A young Bermudian will be travelling across the Atlantic to solve ecological problems in Africa.

Recent college graduate Choy Aming, 23, will be spending a minimum of three months researching the Kilombero Valley in Tanzania beginning in October.

Choy will be one of ten research assistants conducting a study of the area directed by a professor from the University of Dar-Es-Salaam.

And the group will also have the help of a local game guide.

"We are going to be conducting an animal count and determining where the animals live and in what areas of the valley,'' Choy said.

Tanzania is made up of two areas: controlled game areas where man and animals live together and game reserves where only animals are allowed to live.

"But there was a problem with the cohabitation of people and animals in the controlled game area beside the Kilombero Valley because the lions were eating the people and the elephants were eating the people's crops.'' The Africans moved into the Kilombero Valley, an area 140 kilometres by 40 kilometres, in order to escape the animal problems.

Ironically, this valley has the highest diversity of animals in all of Africa.

UT the new inhabitants of the area are using the animals' resources by deforesting and clearing the land.

"No one really knows much about this area and what damage these people may be doing,'' Choy explained.

The group of scientists will reach an ecological conclusion before presenting their data and making recommendations to the Tanzanian government.

And in order to communicate with local officials, Choy is studying Swahili this summer.

"Our mission is mainly to save the animals such as the black and white rhinoceroses which are endangered,'' Choy said. "Animals don't have enough protectors.'' The group will be building their own base camp and living there for the entire expedition.

Choy added: "I am really excited to be going. This is going to be the biggest thing I have ever done in my life.'' HE has already travelled to Europe, Trinidad, Hawaii, California, Oregon and northern Mexico.

"My parents have always been supportive of everything I've done, but this time my mom was a little anxious,'' Choy said laughing.

Choy graduated with his bachelor of science from the University of Victoria in British Columbia this June where he studied marine biology.

He leaves at the end of September for the programme's orientation in London although his expedition does not begin until October 1.

"This will be a good experience for me because even if I don't pursue conservation for the rest of my life, at least I have done something to make a difference in the world,'' he said.

AFRICAN ADVENTURE -- Choy Aming is preparing for his trip to the continent.

AFRICAN ADVENTURE -- Choy Aming is preparing for his trip to the continent.