Kenya, on the coast of East Africa, is a relatively small country with a wealth of attractions. In terms of geography, the country has deserts, lakes, mountains, forests, savannas, and tropical beaches to explore. And when it comes to wildlife, Kenya is equally hard to beat, whether you’re looking for rhinos or giraffes, gazelles or one of the various species of monkeys.

Africa has been described as the “living Pleistocene,” a country where most of the large mammal species from that epoch still survive.
With its diversity of habitats, Kenya boasts a particularly wide range of wild species. While the country leads other African nations in species and habitat protection, the future of its wildlife is still in the balance. More work needs to be done toward understanding the behavioral biology of Kenya’s wild species in order to ensure their survival.

Program Description

The Primatology, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Field School (PWEC) offers its participants a unique opportunity to learn about wildlife biodiversity across a range of diverse East African habitats. Two features separate this field school from any other, in Africa or the rest of the world:
•    A strong focus on primate field studies. Participants will have the opportunity to observe and collect data on 10 primate species, including some of the most endangered species on earth.
•    The exploration of a variety of habitats. Students will discover and conduct research in environments ranging from the mangroves on the Indian Ocean, to the dry savannas of the Laikipia plateau, to the riverine forest along the Tana River. This provides an unparalleled breadth of experience.
In addition to the scientific component, student will also be exposed to specific conservation problems, current debates, and emerging innovative solutions that are contextually and culturally different than any they will find elsewhere.


Information at a Glance

• Academics

• Program Itinerary

• Accommodations and Meals

• Program Costs

• Scholarships

• Travel Brochure

For more information about this program, please contact the Rutgers Study Abroad office.