News - College Collaborates with University
Cornwall College press release
Cornwall College Newquay and the University of Cardiff are working together to help preserve the rainforest in Sabah, Borneo.
Gathering data on the different species that currently live in the rainforest will help inform the Sabah Wildlife Department before work starts on a rainforest corridor.
Led by Dr Benoit Goossens, staff at the Danau Girang Field Centre and Sabah's Wildlife Department are working to collaborate with local palm oil plantations to ensure the conservation of the rainforest. One way in which to do this is to create wildlife corridors allowing wildlife to travel from one part of the rainforest to the other with ease.
Dr Andrew Smart, Head of Cornwall College Newquay recently spent two weeks in the rainforest. "To be given the opportunity to work in a rainforest and carry out surveys that will really make a difference is a wonderful experience and one that I think our students could hugely benefit from. The main aim of my trip was to look at the suitability of the site for our students to carry out their own research and I can honestly say I think it would be perfect."
Cornwall College Newquay offers a number of animal based qualifications including foundation degrees in Zoological Conservation, Animal Science, Wildlife Education and Media and Marine Conservation and a part-time BSc in Applied Zoology.
During the two week visit Dr Smart carried out night time crocodile and primate surveys and measured the height and growth of trees with students and staff from Cardiff University.
"I also set up and ran a number of trial projects which included; recording bird calls to identify canopy species, collecting samples from freshwater pools and forest streams which hasn't really been done before so my research will prepare for a baseline study on a future trip; and I also trialled the use of remote camera traps which produced lots of images that will help us understand the role of the bearded pig in making animal trials through the forest."
All of these findings will benefit the Danau Girang Field Centre and Sabah Wildlife Department when working with the palm oil plantations.
Dave Linnell OBE, Principal of Cornwall College said: "This type of field trip will enhance the studies of our students and will give them real life experience which is essential when looking for employment after study."
All undergraduate courses at Cornwall College are approved by the University of Plymouth.