THE FIELD VEHICLE
My field vehicle is vital to the successful completion of my project. My vehicle is a 1993 green twin cab Hilux, equipped with several extras, including a winch for pulling us out of sticky situations, heavy duty suspension, a dual battery system, an inverter to supply conventional power, a snorkel and an air compressor.
During the course of fieldwork, my vehicle goes through deep water crossings, thick sand and dense woodland (often driving straight over small trees). This off-road driving unfortunately causes a good deal of damage to my vehicle. I service her regularly and try to take care, but she usually needs something fixing after we return from a field work session. Costs associated with the vehicle form a large part of my budget, including maintenance and fuel.
I carry spare parts and tyres with me at all times, as well as a high lift jack and a fairly comprehensive tool kit. Duck tape is, of course, a vital emergency item. For safety and practical reasons, my vehicle has had a two way radio fitted and I carry a satellite phone with me in case of emergencies.
Unfortunately, at certain times of the year, my collared buffalo herds head off into systems of small islands surrounded by floodplains and water channels. These areas are inaccessible by vehicle, so I collect data from dugout canoes, known as mokoros, and from small boats.