Program: 

This training includes the following:

• Introduction to Wildlife Crime, Poaching and Illegal Trade;

• Marine Wildlife Poaching;

• Preservation of a Crime Scene;

• Role of Forensics;

• Forensic Traces (Detection and Collection);

• Crime Scene Management;

• Forensic Photography;

• Wildlife Anatomy: Handling and First Aid;

• Forensic Pathology;

• Human-Wildlife Conflict;

• Hands-on Experience Laboratory Training:

  • Human Behaviour at the Crime Scene;

  • Courtroom Training;

• Anti-poaching and Bush Skills;

• Injured and Poisoned Animal Management;

• Health: Wildlife and Human: Risks and Prevention;

• South African Fauna and Flora.

Educational Touristic Activities:

• San Cultural Experience;

• 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 - weather permitting.
  

What You Will Learn:

You will be introduced to the wide range of wildlife crime cases and the methods used to investigate them.  You will expand and apply your knowledge of forensic science and investigative techniques to a variety of wildlife crime scenarios, focusing on the challenges and crime types seen in South Africa. Through understanding the key principles of forensic science, you will learn how continuity and integrity of evidence, crime scene documentation, evidence recovery and analysis are used in wildlife crime investigations.

You will have practical experience in the preservation, documentation and analysis of wildlife crime scenes using the state-of-the-art crime scene facility at Buffelsfontein nature Reserve in South Africa. Mock scenes will provide you with the opportunity to plan and implement crime scene investigations that mimic real-life scenarios. You will gain knowledge of other disciplines that are important in wildlife crime investigations including forensic veterinary pathology and injured animal management.

In addition, you 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. 

Activity Structure: