Training:
Tanzania courses & information
TBA courses in the East Usambaras, Tanzania
The Usambara mountains
Lying in the north-eastern part of Tanzania, the Usambara mountains support one of better known forests the eastern arc chain. As a consequence of their great age, isolation and fragmented nature, these forests support unusually high levels of endemism and diversity.
The forests also play an important role in water catchment for the surrounding areas, but like many other forests, are under threat from deforestation and unsustainable use. One conservation initiative includes the East Usambara Conservation Area Management Programme (EUCAMP) which is addressing the management of forests and development of alternative sources, as well as improved agricultural practices. Current research in the area focuses on the impact of forest fragmentation on populations, and the feasibility of developing wildlife corridors to reduce rates of species loss.
Amani research centre
The course will be based in the village of Amani lying towards the south of the East Usambara plateau. The Ama
ni research centre was established in 1893 by the German colonial government. It became the headquarters of an agricultural station in 1902 during which time a substantial botanical garden was established covering 300 hectares and containing a wide range of indigenous and exotic species.
Accommodation at Amani will be comfortable but basic. You will sleep in small houses divided into three- or four-bed rooms. Bathroom facilities will be shared, and some of the showers supply hot water. Electricity is supplied by a generator but power failures do occur usually when you least expect them – so you should bring a good torch for black-outs. We will have one room which will be used as a lecture room, library and computer room, but hopefully not all at the same time!
Climate & communications
Mean annual rainfall at Amani is around 2,000mm, and although the course takes place during the 'dry season', you should be prepared for some heavy rain. Mean temperatures are 21°C during the day and 14°C at night. In 2000, there were no fax or email facilities at Amani and the road up the escarpment to Amani was difficult to pass at times. People should expect to have limited communication and to stay in the East Usambara area for the duration of the course.
Course structure
The first week of the course introduces Amani's flora and fauna during identification workshops and field exercises. Evening lectures and seminars cover selected topics in tropical ecology, focusing on the expertise of the teaching staff present. Short excursions to nearby projects and different habitat types take place during the second week. The remainder of the course is devoted to independent research projects carried out in pairs. Projects are written up in full and presented to the class as short research papers. Evening lectures and research talks continue throughout. We expect you will find the course intensive but since you may not get an opportunity to learn about tropical ecology in such a unique setting again, we think we should make the most of the time you have available.
Project reports
Below are the abstracts of all students projects that were carried out in Tanzania on previous TBA courses. Click on the subject matter to view.
Amphibians (pdf)
Birds (pdf)
Herbivory (pdf)
Invertebrates (pdf)
Mammals (pdf)
Management (pdf)
Plant and forest ecology: invasive species (pdf)
Plant and forest ecology: other (pdf)
Pollination (pdf)
Draft timetable
The below course timetable for Tanzania is an example taken from a previous course. The structure and contents of each course are different and dependant on the area of expertise of the core teachers and visiting lecturers present. Please use this as an overall guide not as the definite programme.
Tanzania course timetable (pdf)
Useful information for the site
Below is a number of publications and additional useful bits of information on the fauna and flora at the Amani site.
An introductionary factsheet to Amani
Guide to amphibians of the East Usambara Mountains
Common birds of Amani
Pictorial guide to some birds of Amani
Common roadside flowers of Amani
Click here for information on the invasive plant species in Amani Nature Reserve.
Course guide
Here is the general introduction course guide
Here is the course guide for Tanzania