Overall, I loved our field trips during the MSc. My classmates and I learned a lot about field data collection and observation. For example, during the daytime, we learned from Dr. Chhin Sophea how to identify bird species, read maps and do camera trap surveys to record shy animals. During the nighttime, Dr. Ith Saveng taught us how to set up mist nets for bat surveys, take voucher samples, and record field data. We also learned how to survey reptiles and amphibians and other skills such as macro-photography. And last but not least, we learned how to set up our field camps properly, including many simple but important things such as how to set up hammocks to avoid getting wet during rain.

In the future, I want to work on community-based conservation and the development of policies that help humans and wildlife to live in harmony. I currently see this as having two parts. The first is to work with people living inside and nearby protected areas. Here, I want to help identify what they need for survival and what biodiversity they can preserve. I also want to share what I have learned about the value of natural ecosystems because I believe education is an effective tool for preserving nature. The second part is that I think we have good laws and regulations for environmental protection and preserving nature. However, their implementation is limited. For example, many people settle inside projected areas. This happens because of poor management which is something I want to help to improve.