Two MSc students co-supervised by Dr. Stephanie Plön a research associate in the the CMR recently attended the Symposium of Contempory Conservation Practice in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, from the 4th to the 8th of November 2013. Amy Bishop and Zianca Nolte, registered with the Department of Zoology & Entomology (with Prof. William Froneman) at Rhodes University, presented part of their MSc research on the Age, growth and reproduction of striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) off southern Africa at the symposium.
While the symposium concentrated mainly on terrestrial wildlife conservation, all aspects of conservation were covered and two days were set aside for marine biodiversity and management. The students found it encouraging to see what conservation and management strategies are currently being employed in the country in both the marine and terrestrial sector and enjoyed meeting and interacting with conservationists from all fields. The symposium was a great learning experience for the students to see how much work goes into conservation, from research to implementing strategies, and both enjoyed taking part!