University of Osnabrück - Behavioral Biology

Field excursion to the Pendjari National Park (Benin) (March-April 2006)

The participants (+photographer)

Ca va? Et la chaleur?

The projects

Project conducted by the students:

(1) Anthropogenic influence on termite diversity
(2) Population regulation of a tropical ecosystem engineer, the mound-building termite Macrotermes bellicosus
(3) The hot-blooded insects: Thermoregulation in termites
(4) Prey spectrum of spotted hyenas
(5) Diversity islands in the savanna: Comparing bird diversity on vegetated termite mounds and in the surrounding savanna
(6) Diversity islands in the savanna: Comparing phytodiversity one vegetated termite mounds and in the surrounding savanna

Everybody in line: Re-collecting termite baits,
a joint effort

Measuring savanna cathedrals

Wrapping termite mounds to determine the surface area – what a fun (?!) – some people getting addicted to it?

This species we did not see- but we searched and waited for it and now know what it eats

Field work can be so relaxing?!

No, termite mounds do not have more spiny shrubs:
Statistics rejected our personal experience

Is there really anything else besides termites and birds to watch for in the PNP? Hardly – or does anybody pay attention to these guys :
Troublemakers - sometimes getting overlooked

Departure from Ouagadougou

Prof. Brice Sinsin (University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou) discussing conservation issues with our group and local students.

Working at home

Our 5*cooks

A hard-earned thirst: The first cold drinks after the bush!