Toyota Enviro Outreach 2010 DNA Barcode Project launched

Although the Toyota Enviro Outreach never really sleeps, the 2010 project was officially launched at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) - home of one of the Outreach’s partners - on Wednesday 25 August 2010, four weeks prior to the start of the expedition. The purpose of the event was to get the team together for the first time and due to the size (the biggest yet on an Outreach) to explain the what, why, how, where and when of the project.

While the Outreach’s main aim in 2009 was to assist the South African Wildlife College with field work in neighbouring countries, Professor Michelle van der Bank of the UJ and Olivier Maurin, one of her PhD students, joined the expedition to do DNA Barcoding on trees. With 2010 being the international year of biodiversity and with Michelle being the custodian of the South African leg of the international Barcode of Life project, the subject of the environmental assistance of the Outreach for this year was a natural choice. DNA Barcoding of as many species as possible (the aim is set at 1 500) in the three South African biodiversity hotspots (see attached map) will be assimilated during the three week expedition. In fact the Outreach will be assisting the DNA Barcoding project for the next three years.

If you think the Outreach consists of bundu bashing through the bushes of Africa, think again. Especially if you look at scientists and intelligentsia making up this year’s team. No less than 17 specialists will have to be accommodated, fed, transported and looked after by the Klipbokkop logistical team. Not to mention the scientific infrastructure and equipment the Toyotas will have to carry. Samples need to be treated with delicacy and must be packed and treated in a specific way to ensure the DNA data is not lost or damaged. For example, any succulent sample needs to be frozen immediately to ensure true results.

After a brilliant presentation by Michelle to put everyone in the picture, the team started talking, asking questions and getting the DNA juices going. Almost to the effect that they nearly missed the scrumptious lunch offered by UJ. Thanks Michelle that will be the last meal you’ll have to worry about for the Outreach. Gerhard and Elmarie Groenewald and their team will ensure that everyone is well fed, sheltered and transported from 20 September to 6 October.

The table is set. The clock is ticking. Follow the progress of the Outreach on this blog, on facebook, twitter and there will also be a great article in My Tyd, the magazine inside Rapport on 5 September.