Name: Anne-Marie Stewart
Nationality: South African
Name of Project: Cheetah Conservation Fund
Geographic Location of Project: Namibia
What prompted you to want to want to study/work with animals in the wild?
I have always loved animals and being outdoors. I wanted to make a real difference to conserve the environment and not just be another consumer
Why this particular species?
The cheetah is endangered – through education I believe we can change this situation
When did you first know you were interested in animals?
At a very young age, when I spent holidays on farms and in nature reserves.
Who had the most influence on you in terms of wanting to study/work with animals?
My father
What is it like to work in the field?
It can be tough, but it is very rewarding when you achieve what you set to do.
What is the hardest part of doing fieldwork?
Sometimes the hours are vey long and it can be hot.
What is the best part of doing fieldwork?
Being in the wild with no traffic or crowds, just the sound of nature and the beauty of the surroundings
Did books influence your interest in animals?
What are some of your favorite books both fiction and nonfiction? David Attenborough – Life on Air; The James Herriot books are great for animal lovers; Rudyard Kipling’s stories, Jane Goodall’s books on her experiences.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a field researcher?
You need to study ecology, biology or conservation degree and must have a real passion for wildlife and conservation, because sometimes the job can be tough. When you see how people are destroying the environment, it can get a bit depressing. You must want too make a difference.
What do you ultimately want your project to accomplish?
I would hope that this project helps to ensure the survival of the cheetah in it’s natural environment, while making sure that local people benefit from having the cheetah in their country.