Program: 

This training includes the following:

• Introduction to Wildlife Crime, Poaching and Illegal Trade;

• Marine Wildlife Poaching;

• Wildlife Forensic Postmortem Training;

• Basic Introduction to Firearms and Projectiles Utilized in the Field of Wildlife Veterinary Medicine;

• Role of Forensics;

• Forensic Traces (Detection and Collection);

• Crime Scene Management;

• Crime Scene Preservation;

• Forensic Photography;

• Forensic Entomology;

• Wildlife Anatomy: Handling and First Aid;

• Forensic Veterinary Pathology and Toxicology;

• Human-Wildlife Conflict and Illegal Wildlife Trade;

• Hands-on Experience Laboratory Training:

  • Human Behaviour at the Crime Scene;

  • Courtroom Training;

• Anti-poaching, Tracking and Basic Survival Skills;

• Injured and Poisoned Animal Management;

Educational Touristic Activities:

• San Cultural Experience;

• Iziko Museum;

• Marine Conservation and Research;

• Tour of Cape Point and Table Mountain;

• Cape Town Waterfront;

• Two Oceans Aquarium Educational Tour;

• Seabird and Raptor Rehabilitation Tour;

• Cheetah Outreach Educational Tour;

• Game Drive;

• There will also be a morning with surfing/sea kayaking/whale watching/ snorkelling with seals - weather permitting.
  

What You Will Learn:

Students enrolled in this course will delve into the intricate relationship between historical cultures and wildlife crimes, gaining insights into cultural influences on both wildlife conservation efforts and criminal activities. They will develop an awareness of governmental and non-governmental organizations involved in wildlife protection and rehabilitation, broadening their understanding of wildlife conservation ecosystems. The curriculum includes survival skills such as familiarity with firearms and projectiles relevant to veterinary practitioners encountering weapon-related cases, as well as forensic necropsy techniques for investigating deceased wildlife.

Additionally, students will acquire knowledge in toxicology and pharmacology pertinent to wildlife veterinary practices, including the identification and practical application of drugs and toxins in the field. Proper crime scene management and processing techniques will be honed, encompassing skills in evidence collection, post-mortem examinations, and anti-poaching behaviors. Legal aspects of wildlife crimes will also be covered, including courtroom presentation, forensic photography, and the art of providing testimony in simulated courtroom scenarios, ensuring students are equipped to effectively communicate findings in legal and investigative contexts while understanding the nuances of evidence presentation and cross-examination.

Students will also participate in a range of educational visits and activities which will provide you with knowledge of the different organisations and initiatives actively working in conservation in South Africa as well as gaining a better understanding of South African culture.