By Cliford Nxumalo, Research Assistant: Conservation ScienceÂ
In October and November 2025, Professor Alan Gardiner and I from the Conservation Science thematic area, together with ethnobotanist Tony Cunningham and field assistant Shabani, undertook a biodiversity sampling trip to Angola. Our primary objective was to collect endemic butterflies and conduct Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) biodiversity sampling.Â
This was my second visit to Angola, but the experience felt entirely new. We travelled in Professor Alan’s car, which had never been tested over such a long distance. Crossing borders through South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia was smooth. However, entering Angola through the Catuiti border proved challenging, as poor road conditions delayed us for two days before we reached a suitable route.Â
Along the way, we met one of our students in Namibia who was studying the Advanced Certificate in Nature Conservation NQF Level 6. It was encouraging to see his progress and to share updates. In Angola, I was once again struck by the country’s beauty—towering mountains, wide rivers, and endless plains alive with butterflies. We began our collection work in the Menongue area and later travelled to Malanje Wakaya Camp, where we met Tania Paschen, who had previously worked at the College.
Unfortunately, we also witnessed the negative impacts of deforestation. Large areas of forest have been cleared for charcoal production or replaced with coffee plantations, destroying habitats and causing species to disappear. Places where we had once recorded rare butterfly species were now barren.Â
As part of our work, we conducted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for a solar panel project. Using butterflies and ants as indicator species, we studied two sites. In Catete, we applied a 50 × 50 metre sampling method, spending an hour in each square to record butterfly species. We also classified soil and vegetation types, which was an enjoyable and informative process.Â
During our stay in Luanda Province, we were hosted at the Epic Sana Hotel for four nights. One highlight was a visit to the South Atlantic Ocean coast for ice cream – a refreshing break from fieldwork. At the second site in Lauca Village, I met Peter, a myrmecologist. Professor Alan encouraged me to work closely with him, and I learned valuable ant-sampling techniques. We used line transects with 12 pitfall traps each, spending two days searching for ants within 10 metres of each trap. Collecting ants required patience and precision, but it was highly rewarding. The knowledge I gained from Peter will be passed on to future students.Â
Beyond the scientific work, I immersed myself in Angolan culture. I practised my Portuguese and enjoyed local foods, including a giant mushroom we bought along the roadside that lasted us four days.Â
Angola is a country of immense natural beauty and valuable resources, but it faces serious threats from deforestation and overexploitation. While the hospitality we received was exceptional, it was also disheartening to see how much of the environment is being destroyed for short-term gain. This journey was not only a scientific mission but also a personal awakening – an experience that reshaped my perspective on conservation and reinforced the urgent need to protect biodiversity.Â