Interview with Kait Taylor

Written By: Mariana, a Junior Giraffe Club member

Kaitlyn Taylor is a Junior Giraffe Club facilitator, and is currently in South Africa pursuing her Masters degree in Wildlife Science at the University of the Free State. Her research is focusing on how human sounds impact giraffe behavior and if giraffes can become habituated to these noises. Originally from Mississauga, Ontario, Kaitlyn graduated from West Liberty University in West Virginia double majoring in Zoo Science and Applied Conservation, and Environmental Stewardship and Education.

Junior Giraffe member Mariana asked Kait a few questions about her voyage to Africa, work in the field, and more:

1. After you graduated, how did you feel when you left for your long trip from your hometown in Canada to Africa? 

I had a mixture of emotions! I was really excited to start my journey to study giraffes, but I was also nervous and scared leaving home and my family, and going to a place I was unfamiliar with and so far away. Thankfully, I talked to a few people from South Africa before I left, and that made my transition to life in South Africa so much better than I could have imagined. I am extremely grateful for their kindness, as they made me feel like family. 

2. When did you start the sound project and how are your results going to be shared and used for future research?

I started with the project proposal in November of 2022. Essentially, I am playing back different human sounds to giraffes and recording their reaction to those noises. I am hoping to lay some of the ground work for future research to be completed, because nothing like this has been done before with giraffes. Hopefully I will be able to figure out what works best, (or what doesn’t work) and then my methods can be adjusted in the future to learn additional things about giraffes. 

3. What are the steps you have to take if you have a new variable (new sound) that you missed in your research?

When I started the research, I had a long list of different variables I wanted to test. Unfortunately, because it is a master’s project, I only have a limited time which is why I had to narrow down my sound variables. However, I would love to test them in future research projects, and depending on how my current project method’s work, it will be some form of adaptation of what I am doing now. So essentially, to test a new variable I would get quality sound recordings of the new noise, then figure out the details required to play back the sound (like the volume) and test it out in the field. 

4. How has your hypothesis changed from the beginning of your research project to your current hypothesis now? Also, which new people have you met through this project that you've learned something new from?

My hypothesis hasn’t changed since I’ve started. I still expect the giraffes that live in closer proximity to people to show less disturbance towards the human sounds compared to the giraffes who do not get exposure to people as much. 

I have met many new people during my journey so far, and have learned so much I don’t know where to start! Being a student, my professors and peers have given me so much knowledge (and continue to do so!). I am learning about acoustics, the ecology of the landscapes, and of course lots about giraffes. I have even started to learn one of the native languages – Afrikaans! 

5. If you know, what are you planning to do after your research (about giraffes and how noises impact them) is done?

I am hoping to pursue my PhD and continue with my research on giraffes. The field I am currently in I find very fascinating and would love to continue with the field of acoustics. There is still so much to learn from giraffes, and if I can contribute a single piece to the puzzle, I would be more than happy.