Web report by Tumelo Mabuela (Team Grasslands)
The insect practical was held from the 21st to the 23rd of February at Kgaswane Mountain Reserve, following the theoretical lecture the week before. During the practical, we had the opportunity to catch, observe, and identify numerous different insects. On Friday evening, Roger Mayes gave a brief overview of the programme for the rest of the weekend.
Saturday morning started with our Mammals test. This was followed by an interesting talk on making different types of insect traps using different baits.
Following the installation of the flying insect traps in trees around the camp, we went out to install ground traps in the three ecosystems of grasslands, rocky slopes and wetlands.
On Saturday afternoon, we went on a short walk to catch different types of insects and identify and observe them.
On Sunday morning, we went to a river to catch and identify water insects, and we also made a quick trip back to our traps to see what had been caught.
It was an amazing weekend and allowed us to observe insects that often go unnoticed.
Ed Note: Thanks to student Tumelo for this concise feedback of the insects practical weekend