About
Study African Reptiles is an initiative that facilitates periodic field courses and outreach learning opportunities focused on African reptiles.
Our idea arose out of a perceived gap in the educational needs of university students in South Africa. For biology students, an opportunity to participate in a field course offers learning environment that deepens understanding beyond a traditional classroom. Moreover, the chance to travel into new landscapes, meet students and researchers from other universities, and explore new topics can have a long-lasting impression—both academically and personally.
Our mission is to encourage students to learn about reptiles and field research through experiential learning.
More information on our research projects and outputs can be found at maritzlab.com.
Dr Bryan Maritz
Senior Lecturer
Dept. Biodiversity & Conservation Biology
University of the Western Cape
Research interests — understanding the ecological role of snakes within African ecosystems, including patterns of predator-prey dynamics, competition, resource utilisation, and community functional traits.
Dr Robin Maritz
Research fellow
Dept. Biodiversity & Conservation Biology
University of the Western Cape
Research interests — understanding the natural history of snakes and lizards in southern Africa including a specific interest in the feeding ecology of snakes.
Courses
This course has been suspended until further notice due to COVID-19.
What — Reptile Diversity in African Savannas (RDAS) is an independent field course that provides university biology students with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with reptiles and the field techniques associated with herpetology. Through experiential learning and formalised lectures, students learn about reptile biodiversity, ecology, physiology and evolution with an emphasis on savanna ecosystems.
Specific learning outcomes include the ability to identify frequently encountered reptiles, to understand the natural history and ecology of these reptiles, to utilise field guides and reference books effectively, to design, implement, and discuss the findings of a field-based reptile ecology survey, and to maintain a detailed field journal of notes and observations.
History — The idea for the course was developed by Bryan and Robin Maritz in 2017 with ground support from Donovan Tye (OTS) and Karen Vickers (Nsasani). The course has run on a biannual basis in the Kruger National Park at the Skukuza Science Leadership Initiative (SSLI) research centre. Read the 2017 Course Report.
Why — Many enthusiastic students — the future conservationists, researchers, and educators — fail to experience intact African savannas and their associated biodiversity, including reptiles, as a result of South Africa’s history and subsequent economic inequality. Additionally, hands-on training, especially surrounded by the excitement of wildlife, deepens the learning experience beyond what a traditional classroom by providing an immersive environment.
Who — Undergraduate students have come from the University of the Western Cape, University of Mpumalanga, and University of Venda. Students are selected based on their enthusiasm to learn more about reptiles and field research. Selected candidates exhibit enthusiasm toward learning about reptiles and, additionally, have not had the opportunity to travel beyond their local community, to experience the flora and fauna in a protected ecosystem, or to participate in a field course.
This course has been led by a collaborative team of researchers and offers students a rigorous introduction to field research, herpetology, and savanna ecology. Previous lecturers have included: Dr Bryan Maritz (UWC), Dr Robin Maritz (UWC), Prof Graham Alexander (Wits), Donovan Tye (OTS), Dr Nicola Stevens (Oxford), Dr Izak Smit (SANParks).
Support — The generous support received from organisations and individuals — from within South Africa and abroad — has made it possible for students to participate without any financial burden.
Previous supporters have included: Nsasani Trust, Organization for Tropical Studies, University of Mpumalanga, University of the Western Cape, Herpetological Conservation International, Comair Limited, Chiricahua Desert Museum, African Snakebite Institute, and many private donors.