Programs | Fall Programs | THAILAND

The Program

Our newest and most uniquely focused wildlife program examines the complex dynamics between Thailand’s magnificent Asian elephant and the surrounding communities that both support and struggle with these brilliant animals. Set amongst local farms, tropical forests, private reserves and managed land systems, Thailand's diverse ecosystems provide an exceptional field laboratory into the ecology and conservation of the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), and the social-ecological systems of human-elephant interactions. With less than 4000 wild elephants existing in Thailand, and an interestingly recent incline in population, our team will delve into the intricate relationship between species rehabilitation, wildlife conservation, sustainable agriculture, and community resilience.

Our journey will take us from the misty mountains of the Northern Thanon Thong Chai Range to the dense jungles of the Western Forest Complex to examine firsthand Thailand wild elephants, and experience Thailand’s incredible biodiversity – farmland and jungle that most visitors never get to see. You'll work alongside mahouts (elephant caretakers) at one of Thailand’s most ethical elephant sanctuaries to learn about elephant biology and ecology, building skills in behavior observation and individual identification, which we will later apply to our investigation of wild herds. Joining us at specific locations, experts in tropical forest ecology, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture will demonstrate how Thailand’s elephant habitats have changed and are more resilient in the face of development and climate change. We will visit three of Thailand’s incredible and breathtaking protected areas to study wildlife behavior, field-based research methods, and meet local and Indigenous communities living and working in these agroecosystems to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences, challenges, and profound ecological knowledge. Every experience is designed to show you how successful conservation must support the needs of both wildlife and the people who share these landscapes.

Team members on our Thailand Elephant Program will gain practical skills in field research, land management, and local stewardship while making meaningful contributions and providing support to a real-world conservation challenge, a more productive human-elephant coexistence. Immersive fieldwork will provide direct engagement with local stakeholders, including conservation biologists, innovative environmental scientists, and affected community members.

By the program's conclusion, participants will think holistically like conservation scientists, understanding elephants, forests, and agricultural landscapes as deeply interconnected components within complex socio-ecological systems. Students will leave equipped with practical interdisciplinary research skills in wildlife observation, habitat assessment, biodiversity monitoring, and community engagement. Whether you are interested in wildlife biology, environmental science, sustainable agriculture, or community development, this program highlights how integrated approaches create meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes for both wildlife and people.

Program Photo Gallery

Eric Witte

LEAD INSTRUCTOr

PhD Candidate in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, UC Santa Cruz;
MEd in STEAM Education, University of San Diego, 2021

Eric is an evolutionary biologist interested in venom and biological invasions. His current research focuses on the role of venom in lionfish invasion of coral reefs. He uses genomic techniques to understand both ancient and modern evolution. In addition to research, Eric is a passionate educator who taught biology in Morocco and Madagascar. He believes that travel helps us to develop a multidimensional understanding of other cultures and environments. Eric leads our Thailand program.