I opened up a new field site for this field season. It was a beast! Although I only caught two individual Pouched rats over the 80 x80 m square grid, it was a great effort. And much was learned. In addition to non-target captures in my live traps, I also put out camera traps. I [...]

D is for Driving. Driving in Tanzania was its own challenge.  For my perspective (American) everything was completely different.  They drive on the left side of the road (European-style). With little exception, there are only two lanes – on the highway, in the city, everywhere. The lanes are narrow, sometimes there is a median but [...]

I absolutely love the textiles here in Tanzania.  They are rich with colors and come in so many varieties. I’ve become fabric wasted and my wardrobe has definitely been influenced. You all back in the States will soon see. There are three very popular, main types of textiles commonly seen here in Tanzania: Khanga, Kitenge, [...]

Every now and then I catch something else besides an African Pouched Rat. It’s not what I was aiming to catch, but I am happy nonetheless. Catching predators always gives me great joy. I’m pretty sure this is a Marsh Mongoose, Atilax paludinosus. It fits the description, looks like the pictures, lives in the distribution [...]

Hearts and Prayers to Moore, Oklahoma. I was sound asleep and was completely unaware of the weather and tragedy happening back home. A very bad tornado hit Oklahoma – just south of Oklahoma City. I began getting messages on Twitter, Facebook, and via email asking if I was still in Africa or not. I am. [...]

I see these magnificent shells littered on the ground – in the woods, on lawns, everywhere. It’s the shell of the Giant African Land Snail. In Tanzania, they are native – living in terrestrial habitats or on land. But back in the United States they are an invasive species. Not only do they devour vegetation of most [...]

#Solidarity4Wilmot prevails. Thank you! Charges dropped against Kiera Wilmot. Yes! And YES!! Anyone else doing backflips? This news, combined with her full expulsion from school (for next year) being over turned makes me very, very happy for her. (Though I’m thinking ahead – would returning to Bartow High School be in her best interest? Others [...]

It took longer to get,set up but I am finally trapping. That means I’m collecting data. Woo, hoo! Here is a peek into all of the fun I’ve had working hard in Tanzania! (You can follow my real time updates from Tanzania on Twitter, @DNLee5 and the hashtag #DispatchesDNLee. If you would like a Dispatch [...]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for reaching out and speaking up for #KieraWilmot and showing #Solidarity4Wilmot.  I teared up as I read all of the offers of support to assist Kiera and other students all over the country. I was amazed, but not at all surprised. I know this community of educators, teachers, scientists, [...]