SANBI Groen Sebenza interns: Erin Crowhurst
Getting to know Erin Crowhurst
I have been frequenting the Kruger National Park since I was quite young, which is where my passion for nature began. I chose to study Botany and Chemistry to avoid dissecting animals, but later changed my field to Botany and Zoology. In 2022, I completed my MSc Zoology at the University of Johannesburg, focusing on the spatial distribution pattern of elephant shrews using mitochondrial and nuclear markers. I applied for various internships within the SANBI Groen Sebenza internship program and was selected to work in Skukuza under Dr Sam Ferreira as a mammal ecologist intern.
Moving from Johannesburg, where I lived my entire life, to living in the bush in Skukuza has been quite an adjustment, but a move well worth it. Since starting in the beginning of 2023, I have been involved in numerous projects on animals, including predator surveys, elephant dung counts, and rhino dehorning. I have learnt a great deal while having fun in the field. I look forward to seeing where this position takes me expanding my knowledge and skills. I also look forward to more incredible experiences here and with the Scientific Services team.
This article was written by Erin Crowhurst and originally published in the 2022/2023 Research Report.
