�1Zander Galli

Investigating Wildlife, Ecosystems, and Human Communities

Table of Contents

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1. Trip Description……………………………………………3 2. Past Travel Experiences…………………………………4 3. Deep Interest in Wildlife………………………………..4 4. Lingo of Conservation……………………………………5 5. Research Goals, Questions, and Collected Data…..5 6. Travel Study Programs and Agencies………………..6 7. Significance of Gap Year………………………………..6 8. Gap Year Preparation and End Results.…………….6 9. Previous Reading Bibliography……………………….7

Trip Description The purpose of this Gap Year is to further my knowledge of animal conservation

throughout the world by having direct contact with varied wildlife, ecosystems and human communities. I plan to stay in a variety of accommodations including hotels, lodges, camp grounds, boats, and hostels. I intend to see polar bears in Alaska and Canada and learn how being the most northern species of bear has created some uncommon behavioral patterns. At the end of the summer, visiting Iceland will allow me to experience orcas in their natural habitat and research their superior intelligence and social infrastructure.

Later, in our winter season, I will research little known wildlife, like Japanese giant salamanders and red-crowned cranes in the northernmost island of Japan. Then, I will go to Southeast Asia and explore parts of Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos, where I will observe rainforest wildlife, visit nonprofit groups, and venture into some of the world’s greatest archaeological sites. Lastly in Asia, I will traverse Northern India, researching the declining populations of local endangered flora and fauna. After spending time in moderate and tropical climates, I intend to visit several biodiversity hotspots in Southern Chile, Antarctica, and the Falklands to learn how seasons in different hemispheres impact local wildlife.

After exploring the southernmost places on Earth, I will head to Oceania. Traveling through New Zealand’s sheltered mountains and fields will show me what a virtually untouched region of the world looks like. Then, Australia’s plethora of marine and terrestrial species will give insight to the variety of problems animals face. At the end of the spring, I plan to tour several islands in Southern Indonesia and Borneo, researching the endemic species like Komodo Dragons and Orangutans as well as the diversity of underwater life.

Next, Brazil’s Pantanal will give access to the southern continent’s primary wildlife sanctuary. Its freshwater wetlands support an abundance of aquatic life that attract larger predators, creating an intricate food web. This food web culminates with the Jaguar, the top predator and one of the main focuses of this trip. Our last stop on this gap year will be a six week expedition in Africa. Beginning in Madagascar, we will explore the varied landscapes of the subcontinent and their corresponding wildlife. Then, a brief gorilla trekking excursion will be followed by a month long safari in Southern Africa. The goal in Southern Africa is to have the most significant exposure to the vast conservation initiatives and wildlife in that region.

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Past Travel Experiences In August of 2011, I travelled to Kenya and Tanzania to go on safari with a company called Micato. My mom and I spent 14 days visiting many national parks in both countries and an animal orphanage in central Kenya. Activities on the trip included bush drives, hikes, and hot air balloon rides. This excursion, which exposed me to the most untamed typography on earth, greatly contributed to my passion for nature.

During the Spring of 2014, I ventured to China, where the highlight of the trip was a day long visit to the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Center. I volunteered there for the whole day cutting food, cleaning habitats, and watering plants. We took a tour of the entire facility and met all the red and giant pandas. I learned a lot about endangered animals and the steps that need to be taken to protect them. It was there that I became more understanding about the work that goes into conservation efforts.

Later, in the summer of 2015, my mom and I visited many islands in the Galapagos. We observed the amazing biodiversity on land and in the ocean and discovered animals from tortoises to iguanas. In the Amazon, a river cruise organized by National Geographic (Linblad) took us through the forest and gave us an opportunity to volunteer at a local school along the riverbank. What I enjoyed the most was traveling with a knowledgeable staff who shared fascinating background information and answered all my questions.

More recently, to further my interest in underwater life, I went to the Maldives in March of 2016 and 2017 and visited a small island called Velaa. On the trip, I went on a number of advanced dives all over the archipelago. These dives took us to a variety of locations, such as a reef wall and a channel between two large rocks. The trip helped me improve my scuba diving skills, including staying calm underwater and learning how to respect sea life.

Deep Interest in Wildlife Since a very early age, I have had a passion for animals and their ecosystems. I would scour encyclopedias from cover to cover everywhere I went. On vacations, I would take the book with me everywhere and study its content intensely. I was fortunate enough to travel to many places at a younger age, so I gained a huge appreciation for animals and other countries.

As I have gotten older, my curiosity in these subjects continues to grow. I have come to understand how the connection between wildlife, ecosystems, and people is pivotal to the survival of all species. In order for conservation to be possible, people need to become more knowledgeable about how ecosystems are inextricably related to all humans and wildlife. I hope the end results of my research and travels will raise people's awareness and change how they interface with their local biomes.

