Science Travel-Study

Fiji - 2018

Accomplishments of the Expedition

On this expedition, students spent two weeks performing conservation research in Fiji. The two days were spent in the traditional Fijian village of Vusaratu. Here students explored the native culture. The following 5 days were spent in the mountain performing research on invasive mongoose species, carbon counts of the forest, butterfly surveys and bird surveys. The goal of this research is to help Fiji establish its first National Park.

The second week was spent at the marine site in Natewa Bay, the largest bay in the Pacific ocean. Students used their diving skills to gather valuable data for this bay as they were in the first hundred people to dive in this bay. Dives included fish identification, invertebrate identification and coral 3D mapping. Click here to see a summary of the expedition and students' final projects.

Forest Surveys

Left: A group on a forest survey by a beautiful waterfall.

Photo by David Byng

Natewa Silktail

Above right: Students help ornithologist Joe England capture birds using mist netting. They gathered data, banded and released the Natewa Silktail bird. This bird has not been seen since the 1970's and is highly under researched. All of this data is valuable in studying this bird that little is known about.

Above left: Student Caroline Sundal handles and releases the Natewa Silktail.

New Species Discovery - Papilio natewa

While in Fiji, butterfly specialist John Tennent was there to investigate a potential new species of swallowtail butterfly. A photo of this butterfly was taken in 2017 and entomologists were unable to identify it. Students were led by John on butterfly surveys to search for the new species. While on trail, students helped John find it's habitat and capture specimens. In October 2018, the species was officially described to science, the first swallowtail discovered in 50 years.

Left: Photos taken on trail of the newly discovered swallowtail butterfly.

Below: Students learning from John Tennent on trail and at base camp.

Expedition Videos

Check out videos made by students Jordan Runice and Ali Kidd.

Terrestrial Week Photos

Students spent their terrestrial week split between a traditional Fijian village and in the forest camp.

Fijian village

Participate in daily life activities
Made their own lunch in a lovo (an earth oven)
Traditional crafts - mat weaving and tapa making
Volleyball and playing with the children

Forest Camp

Students camped in the forests of Fiji & participated in Biodiversity studies

Forest Habitat Measurements
- tree ID, canopy cover, carbon count
Biodiversity Surveys
- Butterfly,
- Mammals (bats, invasive mongoose)
- Birds (mist netting and counts)

Marine Week Photos

Students spent their marine week in Natewa Bay, the largest bay in the Pacific. Students participated in the following surveys by snorkeling or scuba diving.