KA Report: Tropical Biology in Uganda

The participants and professors on the TBA course on one of the final days in Uganda.

Oliver Sworder (2021 MBiol Biology) writes:

I first got a taste of tropical biology on a 10-day skills-training field course in Borneo as part of my degree, so I was enraptured with the idea of going back to research in the tropics. I successfully applied to spend a month doing the much more in-depth Tropical Biology Association (TBA) course, but I could not have anticipated quite how transformative it would be. I have developed skills in creating and carrying out scientific projects, made new friendships and connections that span the globe, and I am beginning to design a research project in the tropics for next summer, based on the lessons, experiences and connections I made through the TBA course.

Oliver (right) and his partners in the final research project

I arrived in Uganda shortly after finishing my undergraduate degree, with much theoretical knowledge in ecology, but barely any practical experience. Almost immediately, field exercises started, and I gained experience in several field techniques, such as morphospecies identification and coming up with thorough research questions.

For my final project, I studied safari ants, ferocious predators of the forest floor. In our introductory walks through the forest, we leapt over columns of these vicious creatures as they crossed the forest paths. Later, in the second field exercise, I was attacked by them, as I unknowingly stepped into a foraging zone, and they infiltrated my trousers — I literally had ants in my pants. I was fascinated by their seemingly excessive defence, and I ended up studying this phenomenon.

Safari ants (Dorylus sp.) in a foraging column along the forest floor

Driver ant columns are well-defended, with soldier ants sometimes forming a living wall of defence or going on the offence when they sense a threat. I investigated whether there is an increase in defence when there is a higher predation intensity, and when that predation is targeted at worker ants or soldier ants. We wrote our results up into a short report, and we will try to get this published — potentially my first ever publication!

I am incredibly grateful to everybody that made this possible for me. Without the generous and substantial financial support I received from numerous sources, including the Keble Association, I would never have had this absolutely formative experience; I would have never made these connections, gained the valuable insight into research in the tropics, nor broadened my horizons and my goals for my future! I am absolutely sure that this experience has been another stepping stone towards a truly exciting career in tropical conservation.