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I want to become more informed so I can follow my passion to work with and help animals and their habitats. If I have more knowledge in these subjects, I can become a more effective leader in this arena. The insight I gain on this gap year will give me more tools to collaborate with like-minded people around the world.

Lingo of Conservation Conservation, ecological and biodiversity are common words used to describe animals and how to preserve them. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a habitat, and it is crucial to the well being of the environment. In order to achieve a balanced biodiversity, there must be conservation efforts to keep the ecosystem in sync. People who help to conserve are ecologically minded or concerned with the relation between living organisms. These words, therefore, form the foundation of what I hope to learn more about during this gap year.

Research Goals, Questions, and Collected Data How can both humans and animals deal with the ominous lack of drinkable water on earth? (Animals have less to worry about because they can drink all types fresh water.) How do human conflicts effect local animals and their behavior? How are animals affected by unpredictable changing climates? How do national parks and reserves help protect animals from potential threats, and what else needs to be done? Which countries are doing the best job in local conservation? Which countries have the most productive and protected reefs on earth? Why are there no snakes in some island nations?

One of my main research goals on this year is to explore my life passion with animals by visiting these countries. I hope to learn how others’ conservation efforts connect human communities with local wildlife and ecosystems. By exploring what local people are doing for conservation, I can better determine what improvements need to be made on a global scale.

To achieve my goal, I would like to follow a simple POHEC ( i.e., problem, observation, hypothesis, experiment, conclusion) format. This research method will give me a consistent format to collect data, draw conclusions, and design ways to resolve this gap between human interface and the environment. My hypothesis is if I am able to learn new information and meet people with similar views, then I can raise awareness and conserve these animals with greater support and collaboration.

With this data, I would like to create an online photo journal and documentary as promotional tools to set up a foundation. The photo journal will contain approximately 200 photos. I will only select pivotal and meaningful photographs from around the world which will

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tell an important story about conservation and the environment. I intend to give viewers an emotional and spiritual connection to this important topic. My documentary will also offer a global perspective of the interface between humans, animals, and the environment, and will be my personal attempt to raise people’s awareness about the ecosystem.

Travel Study Programs and Agencies Travel with Martha will be the primary travel agency for this collaboration ( www.travelwithmartha.com ). They can help plan the trip in a personal way. Another iconic agency is National Geographic which specializes in trips for the eco-traveller. Each of their trips have experts from the field with a direct contact with several global agencies. The excursions are meticulously planned and executed. Trip options include expeditions, student travel, and active adventures. Also, Arête Educators, LLC will not only help me design a challenging educational program for this gap year, but it will also provide me with a personal tutor who will make sure I continue my academic growth. With the collaboration of these companies combined, I will have the help I need to make this year a success.

Significance The only way to truly learn and discover is to visit places and observe the animals in their natural habitats. It is also important to meet locals from all over the world who work with conservation in their countries because they have a very unique and important perspective. I know I can learn a lot from these people. My experience in writing a proposal like this one will help me create others when I work with conservation and business in the future.

Gap Year Preparation and End Result To prepare for the gap year, I have read, researched, and watched lots of documentaries on this subject that have contributed to my knowledge. Since this has been my passion for many years, I have been able to explore all types of materials including animals and plants, conservation, biology, and travel. All of this research will greatly contribute to the outcome of the year. I have prepared for this my whole life, and the end result will be a launch into my future in this field.

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Previous Reading Bibliography

Michael, Scott W. Marine Fishes. Neptune City, NJ, TFH-Microcosm, 2001.

Mladenov, Philip V. Marine Biology: a Very Short Introduction. Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2013.

Clutton-Brock, Juliet, and Don E. Wilson. Mammals. London, DK, 2002.

Grinspoon, David. Earth in Human Hands: Shaping Our Planet's Future. New York City, NY, Grand Central Publishing, 2016.

Scott, Jonathan. Safari Guide to East African Mammals. Nairobi, Kensta, 1997.

Gore, Al. An Inconvenient Truth: the Planetary Emergency of Global Warming and What We Can Do about It. Emmaus, PA., Rodale, 2006.

Cousteau, Fabien. Ocean. New York, DK Pub., 2008.

Jackson, Tom. The New Encyclopedia of American Animals. East Bridgewater, MA, JG Press, 2007.

O'Shea, Mark, and Tim Halliday. Reptiles and Amphibians. London, Dorling Kindersley, 2010.

Gilbert, Carter Rowell., and James David. Williams. National Audubon Society Field Guide to Fishes. New York, Alfred A. Knopf, 2002.

Kolbert, Elizabeth. Sixth Extinction: an Unnatural History. London, Bloomsbury, 2015.

Behler, John L. National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles and Amphibians. New York, Knopf, 2008.

