2-WEEK COURSE: WILDLIFE FORENSICS,
CRIME SCENE MANAGEMENT AND ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE
This immersive two-week program is ideal for individuals seeking a comprehensive introduction to wildlife forensics and conservation, enriched by multiple excursions to experience the cultural richness of South Africa. The course, through combining hands-on learning with elements of educational tourism, offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse ecology of the Greater Cape Town area while developing practical skills in wildlife crime investigation and ancillary fields.
Participants will gain in-depth knowledge in wildlife crime and the illegal wildlife trade, expand their professional toolkit, and experience the beauty and complexity of wildlife conservation in Africa - making for a truly unforgettable and transformative learning journey.
This course has been approved by the Charted Society of Forensic Sciences and is eligible for or continuous professional develop credits: 72.5 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: 14 June 2026
-
27 June 2026
12 July 2026: FULLY BOOKED
30 August 2026: LIMITED AVAILABILITY
20 September 2026: LIMITED AVAILABILITY
17 January 2027: FULLY BOOKED
31 January 2027
28 March 2027: FULLY BOOKED
20 June 2027
4 July 2027
15 August 2027
29 August 2027
Location: The training will be facilitated on a game reserve on the West Coast and in Cape Town, South Africa
Study Mode: In-Person
2026 Course Prices: $3375 | €2900 | £2495
-
$3560 | € 3050 | £2625
Included
Accommodation at Buffelsfontein Game and Nature Reserve, the West Coast and Cape Town
Catering (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Transport during the course
All park entrance fees and permits for educational excursions
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.
This course is for you if:
You are a professionals working in wildlife conservation, wildlife protection, forensic science, criminology, law enforcement, and crime scene investigation.
You are an individual in adjacent fields seeking to broaden your understanding of wildlife forensics and related disciplines.
Are an undergraduate and postgraduate university student pursuing studies in forensic science, criminology, biology, conservation or related areas.
We welcome participants from diverse professional and academic backgrounds who share a passion for applying science in the pursuit of justice.
Course Objectives:
In-depth understanding of wildlife forensics, wildlife crime and illegal wildlife trade.
Gain confidence in conducting a wildlife crime investigation with forensic skills in trace collection, documentation and presentation of evidence in a courtroom.
Unique learning experience in Africa. Witness the diversity of South African wildlife and be exposed to the issues and role-players in this field.
How You Will Learn
Lectures
Theory, knowledge, understanding
Experimental Learning
Practice, problem solving, application
Educational Excursions
Context, background, culture
What You Will Learn:
During this training, participants will learn about:
The foundations of wildlife crime, poaching, and the illegal wildlife trade.
The drivers, impacts, and investigation of marine wildlife poaching.
How to correctly preserve and secure a wildlife crime scene.
The role of forensic science in wildlife crime investigations.
Techniques for detecting, documenting, collecting, and preserving forensic trace evidence.
Principles and practical approaches to wildlife crime scene management.
The fundamentals of forensic photography for evidential documentation.
Basic wildlife anatomy, safe animal handling, and emergency first aid principles.
The role of forensic veterinary pathology in determining cause of injury or death in wildlife cases.
Human-wildlife conflict and its impact on conservation and wildlife crime.
Practical laboratory-based forensic training and evidence analysis techniques.
Human behaviour and behavioural awareness at a crime scene.
Courtroom procedures, legal statement writing, and giving evidence in court.
Anti-poaching operations and essential bush skills used in field investigations.
The management and response to injured and poisoned animals.
Wildlife and human health risks, including zoonotic disease awareness and prevention.
South African fauna and flora, including key conservation concerns.
Basic wildlife tracking, navigation, and survival skills relevant to field investigations.
Program subject to change due to weather conditions and availability
Educational Aims and Learning Objectives:
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
Develop an in-depth understanding of wildlife forensics, wildlife crime, and the illegal wildlife trade within both South African and global contexts.
Understand the relationship between wildlife crime, organised criminal networks, conservation challenges, and human-wildlife conflict.
Gain knowledge of South African wildlife, current conservation issues, and the legal and criminal justice frameworks relevant to wildlife crime investigations.
Identify the multidisciplinary role-players, initiatives, and strategies involved in combating wildlife crime nationally and internationally.
Apply forensic and policing principles to wildlife crime investigations, including crime scene management, evidence handling, and chain of custody procedures.
Demonstrate the correct techniques for approaching, securing, documenting, searching, and investigating wildlife crime scenes involving live or deceased animals and wildlife products.
Safely assess wildlife crime scenes while maintaining awareness of health, safety, biosecurity, and personal protective measures.
Recognise and recover commonly encountered forms of forensic evidence and understand the scientific techniques used for evidence analysis and interpretation.
Develop practical skills in trace evidence collection, forensic documentation, note-taking, photography, statement writing, and exhibit management.
Present investigative findings professionally through formal legal written statements and participation in a mock courtroom exercise.
Build confidence in conducting wildlife crime investigations through hands-on, scenario-based practical learning.
Critically reflect on conservation challenges and evaluate their impact on wildlife crime investigations and enforcement efforts.
Strengthen problem-solving, observational, communication, and decision-making skills within both independent and multidisciplinary team environments.
Experience a unique African learning environment that provides direct exposure to South African biodiversity, conservation realities, and operational wildlife crime challenges.
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 Impact: Build a career in conservation, supporting efforts to combat wildlife crime and protect biodiversity
Postgraduate Studies: Use the course as a foundation for postgraduate studies in wildlife forensics, conservation biology, or related fields
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.
Organizations and universities that have trained with us:
Hogeschool van Amsterdam (HvA)
Homeland Security (HSI)
American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK)
National Taiwan University
University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN)
Bethune Cookman University
Saxion University
National Taiwan University (NTU)
Testimonials:
“I gained a lot of experience in the course as well as more about wildlife crime which isn’t talked about enough, helped build my understanding of other sectors of forensic science and the opportunities it could lead to. Through this course so far I’ve been able to deepen my knowledge in the other side of forensics which this insight and experience which help me to apply to not only furthering my degree but future work and career. This will be unforgettable.”
— Student, University of Kent (UK)
“I underestimated the importance of Wildlife crime and have come away with much more of an open mind. Would do it all over in a heartbeat, absolutely loved the experience and learnt so much and also made friends for life on this trip, staff and lecturers for the course were so informative and knowledgeable, could listen to them for hours! I can’t wait to apply all my knowledge I have learnt from this trip into my future.”
— Student, University of Central Lancashire (UK)
“Amazing and an unforgettable experience. Would recommend this course for all students in this field or enthusiastic about animals. Each module taught was planned and implemented perfectly. Everyone must try at least once in their lives.”
— Student, American University of Ras Al Khaimah (UAE)
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.