This two-week course experience provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of wildlife forensics, ecological systems, and conservation management.

Combining classroom-based lectures, field excursions, and practical, hands-on forensic investigations, the course explores how science, law, and conservation intersect to combat wildlife crime. Participants will learn from a multidisciplinary team of veterinarians, conservation scientists, forensic experts, and legal professionals while experiencing the unique biodiversity and culture of South Africa.

By the end of the program, attendees will have developed both technical and contextual knowledge of wildlife crime investigation and conservation practices—equipping them to make meaningful contributions to wildlife protection efforts globally.

A certificate of completion will be awarded by the academy upon course completion.

Who Should Attend:
This program is ideal for:

• Students and graduates in forensic science, conservation biology, ecology, veterinary science, or environmental studies

• Law enforcement personnel, customs officials, and environmental officers involved in wildlife protection and anti-poaching enforcement

• Researchers, policy professionals, and NGO staff working in biodiversity conservation or wildlife trade monitoring

• Anyone passionate about wildlife protection and seeking practical field experience in wildlife forensics and conservation

Whether you are a student seeking practical exposure or a professional looking to enhance your skills, this course offers valuable, real-world experience in one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet.

Course duration: 2-Weeks

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course you will:

• Understand the context of conservation management and challenges specific to South Africa.

• Gain knowledge of the country’s endemic biodiversity and its role within a Global Biodiversity Hotspot.

• Apply ecological and forensic techniques to monitor wildlife populations and assess environmental health.

• Demonstrate understanding of legislation, conservation policy, and human–wildlife conflict, and evaluate their relevance to wildlife crime investigations.

• Apply forensic science methods to wildlife crime scenes, including evidence collection, documentation, and analysis.

• Integrate practical skills to investigate, interpret, and present findings from a mock wildlife crime case.
  

Course Outcomes:

• Demonstrate knowledge of wildlife crime scene management and forensic investigation techniques.

• Conduct wildlife monitoring and ecological surveys as part of conservation management.

• Identify and apply appropriate forensic methods for the collection and analysis of biological evidence.

• Understand how to prepare and present forensic findings in a legal context.

• Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary conservation and forensic teams.