Malaise Trap Programmme
About malaise trap programme?
NSF is mounting 4 malaise traps this year. The traps will be set up for a whole year, in four different spots across the country; Cairo, Ismailia, Marsa Matrouh and the western desert. The purpose of having these traps is to find out about the insect diversity especially of the low flying insects such as diptera in the different areas.
The specimens are collected every Sunday by scientists, who identify the species and prepare them for further science work. Every other Sunday we are open to receive young people to examine our findings and learn about insect taxonomy from real scientists.
aim of the programme
The purpose of the program is to introduce nature and its basic components to young people and promote the understanding of biodiversity with its different levels. Through the program we aim to provide hands on practical material to experience the work of scientists. In addition to understanding of the taxonomy and genetics sciences through practice.
This learning experience will also add to a growing international genetic data base of species “Bioscan”. An approach developed by Guelf University in Canada to identify species by their genetic code in addition to the taxonomic classification.
who is it for?
This program is suitable for children of the age 9+. We have two programs in place for schools; one for the elementary and the other for secondary school students. Both are quiet similar with the difference in the intensity of the scientific content.
how it works?
And the process goes as follows:
1. NSF team sets up the traps in the designated areas.
2. The traps are checked weekly, under the responsibility and supervision of the assigned personnel.
3. Specimens are collected from traps.
4. NSF team provides 4 sessions throughout the week on biodiversity, classification, statistics and genetics.
5. Specimens are sent to the lab for genetic id (optional)
6. The group gets a full report of the results.