​I’m Yvonne Tshiamo Baisang, and I’m currently doing my internship with Cheetah Conservation Botswana at their Ghanzi Camp. I have been here for six months now. Being someone who has grown up in Ghanzi, it has been quite an experience to see what conservationists in the area are involved with on a daily basis. While I studied my Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences at the University of Botswana, joining the University of Botswana Wildlife and Environmental Conservation Society (UBWECs) felt like a natural extension of my interests in conservation. This was one of the reasons I wanted to be part of the CCB community, because I wanted to continue contributing towards wildlife conservation, as well as better understand cheetahs’ welfare. Knowing that common stories about cheetahs paint a dire picture, I thought of this as a great opportunity to make a difference as far as cheetah conservation is concerned.
 
Since I began working at CCB, I have gained a lot of knowledge, including how to set up and maintain camera traps in commercial farms as well as near the Bere and Kacgae cattle posts. Opportunities like going on off-road excursions, camping in the wilderness, and the challenge of single-handedly setting up my own tent have been some of the most intriguing aspects. Finally, I have had the opportunity to learn more about, and appreciate, the various animal species that can be found in and around the Ghanzi region. The skills I've obtained at CCB thus far, and will continue to gain, will be essential in my research journey because I intend to continue my studies and pursue a career in research. My first CCB Annual Planning Meeting experience at Limpopo River Lodge will always be one of my favorite CCB memories – especially the cross country travel part of it. What’s more, I got to learn more about local animals and plants, spoor (footprint) tracking, and connect informally with a lot of the members of staff.

Thobo Motlhoka of Botswana-based newspaper, The Telegraph, paid a visit to our Ghanzi Field Camp to learn more about the work we do with farming communities. Having spent some time on the ground with our Farming for Conservation team, he offers his insights in a feature you can read here.