1-WEEK COURSE: WILDLIFE FORENSICS

AND CRIME SCENE MANAGEMENT

This intensive one-week training program is specifically designed for forensic professionals and individuals in supporting roles - including rangers, wildlife conservationists, and law enforcement personnel - who seek to enhance their knowledge and practical skills in wildlife crime scene management. The course equips participants with essential competencies required to secure and manage wildlife crime scenes as first responders. In situations where forensic specialists are not available, attendees will also learn how to document and collect evidence effectively, following established standard operating procedures.

This course has been approved by the Charted Society of Forensic Sciences and is eligible for or continuous professional develop credits: 36 CPD

For University students, this course may be eligible to be used for university course credits - please check with your university. A summary on contact hours and learning objectives can be requested - please contact us directly to arrange.

KEY INFO

Next Course Start Date: 21 June 2026

    • 5 July 2026: NEW DATE

    • 30 August 2026: LIMITED AVAILABILITY

    • 20 September 2026: LIMITED AVAILABILITY

    • 8 November 2026: NEW DATE

    • 31 January 2027

    • 29 March 2027: FULLY BOOKED

    • 11 April 2027

    • 20 June 2027

    • 15 August 2027

    • 29 August 2027

Location: The training will be facilitated on a game reserve on the West Coast. 

Study Mode: In-Person

2026 Course Prices: $2160 | € 1850 | £1595

  • $2350 | € 1990 | £1715

Included

Excluded

  • Alcoholic drinks

  • Flights to and from Cape Town

  • Our shuttle service will collect course participants from Cape Town between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM on the Sunday the course begins. The course will conclude on Saturday afternoon, with participants being dropped off at their accommodation or the airport. Upon request, we can provide recommendations for reputable drivers for airport transfers and suggested Cape Town accommodations.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the foundations of wildlife crime investigations and the conservation challenges linked to wildlife crime and human-wildlife conflict.

  • Safely approach, secure, manage, and document wildlife crime scenes using correct forensic protocols.

  • Identify, photograph, sketch, collect, preserve, and document forensic evidence, including fragile evidence, shoe prints, and tyre tracks.

  • Apply chain of custody procedures and understand the importance of evidence integrity in investigations and court proceedings.

  • Develop the confidence and practical skills required to conduct wildlife crime investigations and present findings in a courtroom setting.

  • Collaborate and exchange knowledge with national and international conservation and law enforcement professionals.

This course is for you if:

This program is ideal for:

  • Professionals within the field of forensics

  • Law Enforcement and Customs Officials

  • Wildlife Rangers

  • Members of the Judiciary

  • Other professionals interested in gaining expertise and confidence in wildlife forensics and crime scene management

How You Will Learn

Lectures

Theory, knowledge, understanding

Experimental Learning

Practice, problem solving, application

Educational Excursions

Context, background, culture

What You Will Learn:

  • Preservation of a Crime Scene

  • Role of Forensics

  • Forensic Traces (Detection and Collection)

  • Crime Scene Management

  • Forensic Photography

  • Documenting Evidence

  • Courtroom Procedures

  • Presenting Evidence in Court

  • Hands-on Experience Laboratory Training

DOWNLOAD PROGRAM

Program subject to change due to weather conditions and availability

Educational Aims and Learning Objectives:

  • Develop practical wildlife crime investigation skills by integrating forensic science, policing principles, and evidence handling

  • Understand key legislation, conservation challenges, illegal trade, and human-wildlife conflict in South Africa

  • Gain insight into the roles and practices of investigators, conservationists, veterinarians, and other stakeholders

  • Build hands-on experience through mock investigations and evidence-based problem solving

What Can I do With This Course?

  • Law Enforcement: Strengthen your career prospects in wildlife crime investigation, conservation organisations, and anti-poaching units

  • Forensic Analyst: Gain practical insight into forensic evidence collection and analysis skills

  • Conservation Officer: Build a career in conservation, supporting efforts to combat wildlife crime and protect biodiversity

Payment options:

Participants have two payment options:

1.        Pay in full: Participants can choose to pay the entire course fee upfront.

2.        Pay a deposit: Alternatively, a participant can secure their booking with an initial deposit of $500/€500/£440. The remaining balance can then be paid either in one lump sum or in 2–4 instalments.

Please read our FAQ section for more payment related details.

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TESTIMONIALS

  • Anti-Poaching Ranger

    The course was an eye-opener and as an Anti Poaching Ranger this is an excellent course to attend.

  • Private Security Personnel

    My overall experience was exceptional and far exceeds my expectations. As someone who has experience in wildlife management and anti-poaching, who now works in the private security sector, I have gained so much experience on how to correctly manage, document, collect and provide detailed feedback on any crime scene where I arrive as a first responder. This course is very hands on and the skills learnt from the theoretical and most importantly the hands on / practical part of each module will stay with me for a very long time going forward in my career. I recommend this course to anyone in the wildlife industry who may come across wildlife crime scenes, however as someone currently in the private sector I can apply every single aspect of this course to non-wildlife crime scene management as well. This course can be done also by individuals local and foreign who want to just partake in a revolutionary and very unique experience in a beautiful world class facility surrounded by natural South African beauty.

  • Field Ranger

    The best course ever to have especially if you working in the field of Conservation enforcement/environment.

Organizations that have trained with us:

Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit

Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit

Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT)

Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT)

Cape Nature

Cape Nature

Nature Conservation Corporation (NCC)

Nature Conservation Corporation (NCC)

South African National Parks (SANPark)

South African National Parks (SANPark)

Got Questions?

Start by browsing our FAQ section - you might find your answer there. If not, feel free to fill out our contact form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.