▌遠赴南非！學習野生動物保育與鑑識科學，打擊盜獵犯罪
臺大國際處攜手 #國際引水人計畫 南非實習機構夥伴 #野生動物法醫學院 ( #WFA) 舉辦「臺大南非動物保育、犯罪與法醫解密見習團 」，讓 11 位跨領域的同學，展開一場震撼心靈的野生動物鑑識之旅。
在專業的警官Petro van der Westhuizen、獸醫Dr. Greg Simpson與律師Phil Snijman與環境學家Dr. Jan Marx的指導下，11位來自獸醫、生科、政治、社會、心理等科系的同學們，體驗了一次完整的鑑識流程：從犯罪現場到實驗室，親手學習如何蒐集、標記與保存證物，每樣細節都可能成為破案的關鍵。透過解剖不幸罹難的動物遺體，學習如何分析死因，並從中採集DNA讀物等生物證據；最終到模擬法庭將蒐集到的證據與發現，轉化為具體的證詞，學習以科學證據為野生動物發聲。
WFA 坐落於開普敦西岸的 Bufflesfontein動物保育區，在專業的課程之餘，學生們也有充分的機會到野外見習，課堂就坐落在這片遼闊的草原上，與長頸鹿、犀牛、羚羊和斑馬為鄰。在這裡最獨特的課堂規則就是：「一旦外面有動物經過，我們就停止一切到教室外頭觀察動物。」
除專業課程10 天見習也安排了豐富的文化體驗與參訪：同學們不僅有機會到獵豹保育中心了解保育工作，在Boulders Beach 沙灘觀察瀕臨絕種的南非企鵝，甚至到南非警察局（SAPS）的鑑識科學實驗室，學習槍支和子彈的鑑識。此外，還體驗了品酒、衝浪等多元的活動，深度感受南非度讀特風情。
這趟見習讓同學們在學術之外，獲得了更廣闊的視野與生命體驗。
更多有關國際引水人計畫：https://internshipabroad.ntu.edu.tw/
▌A Journey to South Africa: Learning Wildlife Conservation and Forensic Science to Combat Poaching
In collaboration with the Wildlife Forensic Academy (WFA), our South African partner for the #OverseasInternshipProgram, the NTUOIA organized the "2025 NTU x WFA Traineeship: South Africa - Conservation. Forensics. Action." This initiative led 11 interdisciplinary students on a truly impactful journey into wildlife forensics.
Under the expert guidance of Police Officer Petro van der Westhuizen, Veterinarian Dr. Greg Simpson, Lawyer Phil Snijman, and Environmentalist Dr. Jan Marx, the students—majoring in Veterinary Medicine, Life Science, Political Science, Sociology, and Psychology—experienced a complete forensic investigation process. From the crime scene to the lab, they learned firsthand how to collect, mark, and preserve evidence, understanding that every detail could be key to solving a case. They performed dissections on animals that had tragically fallen victim to crime, analyzing the cause of death and collecting biological evidence like DNA. Finally, in a mock courtroom, they learned to translate their findings into compelling testimony, using scientific evidence to be a voice for wildlife.
The WFA is located within the Bufflesfontein Game Reserve on the west coast of Cape Town. Beyond the professional curriculum, students had ample opportunities for field observation. Our classroom was set on the vast African savanna, where we were neighbors with giraffes, rhinos, springboks, and zebras. The most unique rule of our class was: "As soon as an animal walks past outside, we stop everything to go out and observe it."
In addition to the intensive curriculum, the 10-day traineeship included a rich array of cultural experiences and visits. Students had the chance to learn about conservation efforts at the cheetah sanctuary, observe endangered African penguins on the beaches of Boulders Beach, and even visit the South African Police Service (SAPS) forensic science laboratory to learn about firearms and ballistics analysis. The program also featured diverse activities like wine tasting and surfing, allowing students to deeply immerse themselves in the unique culture of South Africa.
This internship offered students not only a solid academic experience but also a broader perspective and a profound connection to life.
