Camille studied lizards in South Africa
In the final year of her Master of Biology: Biodiversity, Conservation and Restoration, Camille investigated how sprint performance related to temperature and variation in osteoderm expression (bony plates embedded in the skin) in the Cape cliff lizard, an endemic South African lizard species. Her thesis is part of a broader research project led by Eleesha Annear (FunMorph Lab), which investigates how variation in osteoderm expression relates to the thermal biology of Hemicordylus capensis, an endemic South African lizard species.
What did a typical day look like?
We would spend several days on site, either in the arid Western Cape or in a hut atop a foggy mountain, to collect lizards from two study populations. Every morning, we walked a transect to collect behavioural data: we selected a 200-metre path at three different locations and walked it every three hours. This allowed us to record changes in lizard activity as the day's temperature varied. In addition, we explored the area to locate individuals other than those living along the transect, whom we would catch and later study in the lab.
Once back in the lab, we carried out experiments we had carefully planned in advance and for which we had obtained permission from Cape Nature, the public conservation agency responsible for managing biodiversity in South Africa’s Western Cape Province. The species under study is notable for living in very contrasting environments. One population was found in an extremely hot and dry, desert-like environment, while the other inhabited a rainy, foggy area. The experiment we carried out allowed us to determine how temperature affects individuals from these two different environments, what they prefer, and how they manage to adapt.
How did you choose this topic?
My interest in ecophysiology was the starting point: understanding the mechanisms that influence species' evolutionary pathways, affect their behaviour, and determine their responses to rapid climate change. Additionally, I have always aspired to study African wildlife and ecosystems; therefore, I decided to take the opportunity when I saw this proposed thesis topic.
At the same time, the proposed topic was mainly a starting point for shaping my own research questions. Through discussions with my supervisor, I was encouraged to make my own suggestions and actively co-develop the project.
That is also my main tip for students who want to secure a specific thesis topic: go into your meeting with your (future) supervisor well prepared. I had read papers on the topic, looked at my supervisor’s publications, and prepared my own questions. You can really think of it as a job interview.
My advice? Treat the thesis intake interview as an application: prepare thoroughly and don’t hesitate to ask questions yourself.
Was there a lot of administration involved in going to South Africa?
Because my thesis was part of an ongoing research project, I received a lot of help from my supervisor with the administrative process. I’ve always felt lucky to collaborate with her, as there was a lot to go through. I received help whenever I needed it, and we went through it successfully. Apart from the ethics approval for our experiments, the additional funds we applied for, and some other administrative tasks, I personally had to complete the University of Antwerp’s mobility form, as well as a risk analysis, a workplace traineeship form, and an internship agreement. I had to be up to date with my vaccinations. I also applied for an international driver’s licence, just in case.
What were the biggest advantages of going abroad for your thesis? What did you learn that you wouldn’t have learned in Belgium?
First of all, conducting fieldwork allowed me to situate my project within its ecological context. I witnessed the differences in temperature and climate between the two study sites, which made it easier to understand what the lizards experience every day. I learned about the lizards’ behaviour and how they interact with their environment, and I also gained experience in conducting experiments.
Secondly, international collaboration. I worked with a local student from Cape Town, and together we created a richer database for both our projects, covering different aspects of a broader research question on the same species. Working with other scientists allows you to learn from others’ perspectives. That experience encourages you to ask more - and different - questions yourself. It truly broadens your horizons and also made me reflect on my future career: how do I want to make an impact as a scientist in the world?
Of course, discovering South African wildlife while doing fieldwork was incredible. I’ve seen things I would not have been able to see here in Belgium. My supervisor even gave me some time to visit places I wanted to see, which allowed me to go on a safari once our research was completed.
What surprised you the most during your stay?
It is surprising to see how education can be different between countries. South African students have to do an additional year between their bachelor’s and master’s programmes, which is called an ONIS year. During this year, they already start working on projects. As a result, they start their master’s thesis with more experience and greater confidence in their own ideas. I found that very valuable because these skills are not only expected during a master’s programme but also reinforce the level required to become a scientist.