Master of International Nature Conservation graduate Sonam Lama has trapped some amazing animals- but all with his cameras.
Sonam’s degree research in the forests of Nepal last year involved capturing images of red pandas using motion activated fixed cameras to analyse the mammal's behaviour. He wanted to know which species the red pandas shared their forest habitat with.
He then went on to capture an elusive marbled cat for the first time in Trial. Any evidence before of its presence there was purely anecdotal.
The Master of International Conservation is a joint degree, which gives a unique global perspective on conservation by participants studying at two leading universities in different hemispheres- Lincoln University and the University of Göttingen in Germany.
Participants also take a three month internship with an conservation group where they get some hands-on experience.
Lincoln University has a strong focus on practical aspects of ecology and conservation and New Zealand is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.
Germany provides a sharp contrast. Its conservation focus is on highly modified landscapes with a strong cultural element and the development of conservation networks at a continental level.
Conservation biology and understanding ecological systems are the focus of both teaching and research at Göttingen.
Sonam worked with Associate Professor Adrian Paterson and Senior Lecturer James Ross from Lincoln University, and Nepalese-based NGOs, placing 63 trail cameras in an area of eastern Nepal on the border with India.
Over 5000 images of medium to large mammals were taken. The results have been published in the journal Nature Conservation. Three were images of the marbled cat.
The Master of International Nature Conservation degree means you will be well prepared for an international career in the area of nature conservation, like Sonam or it may be attractive to professionals wishing to add an international facet to their career.
Apply now to enrol in semester two.
http://www.lincoln.ac.nz/Study/Qualifications/Qualification/?QualCode=m.international%20nature%20conservation