, found only in this pocket of the world, made me feel so small and yet I have never felt more connected. It’s made me crave more and I’m excited find it.