Whitaker, John O. National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mammals. New York, Knopf, 2001.

Harrison, Colin James Oliver., and Alan Greensmith. Birds of the World. New York, Dorling Kindersley, 2002.

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Deacon, Kevin, et al. Sharks&Rays. San Fransisco, CA, Fog City Press, 1997.

Carwardine, Mark. Whales, Dolphins & Porpoises. New York, Time-Life Books, 1998.

Sartore, Joel, et al. The Photo Ark: One Man's Quest to Document the World's Animals. Washington, D.C., National Geographic, 2017.

Ambrose, Jamie. Wildlife of the World. London, Dorling Kindersley Limited, 2015.

Briggs, Philip, and Ariadne Van Zandbergen. East African Wildlife: a Visitor's Guide. Chalfont St. Peter, Bradt Travel Guides Ltd, 2016.

Hanna, Jack, and Amy Parker. Jungle Jack: My Wild Life. Nashville, TN, T. Nelson, 2008.

Richardson, Kevin, and Tony Park. Part of the Pride: My Life among the Big Cats of Africa. New York, St. Martin's Griffin, 2016.

Fisher, Chris, et al. Mammals of the Rocky Mountains. Edmonton, Lone Pine Pub., 2000.

Humann, Paul, and Ned DeLoach. Reef Fish Identification: Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas. Jacksonville, FL, New World Publications, Inc., 2014.

Webster, Charis. World of Animals Book of Ocean Wildlife. Bournemouth, Imagine Publishing Ltd., 2014.

Museum, South Australian. Australasian Nature Photography: ANZANG Ninth Collection. Collingwood, Vic., CSIRO Pub., 2012.

Museum, South. Australasian Nature Photography: ANZANG Eighth Collection. CSIRO Publishing, 2011.

Allen, Gerald, and Roger Steene. Reef Fish Identification: Tropical Pacific. Jacksonville, FL, New World Publications, 2015.

Carwardine, Mark, and Rosamund Kidman Cox. Extreme Nature. New York, Collins, 2008. Coombes, Allen J. Trees. London, Dorling Kindersley, 2010.

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Briggs, Mike, and Peggy Briggs. Animals: Encyclopedic Guide to the World's Wildlife. Bath, UK, Parragon, 2008.

Johnson, Jinny, and Philip Whitfield. The Complete Guide to Animals. London?, New Burlington Books, 2008.

Christiansen, Per. The Encyclopedia of Animals. London, Amber Books, 2006.

Lindsay, William, and Harry Taylor. Prehistoric Life. New York, NY, DK Pub., 2012.

Bronaugh, Whit. Wildlife of North America: a Naturalist's Lifelist: Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians, Freshwater Fishes, Butterflies, Dragonflies and Damselflies. Gainesville, University Press of Florida, 2006.

Vuilleumier, François. American Museum of Natural History Birds of North America. NY, NY, DK Publishing, 2016.

Whitfield, Philip, and Camilla De la Bédoyère. Firefly Encyclopedia of Animals. Richmond Hill, Ontario, Firefly Books, 2014.

Burnie, David, and Don E. Wilson. Animal: London, DK Pub., 2011.

Uhlenbroek, Charlotte. Animal Life. New York, DK Pub., 2011.

Yarrow, David, and William. Wild Encounters: Iconic Photographs of the World's Vanishing Animals and Cultures. New York, Rizzoli, 2016.

Knowlton, Nancy. Citizens of the Sea: Wondrous Creatures from the Census of Marine Life. Washington, National Geographic, 2010.

Copeland, Sebastian, and Richard Branson. Arctica: the Vanishing North. Kempen, TeNeues, 2015.

Mitchinson, John, et al. The Book of Animal Ignorance. London, Faber and Faber, 2015.

Fitzjohn, Tony. Born Wild. Oxford, Isis, 2012.

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Stone, George W. Wild, Beautiful Places: Picture-Perfect Journeys around the Globe. Washington, DC, National Geographic, 2016.

Rouse, Andy. Animal Portraits. New York, Barnes & Noble, 2007.

Aronson, Roy. Tales of an African Vet. Guilford, Lyons Press, 2014.

Wood, Lawson. Dive: the World's Best Dive Destinations. New York, Quercus, 2014.

Mee, Nick. Lonely Planet's Wild World. Melbourne, Lonely Planet, 2015.

Waldau, Paul. Animal Studies: an Introduction. New York, Oxford University Press, 2013.

DeMello, Margo. Animals and Society: an Introduction to Human-Animal Studies. New York, Columbia University Press, 2012.

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“If we go on the way we have, the fault is our greed and if we are not willing to change, we will disappear from the face of the globe, to be replaced by the insect”.

- Jacques Yves Cousteau

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“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make”.

- Jane Goodall